Doctor Advisor

Wits RHI – APACE Project (Free State)

Type: Permanent

Main purpose of the job:

• To provide technical support pertaining to TB/HIV clinical and programme management, with greater focus towards prevention PMTCT and pediatric HIV/TB care and treatment, as well as Advanced Clinical Care (ACC), for both adults and pediatric/adolescent populations. To ensure ARV optimization, retention in care, viral load completion & suppression for improved patient outcomes for the HIV/TB programme.

Location: Welkom, Lejweleputswa District (Free State)

Closing date: 04 May 2023

Submit detailed CV to: vacancy8@wrhi.ac.za

Advert reference number: PM-Lej 003 – 2023

In accordance with our Employment Equity goals and plan, preference will be given to suitable applicants
from designated groups as defined in the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998 and subsequent amendments thereto.

Key performance areas

Technical assistance to supported facilities:

• Provide technical expertise on HIV/TB clinical and programme management, with greater focus towards prevention PMTCT and paediatric HIV/TB care and treatment, as well as Advanced Clinical Care (ACC), for both adults and paediatric/adolescent populations District, Sub-district, and Facility level to internal and external stakeholders.
• To ensure ARV optimization, retention in care, viral load completion & suppression for improved patient outcomes for the HIV/TB programme.
• Participation in Technical Working Groups and technical forums on HIV/TB
• Provide strategic direction and input to identify and address gaps at the sub-district and district level and to ensure effective implementation of the HIV/TB Programme
• Establish relationships with local and regional technical experts and key stakeholders for engagement and input into optimising the TB/HIV programme outcomes
• Contribute to the development of tools and work practice guidelines to support the screening, diagnosis, management and referral of HIV positive adolescents and children within the facilities and within the Integrated School Health Policy Framework (ISHP)
• Collaborate with the APACE district implementation teams to provide technical expertise and input into Wits RHI programme strategy incorporating key elements of PMTCT and paediatric HIV/TB care and treatment, as well as Advanced Clinical Care (ACC), for both adults and paediatric/adolescent populations. To ensure ARV optimization, retention in care, viral load completion & suppression for improved patient outcomes for the HIV/TB programme. Work closely with the hospitals programme managers to optimize care and treatment, as well as referral pathways for hospitalised patients.
• Collaborate with the M&E teams to monitor progress towards project outcomes relating to HIV and TB.
• Generate reports / publications on activity outputs in the technical area.

Training, mentoring and quality improvement:

• Collaborate with the capacity development team to review and contribute to training materials in the areas of technical expertise for all relevant patients.
• Provide training, support and mentoring to the to both internal and external stakeholders on new guidelines on HIV and TB in collaboration with the capacity development team.
• Support the implementation of Quality Improvement activities at the district, sub-district, and facility level, with a particular focus on PMTCT, paediatric HIV/TB care and treatment, and ACC in order to meet 95-95-95 targets.
• Conduct site visits and assessments to evaluate progress on implementation plans, to identify knowledge gaps and to inform programme activities.
• Provide guidance and support to the programme teams for regular clinical audits and the analysis of these.
• Provide technical expertise on the implementation and monitoring of evidence-based interventions with incorporation of client-specific evidence-based elements of Programme implementation.

Clinical Expertise:

• Provide technical assistance, mentoring and DSD for the management of complex clinical cases within the district.
• Facilitate case discussions internally and externally and participate in continuing medical education activities within the supported district.
• Maintain relevance as a clinical expert in Advanced Clinical Care and clinical management of complex cases for people living with HIV and Children Living with HIV (CLHIV)
• Disseminate and support implementation of new guidelines, guidance, and clinical strategies for the management of Advanced HIV Disease (ADH) patients and complex clinical cases in hospitals in the district.
• Collaborate with relevant Wits RHI and DoH colleagues at District and facility levels to drive performance indicator improvement, using relevant tools and latest guidelines.
• To ensure quality clinical foundation for HIV services  Support the analysis, write-up, presentation, and expansion of best practices pertaining to HIV in the district.

Effective self-management and performance ownership:

• Take ownership and accountability for tasks and demonstrates effective self- management.
• Attend relevant conferences and workshops.
• Follow through to ensure that quality and productivity standards of own work are consistently and accurately maintained.
• Maintain a positive attitude and respond openly to feedback.
• Take ownership for driving own career development by participating in ongoing training and development activities such as forums, conferences, and policy setting workshops.

Required minimum education and training:

• MBBCh or equivalent
• Valid Driver`s Licence

Professional body registration:

• Registration with HPCSA

Desirable additional education, work experience and personal abilities:

•  HIV Management qualification. HIV diploma/ equivalent. Passion for improving the health of people living with HIV in public sector care, and an understanding of systems and environmental barriers to and enablers of these improvements. Technical experience in managing complex patients living with HIV, including adults, adolescents, children, and pregnant women. At least 2 years’ experience in working with donor-funded programmes. Experience in training and mentoring. Able to work independently and as part of a multi-disciplinary team. Ability to understand and manage team dynamics. Positive, energetic team member with an ability to adapt to complex situations. Adaptable, willing to take initiative. Strong organizational skills with an accurate approach to work, attention to detail. Excellent communication skills (verbal and written). Advanced Microsoft Office skills.

Required minimum work experience:

• 5 years’ experience in the public health field including at least 2 years of experience in HIV medicine.

Demands of the job

• Local travelling will be required. Being contactable after working hours. Able to work in a highly pressurized and challenging environment. Occasional need to work outside of normal office hours.

Communications and relationships:

• Build and maintain effective working relationships with all stakeholders both internal and external to Wits RHI.

Should you be interested in applying for this vacancy, please send an email to vacancy8@wrhi.ac.za.
The subject heading of the email must read PM-Lej 003 – 2023 and the job title of position applying for. Please include the following documentation:

• A cover letter (maximum one page) that clearly states which vacancy you are applying for
• A detailed CV

The Wits Health Consortium will only respond to shortlisted candidates. Candidates who have not been contacted within two weeks of the closing date can consider their applications unsuccessful.

All the best with your applications.