Program Head at Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia

Program Head – KPIF Ref No. 18/04/19

Reports to the Director Implementation Science. The incumbent will ensure successful implementation of the KPIF work plan and achievement of the project’s targets and goals. Under the support of the Director, S/he will serve as a key liaison with the Provincial/District Medical Offices and Ministry of Health, as well as CDC and other key governmental and non-governmental stakeholders, to ensure that HIV services are provided to the key populations in identified priority districts based on CIDRZ scope of work and CDC directives.

Main duties

• Creates positive synergies with other CIDRZ care and treatment grants and activities, and functions as a vital asset to the Key Population project team in providing strategic guidance on how to overcome technical and administrative obstacles to HIV prevention, treatment, and care service provision and how best to develop and manage strategic partnerships for the sustainability of project outcomes
• Responsible for the development, implementation and oversight of technical activities in the annual KPIF work plans.
• Supervises and provides technical guidance and mentorship to the KPIF team providing technical assistance on project implementation.
• Provides technical and programmatic expertise in HIV prevention, care and treatment activities for FSW, MSM, TGW, PWID including community-based outreach, peer education/navigation, drop-in centers/mobile outreach/health clinic/hospital/other public and private facility service provision, behaviour change communication, treatment and care and referrals for HIV, STI, GBV, PMTCT and FP services
• Ensures that commodities such as STI test kits, STI drugs, HTC test kits etc. are available on a consistent basis at all clinical service provision facilities.
• Ensures project achieves high quality implementation standards and results and meets PEPFAR and other targets identified by CDC/Zambia.
• Oversees production of timely and accurate technical reports to CDC/Zambia and OGAC as required.
• Serves as the KPIF point person for interactions with CDC/Zambia, local and international implementing partners, and the GRZ and MOH.
• Monitors technical work of the KPIF local sub-award partners, as necessary
• Coordinates advocacy work with KP groups for universal access to HIV leveraging other USG and donor funding to address the legal framework to overcome structural barriers
• Ensures quality work on standard operating procedures contextualized to the Zambia environment assuring confidentiality and mitigation if required for key population groups
• Develops a strong understanding of the national, donor community and civil society strategic plans for health for key populations in Zambia.
• Fosters teamwork and communication among Key Populations project staff, and strategic partners including KP civil society groups.
• Provides high-level strategic input into the CIDRZ Key populations program that meets the needs of all stakeholders
• Meets with program staff/partners on a regular basis to assess progress and problem solve issues.
• Understands the rationale of supporting KP and remains abreast of project progress and outcomes to support accurate communication about the KP project to the appropriate key stakeholders.
• Effectively supports the Director Implementation Science and the PMO/DMO in meeting project objectives and outputs.
• Supports budget development, budget to actual reporting and reconciliation, and re-budgeting in response to expenditure analysis and evolving CIDRZ and funder directives and requirements
• With the support of the Director, serves as a key liaison with CDC, PMO/DMO and Ministry of Health senior and middle management, as well as other key governmental and non-governmental stakeholders to ensure that ART service provision to KP proceeds as planned.

Qualifications

• Masters level degree in Public Health (preferred) or related field or equivalent.
• At least 8 years of demonstrated key population group technical expertise, with substantial HIV prevention, care, and treatment experience with FSW, MSM, TGW, and/or PWID
• The holder of this position must be a results-oriented leader, skilled in organizational management, managing and creating clarity in a complex environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English are a prerequisite
• Experience managing effectively in a multi-cultural setting
• Experience managing large program budgets and USAID, CDC or PEPFAR funds required
• Experience in healthcare delivery, management and research is preferred

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