INVITATION FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST FOR A CONSULTANT TO DEVELOP VIRAL HEPATITIS B AND C GUIDELINES

Title:          Consultant for Developing Viral Hepatitis B and C Guidelines

Duration: Three months

Deadline for Receipt of Expressions:           19 December 2024

Background

The Ministry of Health and Child Care (MOHCC) in Zimbabwe is seeking a qualified consultant to develop comprehensive guidelines for the prevention, testing, treatment, and care of Viral Hepatitis B and C. This initiative is part of Zimbabwe’s commitment to eliminating Hepatitis B and C as public health threats by 2030, in line with the Global Health Sector Strategy on Viral Hepatitis.

Objectives

The primary objective of this consultancy is to create evidence-based guidelines that will serve as a reference for healthcare professionals and policymakers.

The guidelines will also focus on:

• Elimination of Mother to Child Transmission (EMTCT) of Hepatitis B
• Prevention and control strategies for Hepatitis B and C
• Screening and testing algorithms for Hepatitis B and C
• Treatment options for Hepatitis
• Management of co-infections and complications
• Follow-up care and long-term monitoring
• Monitoring, evaluation, and surveillance for Hepatitis B and C

Scope of Work

The consultant will:

1. Develop an inception report and present it to the Viral Hepatitis Technical Working Group (TWG).

2. Conduct a comprehensive literature review and stakeholder engagement.

3. Develop fieldwork tools and conduct fieldwork with MOHCC staff.

4. Engage with a broad range of stakeholders, including healthcare providers, policymakers, and community representatives.

5. Develop practical, evidence-based Hepatitis guidelines tailored to Zimbabwe’s context.

6. Recommend strategies for monitoring and evaluation.

7. Finalize the Hepatitis guidelines for publication and dissemination.

Deliverables

1. Inception report with methodology and work plan for development of Hepatitis guidelines.

2. Comprehensive report from literature review and stakeholder engagement.

3. Draft guidelines for Hepatitis B and C management.

4. Final guidelines ready for endorsement by MOHCC.

5. Monitoring and evaluation framework.

6. Hepatitis B and C Training materials for healthcare workers.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree (Masters/Doctorate) in medicine, public health, or a related field.
• Minimum of ten (10) years of experience in public health or infectious disease management, with a focus on viral hepatitis B and C
• In-depth knowledge of viral hepatitis B and C, including prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and management strategies.
• Proven experience in developing clinical guidelines or protocols, especially in resource-limited settings.
• Familiarity with current research, best practices, and international guidelines related to viral hepatitis.
• Experience working with healthcare providers, policymakers, and stakeholders in the field of infectious diseases.
• International experience especially in areas where hepatitis is endemic and/or of public health concern is a definite advantage.
• Excellent analytical, writing, and communication skills.

Application Process

Applicants should submit their CV, cover letter, fee structure and a proposal outlining their approach to the consultancy to hbvconsultant@zimttech.org by close of business on 20 December 2024.

Join us in the fight against viral hepatitis and help improve health outcomes in Zimbabwe!

Only shortlisted applicants shall be contacted.

Position Program Nurse C_CAST x 6

Station:          Lupane x1, Nkayi x2, Tsholotsho x2, Umguza x1

Deadline:              29 October 2024

Background

We are seeking highly qualified and experienced applicants to be considered for the position of Program Nurse C_CAST in Matabeleland North (Lupane x1, Nkayi x2, Tsholotsho x2, Umguza x1). We are a registered Private Voluntary Organisation (PVO 125/23). Our activities occur primarily in the technical areas of health system strengthening; epidemiology and strategic information strengthening, health workforce development; operations research and evaluation; prevention, care, and treatment of infectious diseases.

Position Summary

Providing cervical cancer screening services for women living with HIV (WLHIV) as guided by PEPFAR reporting requirements and MoHCC strategic plan, ensuring complete documentation of data collection tools, and providing comprehensive HIV services such as HIV testing including index partner testing, linking and retaining clients to care, ART initiation and defaulter tracking.

Responsibilities

• Conducting cervical cancer screening for women living with HIV aged 25 years and above by utilizing advanced diagnostic tools and ensuring a sensitive and supportive environment to encourage participation in the screening process.
• Ensuring quality assurance through the thorough analysis of program implementation and employing data-driven approaches to identify areas for improvement.
• Providing treatment for pre-cancerous lesions to enhance the accessibility and effectiveness of preventive healthcare through community mobilization and awareness campaigns.
• Supporting the organization by providing relevant information, education, and counselling services to clients in a timely, professional, and client-focused manner.
• Ensuring appropriate infection control protocols are observed and adhered to by seeing to it that clinical equipment is always clean and functional.
• Providing ongoing support by actively tracking referrals for further care.
• Preparing and maintaining adequate commodity consumption records and making requisition on time to avoid stock outs.
• Reporting clinical data and ensuring all reporting tools are correctly filled and submitted on time by collecting client data and entering it into EHR and EPI systems.
• Supporting the daily operations of the OI department by gathering blood samples for Viral load testing and facilitating their timely dispatch to the laboratories.
• Assigning meaningful numerical identifiers to images by labelling them for effective organization and identification.
• Maintaining a consistent supply of Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) by distributing medications to clients, updating the Green Book register and clients’ medical records, inputting information into the Electronic Health Record (EHR), and keeping the pharmacy register current.
• Conducting the initiation of Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) by performing HIV/AIDS testing, diagnosing individuals with HIV, and providing educational support.
• Performing any other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience  

• Must be a Registered General Nuse, postgraduate qualifications in Midwifery or Community Nursing will be an added advantage.
• VIAC certificate or confirmation of VIAC training by a recognized institution.
• Certificate in Rapid HIV testing
• Minimum of 2 years of experience is required.
• Training in HPV DNAPCR, advanced HIV management is essential.
• Advanced clinical skills in patient assessment, care planning, and implementation of nursing interventions.
• Training, knowledge, and experience in Counselling and HIV RDT is required.
• Ability to manage and coordinate program activities and provide compassionate and patient-centred care, with a focus on promoting overall health and well-being.
• Must be computer literate and be able to generate electronic reports, analyze and interpret data, identify errors, and prepare reports.

Commitment to Diversity

We recognize that disparities in health around the globe stem from inequity. Therefore, we encourage and support the multiple identities of staff including, but not limited to, socio-economic status, age, race, ethnicity, language, nationality, sex, gender identity and expression, culture, spiritual practice, geography, mental and physical disability. We strive to become a local, national, and international leader in developing and maintaining increased representation and recognition of each of these dimensions of diversity among our staff.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit their application letter, detailed Curriculum Vitae, national ID, and certified copies of certificates indicating the position applied for to nurseccast@zimttech.org

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Position Title:  DREAMS Program Nurse x1

Station:                     Nkayi

Deadline:                  29 October 2024

Background

We are seeking highly qualified and experienced applicants to be considered for the position of DREAMS Program Nurse in Nkayi district. We are a registered Private Voluntary Organisation (PVO 125/23). Our activities occur primarily in the technical areas of health system strengthening; epidemiology and strategic information strengthening, health workforce development; operations research and evaluation; prevention, care, and treatment of infectious diseases.

Position Summary

The DREAMS Program Nurse provides quality adolescent and youth-friendly clinical services at health facilities and outreaches working closely with the Ministry of Health and Childcare reporting to the District Team Lead.

Responsibilities

• Offering Adolescent Sexual Reproductive Health-friendly (ASRH)and HIV Prevention clinical services at health facilities to reduce new infections.
• Maintaining a clinical services footprint informed by profiling and active screening for delivery of person-centered needs-based services.
• Providing clinical services to males at community level by creating demand for HIV prevention to reduce male risk.
• Screening and enrolling AGYWs who visit health facilities and make appropriate subsequent referrals and interventions to other DREAMS IPs within the district of implementation to identify the most vulnerable AGYWs and ensure linkage to appropriate ASRH services.
• Providing adolescent health literacy to stir informed decision-making for the provision of quality youth-friendly services.
• Keeping detailed village-level data to inform data-driven clinical services provision, monitoring, and tracking.
• Utilizing MoHCC and additional DREAMS-specific data-capturing tools to ensure standardized reporting and implementation fidelity.
• Assisting in any training or other activities supported by Zim-TTECH and/or MoHCC by coaching and mentorship of community cadres for delivery of quality clinical services.
• Identifying gaps at health facilities to inform the development of youth-friendly adolescent clinics for good patient care and provider development.
• Resuscitating and attending health facility and community meetings to raise program awareness and create demand.
• Preparing and submitting monthly progress reports to supervisors sharing program challenges, best practices, and recommendations to improve the DREAMS program.
• Performing any other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience   

• Must be a General Nurse registered with the Nurses Council of Zimbabwe.
• Should possess a valid Rapid HIV testing certificate or confirmation of Rapid training by a recognised institution.
• LIVES training is an added advantage.
• At least 1 year experience in primary health care, especially antenatal care service provision and/or contraceptive services.
• Must have basic knowledge of Microsoft office packages like Word, Excel.
• Training in LIVES, GBV response and management training, HIV prevention, treatment, care, and support, Key populations friendly programming and standards for clinical service provision is an added advantage.
• Knowledge of HIV prevention for priority populations including adolescents and youth; HTS; positive dignity, health and prevention, social and behavior change, community development, gender, and gender-based violence is important.
• Experience working with local partners and local district government in Child Rights, Nutrition, Education, HIV/AIDS, or Child Protection is an added advantage.

Commitment to Diversity

We recognize that disparities in health around the globe stem from inequity. Therefore, we encourage and support the multiple identities of staff including, but not limited to, socio-economic status, age, race, ethnicity, language, nationality, sex, gender identity and expression, culture, spiritual practice, geography, mental and physical disability. We strive to become a local, national, and international leader in developing and maintaining increased representation and recognition of each of these dimensions of diversity among our staff.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit their application letter, detailed Curriculum Vitae, national ID, and certified copies of certificates indicating the position applied for to prognursedreams@zimttech.org

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Direct Service Delivery Nurses x 9

Station Harare

Deadline: 29 October 2024.

Background

We are seeking highly qualified and experienced applicants to be considered for the position of Direct Service Delivery Nurse in Harare. We are a registered Private Voluntary Organisation (PVO 125/23). Our activities occur primarily in the technical areas of health system strengthening; epidemiology and strategic information strengthening, health workforce development; operations research and evaluation; and prevention, care, and treatment of infectious diseases.

Position Summary

Providing direct client services by conducting HIV testing, initiating eligible clients on ART at healthcare facilities and in communities, and managing clients on ongoing ART through adherence support, monitoring of treatment response, and retaining them in care.

Responsibilities

• Conducting rapid HIV testing on all eligible clients who have consented by testing patients using point-of-care HIV tests as per testing algorithms to ensure fidelity.
• Collecting DBS samples on HIV-exposed infants and counsel caregivers by discussing HIV exposure risks, importance of testing, and providing post-test counseling to caregivers.
•  Prescribing primary care drugs to all exposed infants by ensuring the correct dose is given according to infant age/weight.
• Screening all HIV positive clients for TB and STIs, offering appropriate treatment and making appropriate referrals to physicians or specialized centers for the management of complicated cases.
• Facilitating linkage between HIV testing, diagnosis, care, treatment, and support by supporting patients on the care and treatment cascade to adhere to visits, diagnostics, ART, and retention to long-term care.
• Ensuring appropriate systems for same-day ART initiation after screening for opportunistic infections, deferring initiation for clients with TB cough of any duration by establishing standardized screening and assessment protocols to identify clients eligible for same-day initiation.
• Providing routine follow-up and monitoring clients, including scheduling, collecting, and interpreting viral load results, and providing adherence support by ensuring clients are scheduled for routine monitoring appointments according to protocols.
• Mobilising clients for mass viral load collection, offering counselling for viral load testing and ensuring all results for clients are properly filed and recorded in the client file.
• Providing comprehensive support including EACs for clients with unsuppressed viral load and identifying defaulters by reviewing the Appointment Register to see which clients have missed scheduled visits.
• Facilitating the formation and strengthening of community and family ART refill groups, (CARGs & FARGs) by identifying stable clients on treatment who can form and lead the core groups.
•  Participating in targeted community outreaches for key populations, offering them HIV testing services, STI and TB screening, and treatment by documenting the services provided in the relevant HTS, STI, and TB registers.
• Offering PrEP, and condom distribution to HIV Negative clients as well as health education by identifying clients at substantial risk of HIV infection who would benefit from prevention services.
• Conducting data analysis (yield and cascade analysis) by organizing the data to calculate HIV testing yields from different outreach activities and facilities.
• Ordering drugs and clinic sundries at the facility level by reviewing current stock levels and consumption trends of medicines, test kits, and other supplies.
• Promoting and providing HIVST kits for clients with partners of unknown status.
• Performing any other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Qualifications, Skills, and Experience   

• Diploma in General Nursing or Primary Care Nursing and registered with the Nurses Council of Zimbabwe.
• Valid Rapid HIV testing certificate is mandatory.
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience working in the OIC department with MoHCC or health-related implementing partners.
• Advanced HIV Management and Electronic Health Records Training.
• Knowledge of ARV medications and HIV care and treatment guidelines is needed to have in-depth knowledge of national treatment protocols and standards of care.
• Should possess excellent organizational interpersonal skills to manage patient flow, drug inventory and build rapport with patients, and collaborate professionally.
• Be able to work as part of a team and support community activities.

Commitment to Diversity

We recognize that disparities in health around the globe stem from inequity. Therefore, we encourage and support the multiple identities of staff including, but not limited to, socio-economic status, age, race, ethnicity, language, nationality, sex, gender identity and expression, culture, spiritual practice, geography, mental and physical disability. We strive to become a local, national, and international leader in developing and maintaining increased representation and recognition of each of these dimensions of diversity among our staff.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit their application letter, detailed Curriculum Vitae, national ID, and certified copies of certificates indicating the position applied for to dsdnurseharare@zimttech.org  

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Program Nurse C_CAST x 1

Deadline: 29 October 2024.

Station Mhondoro-Ngezi

Background

We are seeking highly qualified and experienced applicants to be considered for the position of Program Nurse C_CAST in Mhondoro-Ngezi district. We are a registered Private Voluntary Organisation (PVO 125/23). Our activities occur primarily in the technical areas of health system strengthening; epidemiology and strategic information strengthening, health workforce development; operations research and evaluation; prevention, care, and treatment of infectious diseases.

Position Summary

Providing cervical cancer screening services for women living with HIV (WLHIV) as guided by PEPFAR reporting requirements and MoHCC strategic plan, ensuring complete documentation of data collection tools  and providing comprehensive HIV services such as HIV testing including index partner testing, linking and retaining clients to care, ART initiation and defaulter tracking.

Responsibilities

• Conducting cervical cancer screening for women living with HIV aged 25 years and above by utilizing advanced diagnostic tools and ensuring a sensitive and supportive environment to encourage participation in the screening process.
• Ensuring quality assurance through the thorough analysis of program implementation and employing data-driven approaches to identify areas for improvement.
• Providing treatment for pre-cancerous lesions to enhance the accessibility and effectiveness of preventive healthcare through community mobilization and awareness campaigns.
• Supporting the organization by providing relevant information, education, and counselling services to clients in a timely, professional, and client-focused manner.
• Ensuring appropriate infection control protocols are observed and adhered to by seeing to it that clinical equipment is always clean and functional.
• Providing ongoing support by actively tracking referrals for further care.
• Preparing and maintaining adequate commodity consumption records and making requisition on time to avoid stock outs.
• Reporting clinical data and ensuring all reporting tools are correctly filled and submitted on time by collecting client data and entering it into EHR and EPI systems.
• Supporting the daily operations of the OI department by gathering blood samples for Viral load testing and facilitating their timely dispatch to the laboratories.
• Assigning meaningful numerical identifiers to images by labelling them for effective organization and identification.
• Maintaining a consistent supply of Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) by distributing medications to clients, updating the Green Book register and clients’ medical records, inputting information into the Electronic Health Record (EHR), and keeping the pharmacy register current.
• Conducting the initiation of Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) by performing HIV/AIDS testing, diagnosing individuals with HIV, and providing educational support.
• Performing any other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience  

• Must be a Registered General Nuse, postgraduate qualifications in Midwifery or Community Nursing will be an added advantage.
• VIAC certificate or confirmation of VIAC training by a recognized institution.
• Certificate in Rapid HIV testing
• Minimum of 2 years of experience is required.
• Training in HPV DNAPCR, advanced HIV management is essential.
• Advanced clinical skills in patient assessment, care planning, and implementation of nursing interventions.
• Training, knowledge, and experience in Counselling and HIV RDT is required.
• Ability to manage and coordinate program activities and provide compassionate and patient-centred care, with a focus on promoting overall health and well-being.
• Must be computer literate and be able to generate electronic reports, analyze and interpret data, identify errors, and prepare reports.

Commitment to Diversity

We recognize that disparities in health around the globe stem from inequity. Therefore, we encourage and support the multiple identities of staff including, but not limited to, socio-economic status, age, race, ethnicity, language, nationality, sex, gender identity and expression, culture, spiritual practice, geography, mental and physical disability. We strive to become a local, national, and international leader in developing and maintaining increased representation and recognition of each of these dimensions of diversity among our staff.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit their application letter, detailed Curriculum Vitae, national ID, and certified copies of certificates indicating the position applied for to ccastnurse@zimttech.org.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Procurement Attaché x1

Station:          Harare

Deadline:      28 October 2024.

About the organization:

We are a registered Private Voluntary Organisation (PVO 125/23). Our activities occur primarily in the technical areas of health system strengthening; epidemiology and strategic information strengthening, health workforce development; operations research and evaluation; prevention, care, and treatment of infectious diseases.

Position

We are looking for students studying towards the attainment of a Procurement-related Degree. The attachment is for a period of eleven months (November 2024 – September 2025)

Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist in the procurement of goods and services.
• Manage supplier relationships: Communicate with suppliers to ensure timely delivery and address any issues.
• Conduct market research and identify potential suppliers.
• Prepare and review procurement documents, including RFQ, Comparative bid analysis, requisitions, purchase orders and payment packages.
• Ensure compliance with procurement policies and procedures.
• Support supplier relationships and filing contracts and procurement packages.
• Provide support in the development and implementation of procurement strategies.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date procurement records.
• Preparing procurement tracker and complete payment packages.
• Timely circulating procurement payment packages for approvals
• Assist in the preparation of procurement reports for management.
• Perform any other duties as assigned by the department leadership team.

Qualifications, Skills, and Experience   

• At least 3 A-Level passes are the minimum requirement for the position.
• Currently studying towards a supply chain or procurement-related degree.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Packages i.e., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
  
  

Interested candidates should submit their application letter, current CV and certified copies of certificates and national ID to intern@zimttech.org .

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Data Scientist-Impilo E-HR x1

Station:          Harare

Deadline:              31 October 2024

Background

We are seeking qualified and experienced applicants to be considered for the position of Data Scientist for the Impilo-EHR project. The contract will be for a fixed term up to 29 September 2025 and the position is based in Harare. We are a registered Private Voluntary Organisation (PVO 125/23). Our activities occur primarily in the technical areas of health system strengthening; epidemiology and strategic information strengthening, health workforce development; operations research and evaluation; prevention, care, and treatment of infectious diseases.

Position Summary:

Improving healthcare outcomes, optimizing resource allocation and driving evidence-based decision-making by leveraging data analysis and insights that maximize operational efficiency, optimize resource allocation, and drive growth.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Reviewing and analysing electronic health records to extract valuable insights for accurate and reliable data to report to key stakeholders like Ministry of Health and CDC.
• Analysis data while promoting industry-leading techniques and approaches by establishing data science methodologies and standardized processes for data collection, cleaning, analysis, and modelling.
• Enhances E.H.R data accuracy by developing modules in E.H.R data management workspace that cover areas like deduplication, predictive analysis, decision-making assistance, and diagnostic support using advanced machine learning algorithms.
• Aligning data analysis efforts with organizational goals and integrating into decision-making processes across departments by understanding department specific needs, and tailoring data analysis to align with organizational goals.
• Improves data modelling, testing, and documentation practices in the organization by advising on new data models, testing frameworks, and documentation practices.
• Proposes and creates innovative and appropriate data solutions for the measurement of processes and outcomes by identifying needs, designing and implementing innovative data solutions, such as dashboards and reports.
• Evaluates data and makes judgments and recommendations regarding process and outcome improvement work, including resource utilization, physician practice patterns, and clinical pathway effectiveness by utilizing advanced analytical and/or statistical ability.
• Improves decision-making and informed actions by engaging with stakeholders to share insights into the data.
• Solves specific business problems or address research objectives by developing and implementing machine learning models and identifying appropriate models based on the nature of the data and the problem at hand.
• Performing any other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience

• Degree in Data Science / Data Analytics/ Computer Science or related.
• Certificate in Python development/Machine Learning/Programming and Software Development.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience required.
• Additional training in Advanced Statistics and Mathematics.
• Knowledge of statistical concepts and techniques is essential.
• Knowledge of various machine learning algorithms and their applications is vital
• Knowledge of Python Programming is important to analyse data, build machine learning models, and efficiently work with large datasets and implement complex algorithms.
• Knowledge of Database Systems and SQL is essential to efficiently retrieve, manipulate, and aggregate data for analysis.
• Good communication skills are required to translate complex technical concepts into understandable insights and recommendations for non-technical stakeholders. 
• Excellent analytical skills are required to understand complex problems, break them down into manageable components, and devise effective solutions.
• Problem-solving skills are essential to identify the root causes, explore alternative approaches, and develop innovative solutions.
• Ability to think critically is vital to analyse data patterns and apply appropriate statistical or machine learning techniques to extract insights.
• Attention to Detail is required to work with data accurately and to meticulously clean and preprocess data, ensuring data integrity and quality.

Commitment to Diversity

We recognize that disparities in health around the globe stem from inequity. Therefore, we encourage and support the multiple identities of staff including, but not limited to, socio-economic status, age, race, ethnicity, language, nationality, sex, gender identity and expression, culture, spiritual practice, geography, mental and physical disability. We strive to become a local, national, and international leader in developing and maintaining increased representation and recognition of each of these dimensions of diversity among our staff.

Application Process

1. Answer all questions on the MS Form on this linkhttps://forms.gle/YKTar1iMcpEzP8bt9
2. Submit an Application letter, CV, certified copies of Certificates and national ID to datascientistehr@zimttech.org

Only shortlisted candidates shall be contacted.