Program Officer


I. Introduction

Solina Centre for International Development and Research (SCIDaR) is an indigenous nonprofit institution that works to accelerate positive health, social and economic reforms through high-quality program design and implementation, capacity building, implementation science research and knowledge generation, as well as agenda setting and stakeholder convening across human development sectors. Our work seeks to benefit primarily disadvantaged and under-served populations. We implement transformation programs in Nigeria and are currently expanding our footprint to several West and Central African countries. We are building a competent world-class management team to enable us sustainably achieve our strategic growth objectives.

Solina Centre for International Development and Research (SCIDaR) will be implementing a project aimed at achieving epidemic control through the provision of quality HIV services to people living with HIV across FCT, Nasarawa and Rivers states. The ASPIRE project involves technical assistance and mentorship to facilities staff providing HIV testing services, antiretroviral drugs as well as care and support services to people living with HIV. Being a health implementation project, SCIDaR seeks to adequately support the facilities for better patients’ outcome thereby contributing to the overall epidemic control on a larger scale, while also interacting with other stakeholders in the state that have similar goals.

II. Description and Objectives

The Program Officer will execute the day-to-day implementation plans, provide technical assistance, mentor facility staff onsite and oversee Data assistants’ activities on ASPIRE project in one of the project states: FCT, or Rivers.

III. Key responsibilities

a. Program strategies implementation/Technical assistance

  • Oversee day-to-day implementation processes at supported facilities; testing, enrolment, and other care and treatment services (adherence counselling, partner notification services, clinical assessment/evaluation, viral load sample collection, patient biometric capture etc)
  • Review facility focal persons compliance with implementation procedures and mentor on operating procedures using the most up-to-date national guidelines
  • Disseminate new strategies and support focal persons to effectively implement program strategies and track outcomes
  • Coordinate and support patients scheduling and tracking for clinic visits, drug refills, Viral load tests and other care and treatment services such as EID, CD4, OTZ, recency testing etc.
  • Coordinate service delivery on Prevention of Mother to Child care and treatment services
  • Conduct clinical evaluation and enhanced adherence counseling for unsuppressed patients and participate in switch review meetings
  • Facilitate the quality improvement processes in supported sites and report as appropriate
  • Update and mentor focal persons on new program policies and guidelines
  • Monitor and ensure proper documentation of services offered and outcomes in the appropriate data capture tools followed by updates on the various program databases
  • Monitor ARVs, consumables, and lab commodities stock levels of drugs through routine validation of commodity use, stock on hand and demand as reported on bin card, and Combined Requisition and Request Forms (CRRF)
  • Review ARVs, and commodities storage conditions and mentor facility focal persons on right dosage and FIFO

b. Leadership/Cluster representation

  • Coordinate data clerks and surge monitors day-to-day activities, and mentor them on key program deliverables as it relates to data management
  • Support onboarding and exit processes for new hires
  • Represent cluster team during check-ins, problem-solving sessions, and program review meetings (Internal/IHVN)
  • Lead site-level problem-solving across implementation areas, support and monitor implementation of agreed interventions

c. Workstream management

  • Manage at least one integral part of the program areas as a workstream lead, and drive the activities to meet program qualitative and quantitative targets
  • Coordinate implementation of workstream strategies, review, and track achievements
  • Lead problem-solving sessions to address gaps identified in implementing workstream strategies at the facilities.

d. Data reporting

  • Support facility focal persons on commodity stock management; bin card and transfer form updates and archiving
  • Support monthly stock card and bimonthly CRRF reports collection and review and NHLMIS updates.
  • Follow-up with data clerks to ensure all achievements across various program indicators are appropriately reported on the daily tracker.

e. Other responsibilities

  • Participate in joint, cluster, and partner problem-solving and learning sessions to share knowledge, best practices, challenges and progress on program implementation
  • Provide daily updates on implementation activities to the team.
  • Engage actively with relevant stakeholders to foster good relationships with the organization.
  • Support any other tasks as may be required by the Program Manager and Project Director. 

IV. Required competencies

a. Core requirements

  • Compelling evidence of interest in and commitment to the mission of SCIDaR;
  • Must be proficient in the use of Microsoft tools (Excel, PowerPoint, Word)
  • Prior work experience in an HIV program will be an added advantage

b. Education and Experience 

  • Academic training: Minimum of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing or Allied health degree with an outstanding academic record;
  • Experience: Minimum of 1-2 years of progressive experience in strategy, and systems strengthening in a major consulting firm. Previous experience in implementing public health programs is preferred;

V. Equal employment opportunity statement

Equal employment opportunity statement – SCIDaR is an equal employment employer. We do not engage in practices that discriminate against any person employed or seeking employment based on race, colour, religion, gender, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, genetic information or any other status or characteristic protected under applicable laws.

PS: Women are encouraged to apply.

Job Category: Program Officer
Job Type: Long term
Job Location: FCT – Nigeria Rivers

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