Technical Advisor

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Technical Advisory Role: Provide skills transfer to Department of Health (DoH) and Anova counterparts, building local capacity to strengthen health systems at the facility level.
• Program Implementation: Implement improvement strategies aligned with the 909090 program and the South African National Department of Health (NDOH) National Strategic Plan (NSP) for HIV/TB/STI (2017-2022).
• Multi-Disciplinary Collaboration: Participate in a multi-disciplinary team to implement improvement strategies and inspire DoH teams to lead quality improvement initiatives.
• Facility Planning Support: Assist in the development and implementation of facility-specific 909090 plans in accordance with Sub-District 909090 plans.
• Training and Mentorship: Train and mentor facilities on completing TRAP tools and preparing for Sub-District Phuthuma meetings. Monitor implementation of facility Phuthuma activities, review performance indicators, and develop improvement plans for non-performing indicators.
• USAID Engagement: Participate in preparations for USAID visits at supported facilities and follow up on action items from these visits.
• Quality Improvement Plans (QIPs): Lead the development of QIPs through stakeholder engagement to enhance PMTCT programs, TB/HIV co-infection management, and ART management for both adults and children, including HIV case finding strategies and linkage to care.
• Data Utilization: Use facility data to evaluate implemented QIPs and develop further improvements based on identified change ideas.
• Clinical Audits: Conduct file audits (Paeds, Adults, PMTCT, and TB) to identify clinical management gaps and provide mentorship.
• Ideal Clinic Implementation: Support the implementation of ideal clinic standards by conducting baseline assessments, status determinations, patient waiting surveys, and developing QIPs.
• Skills Audits: Conduct facility baseline skills audits, provide training based on identified gaps, and update the skills audit database through the training center.
• Clinical Guidelines Training: Train DoH and Anova clinicians on updated clinical guidelines, mentoring them until they achieve competency and complete their portfolio of evidence.
• Quality Improvement Methodologies: Train DoH and Anova staff on quality improvement methodologies and models to ensure DoH ownership of initiatives.
• Tool Development: Develop tools for designing, implementing, and monitoring QIPs.
• Supervision: Supervise Anova DSD Professional Nurses and Enrolled Nurses working in supported facilities.
• Team Leadership: Act as the team leader for Anova’s roving team.

Minimum Qualifications and Experience

• Education: Tertiary qualification (Degree) in a health-related field.
• Professional Registration: Registered as a Professional Nurse with the South African Nursing Council.
• Clinical Competencies:
  • Clinical Assessment Treatment & Care (Nurse Clinician).
  • NIMART trained with certified competency.
  • Certificate in PC 101/Adult Primary Care and IMCI.
  • Quality Improvement Advisor Course or equivalent training in QI methodologies.
• Experience: Minimum of 3 years’ experience as a professional nurse in a TB/HIV/AIDS environment; previous management/supervisory experience is advantageous.

Skills

• Communication: Ability to communicate effectively in local languages is an advantage.
• Driver’s License: Valid driver’s license with willingness to travel within the allocated district.
• Public Health Knowledge: Sound knowledge of national public health priority programs, best practices documentation, and ability to present information effectively to senior managers, DOH partners, and funders.

Advantageous Qualifications, Experience, and Skills

• Strong leadership skills with flexibility and resilience.
• Attention to detail with a deadline-driven mindset.
• Ability to work under pressure with minimal supervision while being a good team player with strong time management skills.

Management and Leadership Skills

• Basic understanding of organizational management principles, program management, project management, risk management, planning, organizing (complex), problem-solving (complex), coaching (basic), networking (basic), and strategic perspective (basic).