Technical Associate – AYP
Background
The Excellence Community Education Welfare Scheme (ECEWS) is a leading and reputable indigenous non-for-profit organization that promotes access to Qualitative Healthcare, Education and Economic Strengthening Opportunities for all Nigerians. With its headquarters in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State and a corporate office in Abuja, ECEWS has presence in 17 States across the South-South, South East, South West and North Central Nigeria with a strong client portfolio with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Global Fund to fight against AIDS, TB and Malaria, United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US CDC), The United Nations office of Projects, World Bank & Federal Government of Nigeria. Since its founding in 2001, ECEWS has built a vast network of health and allied professional staff, partners and collaborators which has earned her a solid reputation among its funders and is well regarded by competitors and partners alike.
ECEWS, in collaboration with Zipline International Inc, will implement a Program titled "Solving the Barriers to HIV Prevention & Treatment Among Nigeria’s Highest Risk Youth" in Cross River State. This initiative, funded by the Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF), seeks to boost demand for HIV services among adolescents and young people, linking testing directly to care and mental health services. The program will work through existing CBO networks to expand access to integrated services in communities, ensuring safe, convenient, and consistent care for AYP and AYKPs.
Job Summary
The Technical Associate, AYP will be responsible for providing direct technical assistance to community-based organizations in the day-to-day implementation of project activities. He/She will provide technical leadership for the delivery of peer-led and integrated HIV prevention, mental health, and sexual and reproductive health services to adolescents and young people at the community level. He/She will ensure the fidelity of program design, adapt strategies as needed based on field feedback, and overseeing the quality-of-service delivery.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Provide technical support and guidance to community-based organizations (CBOs) in the implementation of HIV testing and prevention, mental health, and sexual and reproductive health programs for adolescents and young people at the community-level.
- Support the implementation of peer-led interventions, ensuring that services are diverse and meet the needs of adolescents in both the general population and key populations.
- Support the integration of HIV testing and prevention services with mental health and reproductive health services at the community level.
- Facilitate capacity-building efforts by training peer navigators and community-based organization to deliver effective, evidence-based services.
- Support the development and implementation of strategies to engage and retain adolescents and young people in program activities, ensuring their active participation and feedback.
- Collaborate with community-based stakeholders, local health authorities, and other implementing partners to ensure coordinated service delivery and program alignment with broader public health goals.
- Ensure timely and accurate collection of program data, support data analysis, and assist in generating reports for internal and donor requirements.
- Identify challenges in program implementation and work with the team to develop and implement solutions to address these challenges.
- Ensure that all technical assistance provided adheres to national guidelines, ECEWS protocols, and donor requirements.
- Conduct routine field visits to monitor program activities, assess quality, and provide on-site support as needed.
- Prepare and submit regular reports on program activities, outcomes, and challenges encountered during implementation.
- Support the generation of knowledge management products, including best practice documents, success stories etc.
- Support the dissemination of lessons learned from program implementation to relevant stakeholders.
- Perform other duties as assigned to ensure the success of the project
Minimum Recruitment Standard
- MB.BS / MD / PHD or similar degree with 3-5 years public health experience including at least 2 years’ experience in programs for Adolescent and Young persons.
- MS/MA in Social Science, Public Health or related field, MPH preferred, and a minimum of 3-5 years public health experience including at least 2 years’ experience in programs for Adolescent and Young persons.
- BS/BA in Social Science, Public Health or related field, with a minimum of 5-7 years public health experience including at least 2 years’ experience in programs for Adolescent and Young persons.
- Familiarity with Nigerian public sector health systems, NGOs and CBOs is required.
- Familiarity with programming for key population is required.
- Good understanding of AYP peer-led interventions and DSD.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team environment and manage multiple priorities effectively.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to develop innovative solutions to challenges in program implementation.
- Passion for improving the health and well-being of adolescents and young people, with a commitment to gender equity and inclusion.