Save the Children is seeking a Senior Technical Advisor, HIV Testing, for an anticipated five-year USAID/PEPFAR-funded PREVENTION – EMPOWER program in Malawi. The program will aim to a) expand the use of high quality, integrated, sexual and reproductive health (SRH) and HIV prevention services by adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) aged 10 to 24; and, b) increase case-finding of undiagnosed HIV-positive individuals in four districts, through targeted outreach testing with robust linkages to ART. HIV case-finding will focus on adult men and young people aged 15-24, who constitute the majority of undiagnosed HIV-positive persons in Malawi.
The Senior Technical Advisor will be the lead expert on all aspects of HIV testing services (HTS). S/he will provide expert guidance on appropriate technical and programmatic approaches to HIV case finding through targeted testing. S/he will recommend improvements in the delivery of HTS and in targeting strategies and engage in mentoring of HIV testing staff. S/he is expected to apply professional knowledge and experience in supporting the achievement of the program objectives and has to be familiar with PEPFAR and SRH/HIV service delivery programs in the region. Experience in HIV case finding through targeted testing, and good facilitation and training skills are requirements.
- Provide technical leadership and assistance in the development and implementation of evidence-based programmatic approaches for HIV case finding through targeted testing in Malawi, targeting young people aged 15-24 and adult men.
- Provide technical leadership and technical support related to health facility and community-based management of HIV strategies and approaches to advance HIV case finding and referrals;
- Provide technical assistance in building capacity of local partners to meet project goals, including development of guidelines, tools and recommendations related to the implementation and evaluation of integrated activities related to HTS.
- Ensure project work plans for HTS, PMP and budget related to HTS are aligned.
- Work with the Technical Advisor for M&E to establish a functional quality M&E system that measures progress in achieving targets and results, and provides evidence for decision-making.
- Build an evidence base by documenting HTS program results, disseminating them and applying lessons learned to improve programming approaches. S/he will conduct evidence-based advocacy with the government in Malawi and donor community to influence HIV programming locally.
- Minimum 8 years professional experience with international health and HIV/AIDS programs, inclusive of at least 3 to 5 years in a technical leadership role in resource-challenged settings;
- At least 3 years experience working with large-scale community-based HIV testing programs in ESA region;
- Demonstrated state-of-the-art expertise in HIV testing approaches in high prevalence settings, including in active index testing and HIVST;
- Prior experience with capacity building and clinical training of health personnel for improved service delivery in resource-challenged settings;
- Knowledge of USAID and PEPFAR approaches and regulations;
- Excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to lead and work effectively in team situations;
- Creative problem solving skills with the ability to work effectively in resource-constrained environments is important;
- Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.