Adherence Counsellor - One Stop Shop at Achieving Health Nigeria Initiative (AHNi)

Achieving Health Nigeria Initiative (AHNi) is a non-profit organization that promotes socio-economic development by supporting global health and economic initiatives in Nigeria. AHNi currently has its headquarters in Abuja, Nigeria.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Adherence Counsellor - One Stop Shop

Location: Anambra
Grade Level: Consultancy
Duration: 5 months with possibility of extension (based on performance)
Commencement Date: 27th January 2025
Supervisor: Clinical Specialist
Job Category: Consultant

Background

• Achieving Health Nigeria Initiative (AHNi) is a non-profit organization that promotes socio-economic development by supporting global health and economic initiatives in Nigeria.
• It was established as indigenous organizational, registered in 2009 with its headquarter in Abuja, and presence in the four geopolitical regions of Nigeria.  It aims to provide technical assistance to the government and people of Nigeria in the implementation of public health and development programs.
• The Global Fund N-THRIP is to ensure a coordinated and intensive effort to scale up the prevention, identification, and treatment of HIV in both general and key populations in Anambra state. The focus will be on facility and community-based approaches to reach epidemic control, and in addition, ensure improvement in the coverage of pregnant women on ART, children as well as target KP and AGYW programs and other vulnerable.
• Hence, the consultant will support the implementation of the grant at the One stop shop (OSS) in the state.

Key Roles
The services of the consultant will include but not limited to the following:

• Educate KP clients about the importance of adherence to ART and the potential risks of missed doses or poor compliance.
• Develop individualized adherence plans, considering each KP client’s specific challenges and needs.
• Monitor adherence progress and provide strategies to overcome barriers like stigma, forgetfulness, or side effects among KPs.
• Provide pre- and post-test counseling for KP clients undergoing HIV testing.
• Address KP clients’ fears, concerns, or misconceptions about treatment and living with HIV
• Conduct follow-ups for clients who miss appointments to minimize loss-to-follow-up (LTFU) cases.
•  Reinforce the importance of regular clinic visits and routine viral load testing.
• Engage KP clients in programs that promote retention in care, such as support groups or peer mentorship.
• Educate KP clients on risk reduction behaviors to prevent HIV transmission, including condom use and other safe practices.
• Provide information about managing co-morbidities, such as tuberculosis (TB) or sexually transmitted infections (STIs) to KPs.
• Work closely with case managers, triage nurse, and the Clinical Specialist at the OSS to ensure comprehensive and coordinated care to KPs.
• Refer KP clients to appropriate services, such as mental health support, nutritional counseling, or community resources.
• Maintain accurate records of counseling sessions, adherence assessments, and follow-up activities.
• Submit a routine report as required
• Work collaboratively with the CBO and other service providers to ensure quality service delivery to KPs.
• Educate clients on the correct use of ARVs, potential side effects, and the importance of adherence to therapy.
• Address clients’ concerns or misconceptions about ART medications in a confidential and nonjudgmental manner.
• Support the differentiated service delivery models, including multi-month dispensing (MMD) and community ART distribution.
• Work closely with clinicians, nurses, and community health workers to provide integrated and patient-centered care.
• Participate in multidisciplinary case management meetings to discuss client progress and address challenges.
• Timely and appropriate documentation of service provision.

Recruitments

• Diploma or Degree in Counseling, Social Work, Psychology, or a related field.
• Certification or training in HIV counseling and adherence support.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in HIV-related counseling, preferably with Key Populations.
• Ability to use key computing applications e g MS Office Suite is an advantage.
• Proficiency in local languages is an advantage.

Application Closing Date
20th January, 2025.

Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should send their detailed Resume and a one-page Cover Letter as one (1) MS Word document explaining suitability for the position to the “PCT Unit” via: [email protected] using their Full Name, the Job Title and Location as the subject of the mail. (e.g., “OKEY MUSA ADEOYE, Logistics Technician – Lagos”).

Note

• Candidates are advised to provide three professional referees with email addresses and phone numbers.
• Eligible female applicants are encouraged to apply. AHNI is an equal-opportunity employer (EOE)
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.