Health Officer

Jointed Hands Welfare Organization (JHWO) is a local NGO (PVO 23/2013) that envisions a harm and disease-free society. JHWO implements multiple interventions across the country with offices in Harare, KweKwe, Gweru, Chirumanzu, Shurugwi, Zvishavane, Mwenezi, Insiza, Umzingwane and Mangwe. These projects are under five strategic pillars namely, Health, Social Development, Resilient strengthening, Disaster Risk Management and Strategic information and Knowledge Management, Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, Research and Learning.

JHWO is implementing a USAID supported project on Sustaining Prevention, Care and Support Services for Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) in Gweru and Bulilima districts (2022-2025). The role of the organisation under this activity is leading direct implementation of the OVC comprehensive, preventive and holistic care packages in collaboration with Ministry of Health and Child Care, Ministry of Labour and social Welfare, PEPFAR partners, National AIDS Council, local Government, clinics and other organisations.
The organisation is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against gender, religion, race, creed, culture or sexual diversity and believes in safeguarding both employees and communities. It is against the mandate of the health pillar that the organisation seeks competent individuals to fill in the below position

The Health Officer is responsible for overseeing all health interventions, using a case management approach to offer high-impact, scalable, and sustainable interventions, working as part of a team with other district stakeholders. A special focus will be on health facility/community linkages. The role is critical in collaborating, coordinating and building relationships with clinical partners and service providers to improve bi-directional referrals and HIV/GBV/VAC reduction including response services, uptake on ART, and improved adherence and viral load suppression for OVC.

The Health Officer is responsible for overseeing all health interventions, using a case management approach to offer high-impact, scalable, and sustainable interventions, working as part of a team with other district stakeholders. A special focus will be on health facility/community linkages. The role is critical in collaborating, coordinating and building relationships with clinical partners and service providers to improve bi-directional referrals and HIV/GBV/VAC reduction including response services, uptake on ART, and improved adherence and viral load suppression for OVC.

The Health Officer will coordinate with the MoHCC, District AIDS Coordinator and targeted CSOs to support direct service delivery and technical assistance for HIV community-based services. He/She will participate in monthly clinical-community partner feedback or review meetings and provide technical leadership, assistance and oversight on HIV community-based services. The Officer will develop strategies to map, identify and enroll onto the project key PEPFAR priority populations in the district of operation and implement strategies to improve HTS, adherence and retention into care and treatment among PLHIV, support the provision of HIV sensitive case management in line with National Case Management System and spearhead the training of staff and community cadres on HIV treatment literacy as part of capacity building. Together with the MEL team, the Health officer will develop appropriate quality control and quality assurance systems for all aspects of HIV community-based services for quality and use of HIV related data across programming. In collaboration with the MEL team the Health officer will ensure that data collected is accurate and valid and captures process and outcome indicators for timely production and sharing of weekly, monthly and quarterly progress reports.

Qualifications and Education Requirements

Degree/Diploma in a health-related clinical field e.g. nursing, clinical practice or community health, or clinical diagnosis. At least 3 years’ experience in providing HIV care and treatment services, particularly to key and priority populations. Experience gained through serving within a clinical government/mission institution or NGO with proven ability to coordinate activities of different stakeholders at district level. Experience working in OI/ART clinics is an added advantage. Should be registered with the relevant professional council in Zimbabwe with experience on bi-directional clinical referrals and HIV service provider linkages for vulnerable populations. He/She should have relevant experience in documentation, reporting and records management plus good communication skills and ability to communicate in the local and English language.