POSITION: Differentiated Service Delivery Advisor – Rwanda

 BACKGROUND 

ICAP at Columbia University works in partnership with the Ministry of Health (MoH) through Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) to support the implementation of high-quality comprehensive HIV programmes in Rwanda.
With the support of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, ICAP has launched a new multi-country learning network aimed at enhancing the coverage, quality, and impact of HIV services in sub-Saharan Africa. The HIV Coverage, Quality and Impact Network (CQUIN) aims to enhance HIV programs by supporting health ministries to scale up ‘Differentiated Service Delivery’ program models. CQUIN is designed to foster south-to-south learning and provision of technical assistance to Ministries of Health and other partners engaged in the design, implementation, and evaluation of differentiated HIV programs.

The Differentiated Service Delivery Advisor, seconded to Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC), will support RBC and MOH to expand DSD services in Rwanda. Reporting to the Director of HIV & AIDS Division s/he will liase closely with ICAP CQUIN staff, supporting the global CQUIN Project team when necessary in efforts to successfully implement the learning network and to disseminate results.

This position is grant funded.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

• Participate in the planning and management of HIV/AIDS program, in order to strengthen the integration of Differentiated Service Delivery (DSD) models into national policies, plans, goals, and priorities;
• Support planning, development, definition, and review of policies, norms, and guidelines for DSD models in partnership with implementing partners. Specifically, the DSD Advisor will lead the national implementation of the DSD models policy guidelines customized and adapted in Rwandan context, working with relevant stakeholders to develop implementation plan, job aides, SOPs, and communication strategies
• Convene regular National Differentiated Service Delivery (DSD) sub-TWG to provide technical guidance, coordinate implementation and monitoring of DSD scale up
• Work with the DSD TWG and other relevant stakeholders to plan, develop necessary tools, coordinate and support implementation of Quality Assurance and Quality Improvement for DSD, including facilitating QI projects and development of IEC materials
• In collaboration with HMIS Unit in the MoH, the DSD Advisor will ensure that the national M&E tools are up to date and effectively being used to collect, report, monitor and evaluate DSD in Rwanda
• Spearhead differentiated care Knowledge Management for MoH
  • Regularly review published and “grey” literature on DSD
  • Maintain electronic files/resources related to DSD
  • Liaise with countries in the CQUIN network (and elsewhere) to stay abreast of policies, training resources, case studies, and best practices
  • Document case studies, best practices, and lessons learned in Rwanda
• Periodically brief the Technical Working Group on innovations and evidence
• As needed, support CQUIN’s DSD evaluation projects in Rwanda
• As needed, support CQUIN’s south-to-south knowledge exchange, hosting colleagues from other network countries if/when they visit Rwanda
• Participate in CQUIN network activities, including webinars, conference calls, workshops, and conferences
• Facilitate active engagement of the Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC) and all relevant DSD stakeholders in all CQUIN south-to-south learning activities, including participation in communities of practice, multi-country meetings/workshops, and south-to-south learning exchange visits.
• Ensure timely submission of DSD progress updates to CQUIN leadership, including annual country DSD dashboards and implementation progress data for CQUIN annual meetings
• Maximize opportunities to integrate differentiated care with other MOH health priorities e.g. NCD and most at-risk population e.g. adolescents and key populations
• Support the development of training curriculum to guide pre-service and in-service
• Support development of mentorship guide.

EDUCATION

• Master’s degree in epidemiology, public health, and Healthcare Management. Medical Doctor would be

 EXPERIENCE, SKILLS, AND MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• More than 5 years of experience working in the area of HIV/AIDS treatment, including experience in designing, managing, and implementing HIV/AIDS programs and differentiated service delivery.
• Experience working with the Rwanda Ministry of Health / RBC and familiarity with national HIV policies, guidelines, and data systems;
• Experience conducting health program evaluations including developing study aims, protocols, and instruments, facilitating ethical reviews, training and supervising staff, and collecting and analyzing data;
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills in English; ability to interact professionally in English;
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and EXCEL
• Strong organizational and project management skills
• Ability to work in teams and under pressure
• Availability to travel frequently within the country and internationally