Technical Officer

Job Posting Organization:
FHI 360 is a nonprofit organization that focuses on improving lives in lasting ways by advancing integrated, locally driven solutions for human development. Established in 1980, FHI 360 operates in more than 60 countries and has a diverse workforce of over 4,000 employees. The organization is dedicated to addressing global health challenges, including HIV/AIDS, and works collaboratively with local partners to implement effective programs that are culturally sensitive and responsive to community needs.

Job Overview:
The Technical Officer position is crucial for providing hands-on technical guidance and direct support for HIV prevention and testing services in Papua New Guinea, specifically in the Eastern Highlands Province and the National Capital District. This role emphasizes the rollout and scale-up of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and HIV self-screening (HIV-SS), ensuring that services are delivered with a focus on quality assurance at both clinical and community levels. The Technical Officer will collaborate closely with key populations, community-based organizations, and local stakeholders to ensure that the services provided are culturally responsive, gender-sensitive, and inclusive. The position also involves capacity building for healthcare providers and community mobilizers, ensuring adherence to PrEP protocols and effective HIV self-screening methodologies. Additionally, the Technical Officer will be responsible for maintaining strong data capture and reporting systems to support program learning and evidence-based decision-making.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Technical Officer will have a comprehensive set of duties and responsibilities, including:

• Service Delivery & Technical Support: Providing daily technical oversight and mentorship for HIV prevention and testing services at both facility and community levels. Supporting the initiation of PrEP, adherence counseling, and the rollout of HIV self-screening, ensuring that all services are high-quality, client-centered, and gender-responsive. Supervising and mentoring clinical support staff and community mobilizers in areas such as PrEP, HIV self-screening, condom distribution, and outreach activities. Offering direct mentoring support to HIV care and treatment sites to implement national standard operating procedures (SOPs), protocols, and guidelines for HIV care and treatment services, including access to viral load testing. Ensuring that project implementation adheres to national strategies and remains technically sound.
• Capacity Building: Conducting training sessions for healthcare workers, peer navigators, and mobilizers on PrEP protocols, HIV self-screening, social behavior change communication (SBCC), and gender equality, disability, and social inclusion (GEDSI) integration. Building the capacity of community partners, including key population advocacy coalitions (KPAC) and civil society organizations (CSOs), in community-led monitoring and data utilization. Providing supportive supervision through joint monitoring visits with provincial health authorities (PHAs) and the National Department of Health (NDoH).
• Community Engagement & Partnerships: Collaborating with KPAC and community champions to enhance demand generation and uptake of HIV prevention and testing services. Engaging with local CSOs, faith-based organizations (FBOs), and community networks to strengthen community-led service delivery. Contributing to provincial-level HIV prevention strategies and dialogues on emerging biomedical prevention tools.
• Monitoring, Evaluation & Data Quality: Ensuring accurate data collection and timely reporting through health program databases (HPDB), the District Health Information System (DHIS2), and other national tools. Conducting data validation and quality improvement initiatives, as well as supporting routine program monitoring. Documenting lessons learned and best practices, and contributing to knowledge sharing with PHAs, NDoH, and UNAIDS.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a minimum of a diploma in General Nursing, Public Health, or a related clinical field, with a preference for candidates holding a bachelor's degree. Candidates must have at least five years of experience in HIV/STI service delivery, adherence counseling, or HIV prevention programming. Experience leading PrEP and HIV testing initiatives at facility or community levels is essential. Additionally, prior experience working with civil society organizations, faith-based organizations, or community-based HIV programs in Papua New Guinea is required. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to deliver training, mentorship, and supportive supervision effectively. Strong skills in data management, quality assurance, and program reporting are also necessary, along with proficiency in Microsoft Office and health data systems.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a diploma in General Nursing, Public Health, or a related clinical field as a minimum requirement. A bachelor's degree in a relevant field is preferred, indicating a higher level of education and understanding of public health principles and practices.

Experience:
The Technical Officer position requires at least five years of relevant experience in HIV/STI service delivery, adherence counseling, or HIV prevention programming. Candidates should have a proven track record of leading PrEP and HIV testing initiatives at both facility and community levels, showcasing their ability to manage and implement health programs effectively. Experience working with civil society organizations, faith-based organizations, or community-based HIV programs in Papua New Guinea is also essential, as it demonstrates familiarity with the local context and community dynamics.

Languages:
Excellent communication skills in English are mandatory for this position. Proficiency in Tok Pisin is desirable, as it would facilitate better engagement with local communities and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in the Eastern Highlands Province, with travel required to the National Capital District and other project sites as needed. The job posting outlines the main duties of the role but does not prescribe or restrict the exact tasks that may be assigned. It is important to note that this document should not be construed as a contract of employment, as management reserves the right to review and revise the job description at any time. FHI 360 is committed to equal opportunity and affirmative action, ensuring that no discrimination occurs based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law. The organization emphasizes safeguarding and preventing abuse, exploitation, and harassment in its work environments and programs.