District HIV Testing and Prevention Mentor at CIDRZ

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Learn More We have started building our professional LinkedIn page. Follow The Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ) under the Controlling HIV Epidemic Program (CHEP) project will be implementing the HIV program to reach sustainable control of the HIV epidemic through the lens of the Zambia national HIV targets and the America first vision. The program goal is to support the Ministry of Health to reach sustainable control of the HIV epidemic, MNCH services and GHS activities across three provinces namely, Copperbelt, Central, and Northwestern, by implementing a person-centered HIV prevention, care and treatment program aligned with the Ministry of Health Vision. The CHEP project will work in collaboration with the Ministry of Health teams at provincial, district and facility level and other stakeholders to: Increase coverage of comprehensive and client-centered HIV testing, prevention, diagnosis, care, and treatment services in communities and health facilities to reach and maintain the 95-95-95 targets. Increasing utilization of community and facility-based quality, person-centered, integrated vertical transmission prevention (VTP), and other MNCH HIV services. Increasing capacities of Ministry of Health to gradually transition Direct Service Delivery (DSD) of quality integrated health services and sustain services beyond project activity implementation. Reports to The District Clinical Lead Mentor administratively and technically to the Provincial HTS/Prevention Mentor. The incumbent will provide hands-on mentoring, technical oversight, quality assurance, and direct service delivery support for HIV testing services (all modalities including index case testing, community-based testing, and provider-initiated testing) and HIV prevention interventions (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis [PrEP], Post-Exposure Prophylaxis [PEP], and cervical cancer screening. The mentor will work alongside healthcare workers, Community-based volunteers, and peer educators at facility and community levels to strengthen competencies, ensure adherence to national guidelines, and improve service quality. The role emphasizes direct on-site capacity building and quality improvement to achieve district-level HIV prevention and testing targets. Conducts regular scheduled and spot-check mentoring visits to health facilities and community testing sites to support HIV testing services (HTS) and prevention service providers. Delivers competency-based on-the-job training, and clinical mentoring for HTS and HIV prevention. Oversees internal and external quality assurance (QA) for HIV rapid testing, including proficiency testing, site supervision checklists, remedial action plans, and biosafety compliance. Mentors providers on the integration of HIV testing and prevention strategies into routine testing entry points, child health week, underfive cinic and other testing facility and community activities. Supports index case testing activities by mentoring providers on elicitation of contacts, confidential partner notification, and linkage to testing and prevention services. Monitors and analyses district-level HTS and prevention data (testing volumes, positivity yield, PrEP initiation and retention, seroconversion rates) to identify performance gaps and prioritize mentoring visits. Leads quality improvement collaboratives (QICs) at facility level to address gaps in testing yield, linkage to care, and prevention uptake. Works with supply chain personnel to ensure uninterrupted availability of HIV test kits, PrEP/PEP commodities, condoms, and other prevention supplies at mentored sites. Prepares and submits weekly, monthly, quarterly, and ad-hoc mentoring reports using recommended formats, including action plans and follow-up status. Collaborates with the District Health Teams, facility in-charges, and community-based organizations to align mentoring activities with district priorities. Participates in district HIV date review meetings, and after-action reviews to share findings and best practices. Grade Twelve (12) School Certificate Degree in Nursing, Clinical Medicine, Public Health, Social Work, or related field (any master’s in a health field is an added advantage) Must be registered with the relevant medical or health professions body and have a valid Practicing License where applicable Minimum of three (5) years of hands-on experience in HIV testing services (HTS) and prevention programming (PrEP/PEP) At least one (3) year of experience in clinical mentoring, coaching, or supervision of HTS providers Experience in facilitation and training, clinical mentoring, and coaching Experience with program monitoring and evaluation, including use of data for decision-making Must have a high level of confidentiality and integrity, especially regarding client HIV status and partner notification. Ability to work with minimal supervision and extensive travel to remote facilities and community sites. Suitably qualified candidates are invited to apply. However, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Priority will be given to candidates who reside in the towns where the position is vacant.