Deadline of this Job: 04 November 2022
JOB DETAILS:
Provincial Health Office, Western Province in conjunction with US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has been implementing programs to improve the management of TB, STIs and HIV/AIDS care services in the Province since 2006. To further strengthen the programs, WPHO is inviting applications from interested persons in Western Province under Ministry of Health who meet the minimum requirements to fill the above vacant position on contract basis subject to renewal:
LOCATION: Provincial Health Office
JOB PURPOSE: To coordinate CDC supported PMTCT/EID activities in western province, provide technical assistance to PMTCT providers and contribute to the achievement of the UNAID 95-95-95 goals and CDC set goals under CDC
REPORTS TO: Public Health Specialist
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITY (MAIN DUTIES)
Monitors the implementation of HIV testing services for Pregnant and Breastfeeding women (PBF), their partners and offer technical support according to current national guidelines.
• Monitors the implementation of re-testing policy in ANC, Labour Delivery (L&D) and breast feeding women and offer technical support.
• Monitors the implementation of HIV testing for HIV Exposed Infants (HEIs) according to current national guidelines
• Monitors achievement of set targets
• Undertakes regular review of PMTCT guidelines and standards implementation to ensure adherence to national guidelines in the provision of quality PMTCT services Coordinates inductions, orientations and Trainings of HC/Ps and EID/VL champions
• Monitors linkage of HIV positive mothers and infants to treatment Spear heads developments of systems to track missed appointments for Pregnant & Baby Mother pairs(P&BMP)
• Supervises and monitors routine and targeted monitoring for treatment failure through regular assessment of Viral load (VL) as per national guidelines, and results documented in medical records. Facilitates availability of uninterrupted supply of logistics and ARVs in liaison with Pharmacists and lab program officer
• Undertakes planning and budgeting for PMTCT program.
• Undertakes timely, operational research activities in order to generate information on service within the financial year activity
JOB SPECIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS
• Grade 12 certificate with at least five O-level credits:
• Degree in Nursing with a Diploma in Midwifery or Degree in Midwifery
• Registration with General Nursing Council of Zambia with valid practicing license.
• At least five (5) years relevant experience in TB/HIV Programme
• Must be trained in WHO ART Modules
• Experience in PEPFAR supported TB/HIV programs will be an added advantage
• Trained in Project management will be added advantage
• Ability to write technical papers and reports clearly in English
• Ability to communicate fluently in English and local languages
• Must between the Age of 21 years and 55years
Other skills/Attributes: Computer literate, Managerial skills, Interpersonal relations, initiative
Deadline of this Job: 07 November 2022
JOB DETAILS:
Mental Health Facilitator (Multiple Vacancies)
Overview
StrongMinds www.strongminds.org) Zambia (SMZ) is a fast growing and dynamic social enterprise, committed to improving the Mental Health of Women in Africa by providing life-changing mental health services to impoverished African women. StrongMinds was formed in 2013 with a mission to improve the mental health of women and girls in Africa.
Depression is one of the leading causes of disability in sub-Saharan Africa, debilitating women at twice the rate of men. Conservative estimates indicate 66 million women are suffering from depression in Africa and the World Health Organization reports that 85% of these women have no access to treatment. Our ambitious goal is to provide treatment to at least 300,000 women and girls suffering with depression in the next three years.
Following 5 successful years in Uganda, StrongMinds established its operations in Zambia in 2019, and in 2022 we will treat over 20,000 through a simple, evidence-based and cost-efficient model of group talk therapy, based on group interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT-G). StrongMinds recognizes that scale will only be achieved by prioritizing the integration of its proven group interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT-G) model through partnerships. We look to do this both within Government structures such as the Ministry of Health and through medium and large international non-governmental organizations (INGOs).
StrongMinds’ Mental Health Facilitators (MHF) are dynamic individuals, full of energy who run group therapy sessions (lasting 90 minutes per session) in the compounds of Lusaka for women affected by depression. They mobilize, screen, recruit women into groups and provide treatment using the Interpersonal Group Therapy (IPT-G) Technique. They are expected to be vibrant, energized individuals full of empathy and compassion for women living in neglected communities, being able to engage them in small groups to discuss issues that are affecting them and support them to resolve their challenges. They will also work with community leaders, partners and health-workers to create favourable environments for women affected by depression to not only recover, but thrive.
With other MHF’s, the MHF works collaboratively among the whole StrongMinds Zambia team, sharing their experiences and learning so as to better the StrongMinds Model. MHF’s should be accessible to, and approachable by, vulnerable women and girls. They should be able to work independently in the catchment area allocated, building the necessary networks and partnerships to ensure successful cycles of group therapy sessions. They should be totally committed to upholding StrongMinds values, and understand their role in safeguarding vulnerable communities.
The job description categorizes the key task into four divisions, all of which are important and the job holder should be able to ensure all tasks are planned for and implemented according to the organization’s annual and cycle calendars.
A. Serving women with depression
1. Identify, screen, recruit into IPT-G and treat women with depression in the communities that they reside in.
2. Constantly seek to identify, understand, document and report participants’ barriers to help-seeking and participation in group therapy sessions. Communicate these with supervisors and team to find and test innovative solutions to address this.
3. Following the prescribed IPTG sessions guidelines, create a safe environment for women to discuss depression, their interpersonal relations and how the depression is currently affecting their lives.
4. Follow–up and track participant attendance and participation and document progress to assess IPT-G efficacy.
5. Conduct effective referral of women using the StrongMinds Zambia referral guidelines.
6. Identify women who can volunteer to lead IPT groups in their communities to be trained in an adapted peer led therapy curriculum.
7. Ensure complete adherence to the IPT-G model – with no deviation at any point during delivery of therapy.
B. Networking and partnerships
1. Educate community leaders, partners and community members on depression, its effects, the costs of inaction and benefits of treatment so that they can encourage and support women with depression to undertake and complete the course of treatment.
2. Actively engage stakeholders to ensure their buy-in and ownership of the StrongMinds talk therapy program.
3. Raise awareness and understanding of depression and mental health more broadly among community members, leaders and stakeholders.
C. Data collection and reporting
1. Maintain accurate records including the collection of qualitative data (using both electronic and paper based tools) and ensure timely reporting based on the StrongMinds Zambia reporting calendar.
2. Contribute to the understanding of the overall monitoring and evaluation processes alongside the StrongMinds Zambia management and M&E team/department.
3. Periodically conduct client satisfaction Focus Group Discussions.
D. Management and self-care.
1. Attend and participate in weekly debriefing meetings with your team and supervisors.
2. Participate in face to face meeting with your supervisor.
3. Attend and participate in all trainings organized by StrongMinds Zambia.
4. Set aside time for self-care so as to avoid burnout.
5. Identify and report any instances in which you notice feelings of conflict between yourself and the client or clients (transference, counter transference, set boundaries are violated, secondary trauma and compassion fatigue).
6. Attend regular support, debriefing, case conference and/or supervision meetings to ensure information and skill- sharing.
E: Community Engagement
• Develop the Community’s awareness, understanding and engagement with the issues relating to depression, and mental health, in conjunction with the StrongMinds team.
• Assist in planning and implementation sensitization and education campaigns to increase community awareness about issues relating to mental health, SGBV and HIV- linking them to depression
• Planning and implementing community mental health awareness and education campaigns in village or town/Block where the MHF is based
• Participate in Sensitization, problem solving, dialogue and mediation with the wider population about the people in order to raise understanding, develop coping strategies and encourage those who need counseling services to contact strong Minds staff.
• Providing interpretation between clients and other Strong Minds Zambia staff members when needed
Capacity building
• Attend trainings given by StrongMinds and other agencies as directed by the StrongMinds Trainer
People specifications
1. Minimum of 1 years’ experience working with vulnerable people (especially women and girls) in high density urban areas on community development and/or self-help groups and programs – preferably in a counseling capacity.
2. Proven experience (and a natural ability) in community engagement, outreach and mobilization specifically for vulnerable groups.
3. Excellent facilitation, listening and communication skills.
4. Experience and detailed understanding of the need for maintaining strict, clear boundaries as a therapist and your clients at all times.
5. A good understanding of depression and how it can be treated using group talk therapy – including an understanding of self help approaches and empowerment in mental health.
6. Deep understanding of the developmental challenges facing women in Zambia and how these affect their mental health.
7. Experience of working in under-developed, high population density settings (e.g. compounds).
8. Tech savvy – comfortable with the daily use of computer and mobile phone software applications, smartphones, tablets etc.
9. Demonstrated experience of monitoring and evaluation processes, data collection and qualitative and quantitative tools.
10. Significant experience of facilitating groups and managing the dynamics within a group setting.
11. Ability to work with minimal supervision and support.
12. Ability to develop, inform and sustain professional relationships, partnerships and networks.
13. Languages: Fluent speaker of English, Bemba and Nyanja. All these languages will be tested during interviews.
14. Ability and willingness to undertake physical movements between and within communities mostly by public means.
Education
• A minimum of a relevant bachelor’s degree
• Diploma holders with more than one years’ professional experience will be considered.
Targets
1. Xx IPTG groups complete 10 sessions
2. Xx% reduction in symptoms of people completing group sessions
3. Xx% women complete IPTG sessions
4. Attend weekly debriefing meetings
5. Attended organized trainings
6. Up-to-date data collected, compiled and submitted to StrongMinds Zambia within set timeframes.
JOB DETAILS:
Mental Health Facilitator (Multiple Vacancies)
Overview
StrongMinds www.strongminds.org) Zambia (SMZ) is a fast growing and dynamic social enterprise, committed to improving the Mental Health of Women in Africa by providing life-changing mental health services to impoverished African women. StrongMinds was formed in 2013 with a mission to improve the mental health of women and girls in Africa.
Depression is one of the leading causes of disability in sub-Saharan Africa, debilitating women at twice the rate of men. Conservative estimates indicate 66 million women are suffering from depression in Africa and the World Health Organization reports that 85% of these women have no access to treatment. Our ambitious goal is to provide treatment to at least 300,000 women and girls suffering with depression in the next three years.
Following 5 successful years in Uganda, StrongMinds established its operations in Zambia in 2019, and in 2022 we will treat over 20,000 through a simple, evidence-based and cost-efficient model of group talk therapy, based on group interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT-G). StrongMinds recognizes that scale will only be achieved by prioritizing the integration of its proven group interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT-G) model through partnerships. We look to do this both within Government structures such as the Ministry of Health and through medium and large international non-governmental organizations (INGOs).
StrongMinds’ Mental Health Facilitators (MHF) are dynamic individuals, full of energy who run group therapy sessions (lasting 90 minutes per session) in the compounds of Lusaka for women affected by depression. They mobilize, screen, recruit women into groups and provide treatment using the Interpersonal Group Therapy (IPT-G) Technique. They are expected to be vibrant, energized individuals full of empathy and compassion for women living in neglected communities, being able to engage them in small groups to discuss issues that are affecting them and support them to resolve their challenges. They will also work with community leaders, partners and health-workers to create favourable environments for women affected by depression to not only recover, but thrive.
With other MHF’s, the MHF works collaboratively among the whole StrongMinds Zambia team, sharing their experiences and learning so as to better the StrongMinds Model. MHF’s should be accessible to, and approachable by, vulnerable women and girls. They should be able to work independently in the catchment area allocated, building the necessary networks and partnerships to ensure successful cycles of group therapy sessions. They should be totally committed to upholding StrongMinds values, and understand their role in safeguarding vulnerable communities.
The job description categorizes the key task into four divisions, all of which are important and the job holder should be able to ensure all tasks are planned for and implemented according to the organization’s annual and cycle calendars.
A. Serving women with depression
1. Identify, screen, recruit into IPT-G and treat women with depression in the communities that they reside in.
2. Constantly seek to identify, understand, document and report participants’ barriers to help-seeking and participation in group therapy sessions. Communicate these with supervisors and team to find and test innovative solutions to address this.
3. Following the prescribed IPTG sessions guidelines, create a safe environment for women to discuss depression, their interpersonal relations and how the depression is currently affecting their lives.
4. Follow–up and track participant attendance and participation and document progress to assess IPT-G efficacy.
5. Conduct effective referral of women using the StrongMinds Zambia referral guidelines.
6. Identify women who can volunteer to lead IPT groups in their communities to be trained in an adapted peer led therapy curriculum.
7. Ensure complete adherence to the IPT-G model – with no deviation at any point during delivery of therapy.
B. Networking and partnerships
1. Educate community leaders, partners and community members on depression, its effects, the costs of inaction and benefits of treatment so that they can encourage and support women with depression to undertake and complete the course of treatment.
2. Actively engage stakeholders to ensure their buy-in and ownership of the StrongMinds talk therapy program.
3. Raise awareness and understanding of depression and mental health more broadly among community members, leaders and stakeholders.
C. Data collection and reporting
1. Maintain accurate records including the collection of qualitative data (using both electronic and paper based tools) and ensure timely reporting based on the StrongMinds Zambia reporting calendar.
2. Contribute to the understanding of the overall monitoring and evaluation processes alongside the StrongMinds Zambia management and M&E team/department.
3. Periodically conduct client satisfaction Focus Group Discussions.
D. Management and self-care.
1. Attend and participate in weekly debriefing meetings with your team and supervisors.
2. Participate in face to face meeting with your supervisor.
3. Attend and participate in all trainings organized by StrongMinds Zambia.
4. Set aside time for self-care so as to avoid burnout.
5. Identify and report any instances in which you notice feelings of conflict between yourself and the client or clients (transference, counter transference, set boundaries are violated, secondary trauma and compassion fatigue).
6. Attend regular support, debriefing, case conference and/or supervision meetings to ensure information and skill- sharing.
E: Community Engagement
• Develop the Community’s awareness, understanding and engagement with the issues relating to depression, and mental health, in conjunction with the StrongMinds team.
• Assist in planning and implementation sensitization and education campaigns to increase community awareness about issues relating to mental health, SGBV and HIV- linking them to depression
• Planning and implementing community mental health awareness and education campaigns in village or town/Block where the MHF is based
• Participate in Sensitization, problem solving, dialogue and mediation with the wider population about the people in order to raise understanding, develop coping strategies and encourage those who need counseling services to contact strong Minds staff.
• Providing interpretation between clients and other Strong Minds Zambia staff members when needed
Capacity building
• Attend trainings given by StrongMinds and other agencies as directed by the StrongMinds Trainer
People specifications
1. Minimum of 1 years’ experience working with vulnerable people (especially women and girls) in high density urban areas on community development and/or self-help groups and programs – preferably in a counseling capacity.
2. Proven experience (and a natural ability) in community engagement, outreach and mobilization specifically for vulnerable groups.
3. Excellent facilitation, listening and communication skills.
4. Experience and detailed understanding of the need for maintaining strict, clear boundaries as a therapist and your clients at all times.
5. A good understanding of depression and how it can be treated using group talk therapy – including an understanding of self help approaches and empowerment in mental health.
6. Deep understanding of the developmental challenges facing women in Zambia and how these affect their mental health.
7. Experience of working in under-developed, high population density settings (e.g. compounds).
8. Tech savvy – comfortable with the daily use of computer and mobile phone software applications, smartphones, tablets etc.
9. Demonstrated experience of monitoring and evaluation processes, data collection and qualitative and quantitative tools.
10. Significant experience of facilitating groups and managing the dynamics within a group setting.
11. Ability to work with minimal supervision and support.
12. Ability to develop, inform and sustain professional relationships, partnerships and networks.
13. Languages: Fluent speaker of English, Bemba and Nyanja. All these languages will be tested during interviews.
14. Ability and willingness to undertake physical movements between and within communities mostly by public means.
Education
• A minimum of a relevant bachelor’s degree
• Diploma holders with more than one years’ professional experience will be considered.
Targets
1. Xx IPTG groups complete 10 sessions
2. Xx% reduction in symptoms of people completing group sessions
3. Xx% women complete IPTG sessions
4. Attend weekly debriefing meetings
5. Attended organized trainings
6. Up-to-date data collected, compiled and submitted to StrongMinds Zambia within set timeframes.
Deadline of this Job: 26 October 2022
Description
The District Epidemic Control Centre (DEpiCC) Manager provides strategic and technical leadership for high-quality, evidence-based district-level DREAMS, KP and Priority Population programming and service delivery. This is a full-time position of which seven (7) positions are being offered in Chipata, Chirundu, Lusaka, Kabwe, Kapiri Mposhi, Kasama, and Nakonde.
Responsibilities
• Provide strategic, technical and programmatic support to all Activity areas related to USAID CHEKUP II in the relevant implementation district.
• Lead engagement and effectively manage relationships with key district-level stakeholders, including the Ministry of Health, the National HIV/AIDS Council, and the private sector.
• Represent USAID CHEKUP II with relevant internal and external counterparts, partners, and stakeholders as appropriate and necessary.
• Provide overall DEpiCC-level oversight and supervision
• Lead the DEpiCC team in planning and providing technical assistance in results-based management, implementing and monitoring USAID CHEKUP II district-level interventions.
• Provide day-to-day supervision for all USAID CHEKUP II staff working at the district level and lead quarterly data review meetings, annual performance assessments, goal setting, and facilitation of individual and DEpiCC level organizational development.
• Ensure timely preparation of all necessary reports from the district, especially inputs to quarterly reports and semi and annual reports
• Implement and adhere to JSH’s personnel, financial, operations and fraud management policies.
• Ensure USAID CHEKUP II organizational goals and objectives are accomplished.
Requirements and Qualifications
• Degree in Public Health, Social Science, Health; Registered Nursing/Clinical Medicine or a related field. Master’s Degree an added advantage
• At least five years of progressive work experience with a PEPFAR-funded or other large HIV/AIDS programme
• Experience working with diverse populations and stakeholders, including adolescents, men, key and priority populations, and the private sector
• Experience managing a health entity/ facility, an added advantage
• Strong familiarity with PEPFAR and USAID policies, procedures, rules, regulations and reporting requirements, an added advantage
• Strong communication skills (English) and of the local language spoken in the implementation district
• Empathetic, devoted and respectful individual with good interpersonal communication, team building, and writing skills.
Description
The District Epidemic Control Centre (DEpiCC) Manager provides strategic and technical leadership for high-quality, evidence-based district-level DREAMS, KP and Priority Population programming and service delivery. This is a full-time position of which seven (7) positions are being offered in Chipata, Chirundu, Lusaka, Kabwe, Kapiri Mposhi, Kasama, and Nakonde.
Responsibilities
• Provide strategic, technical and programmatic support to all Activity areas related to USAID CHEKUP II in the relevant implementation district.
• Lead engagement and effectively manage relationships with key district-level stakeholders, including the Ministry of Health, the National HIV/AIDS Council, and the private sector.
• Represent USAID CHEKUP II with relevant internal and external counterparts, partners, and stakeholders as appropriate and necessary.
• Provide overall DEpiCC-level oversight and supervision
• Lead the DEpiCC team in planning and providing technical assistance in results-based management, implementing and monitoring USAID CHEKUP II district-level interventions.
• Provide day-to-day supervision for all USAID CHEKUP II staff working at the district level and lead quarterly data review meetings, annual performance assessments, goal setting, and facilitation of individual and DEpiCC level organizational development.
• Ensure timely preparation of all necessary reports from the district, especially inputs to quarterly reports and semi and annual reports
• Implement and adhere to JSH’s personnel, financial, operations and fraud management policies.
• Ensure USAID CHEKUP II organizational goals and objectives are accomplished.
Requirements and Qualifications
• Degree in Public Health, Social Science, Health; Registered Nursing/Clinical Medicine or a related field. Master’s Degree an added advantage
• At least five years of progressive work experience with a PEPFAR-funded or other large HIV/AIDS programme
• Experience working with diverse populations and stakeholders, including adolescents, men, key and priority populations, and the private sector
• Experience managing a health entity/ facility, an added advantage
• Strong familiarity with PEPFAR and USAID policies, procedures, rules, regulations and reporting requirements, an added advantage
• Strong communication skills (English) and of the local language spoken in the implementation district
• Empathetic, devoted and respectful individual with good interpersonal communication, team building, and writing skills.