Fresh Job Openings at Health Systems Trust

Description

• The Health Systems Trust (HST) is seeking a Data Capturer for the FRESH Programme, which is a busy clinical research and trial site based in Umlazi, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.
• The Data Capturer will work closely with the Quality Control Officer (QCO) to support the investigators and clinical research team to ensure the site conducts sound, ethical, and scientifically accurate research.
• The FRESH clinical research team consists of 30 people, and includes physicians, professional and enrolled nurses, research assistants, a data management team, as well as recruiters, and is currently running two SAHPRA approved clinical trials. Launched in 2012, FRESH is a clinical research platform that uniquely combines:
  •  Basic science investigation focused on characterising the immune response during the earliest stages of acute HIV infection for the purpose of developing novel HIV prevention, treatment and cure strategies; with
  • an empowerment and life-skills programme designed for the adolescent girls and young women 18–23 of age who participate in the research.
• This is a fixed-term contract position, renewable based on funding.

Key Responsibilities

•  Ensure a high degree of data integrity and study documentation completion. 
•  Perform data entry for participants screening (V1) and enrolment visits (V2).  Maintain accurate record of the total number screened, eligible/ineligible, reason not eligible, total enrolled, and total starting on week 1 of twice weekly follow-up.  Perform daily quality control checks of paper forms (CRFs), prior to data entry. 
•  Ensure forms are filled correctly and that there are no blanks or missing information. 
•  Identification of missing data, informing the individual who filled the form so that they can correct the form or fill the missing data on the same day. 
•  Perform daily entry of data from participant files/forms into the REDCap database, including baseline demographics, clinic visit form, 3-monthly questionnaires, enrolment and disenrollment data, as well as any other participant data. 
•  Perform daily entry of data into logs and excel spreadsheets including enrolment log, attendance register, bloods and mucosal register, disenrollment log, retention data, Acute data, post-graduation placements, etc. 
•  Assist in preparing participant files, including printing of CRFs, assembling files with dividers, label the appropriate forms and use data collection tools. 
•  Ensure confidentiality and data security.

Key Attributes

•  Fluent in English and isiZulu. 
•  Computer proficient with all MS Office programmes; strength using Excel.
•  Able to manage study data. 
•  Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. 
•  Ability to work well under pressure and with a team.

Education Required

• Matric

Qualification Required

•  Grade 12 certificate Advantageous: 
•  Post-matric qualification in computer related field. 
•  Good Clinical Practice (GCP) certification. 
•  Valid driver’s license and confident driver.

Experience Required

•  One year experience as Data Capturer Advantageous: 
•  Clinical research experience, clinical trials experience preferred.  Experience following clinical research protocols. 
•  Experience following Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). 
•  Experience in completing Clinical Research Forms (CRFs). 
•  Experience working with research study monitors. 
•  Experience working with managing data clarification form (DCF). 
•  Basic knowledge of HIV care and treatment and HIV terminology.

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Description

The Health Systems Trust wishes to appoint one Senior Monitoring and Evaluation Officer in eThekwini District, KwaZulu-Natal, to support the Global VAX Programme ‘Initiative for Global Vaccine Access’. The project aims to integrate COVID-19 vaccination into routine adult vaccine programmes in partnership with the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health, and leverages existing HIV/TB infrastructure at Primary Health Care (PHC) level to accelerate engagement and address vaccine hesitancy through health education. The incumbent will be responsible for ensuring the quality of routine health data used in reporting on trends within health services, improving health programme decision-making, and providing information on the quality of health service delivery through a multi-partner evaluation project on COVID-19 vaccination success and integrated vaccine programmes. This will entail giving input for optimising the monitoring and evaluation (M&E) of the programme to support its governance within the district, as well as ensuring the accurate and timeous development and submission of all reports required by various stakeholders. This is a fixed-term contract position, renewable based on funding and performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and execute plans to enhance data quality, including conducting data-quality assessments and developing action plans based on the findings. 
•  Develop and implement comprehensive M&E strategies that align with project objectives. 
•  Supervise the collection, management and analysis of project data to ensure accurate and timeous reporting. 
•  Monitor programme performance, analyse data, and report outcomes to stakeholders and funding bodies. 
•  Collaborate with the Department of Health at all levels to ensure seamless programme execution and stakeholder engagement. 
•  Manage and mentor a team of Data Capturers and M&E Officers to promote high performance and data integrity. VACANCY ADVERTISEMENT 
•  Regularly monitor project activities and outputs against established goals and objectives, using the project’s defined M&E indicators and targets. 
•  Prepare detailed reports and presentations summarising findings, highlighting successes, and identifying areas for improvement to inform stakeholders and guide decision-making processes. 
•  Mentor and enhance the capacity of Data Capturers and M&E Officers in accurate data-collection, analysis and reporting. 
•  Build and maintain partnerships with stakeholders, including District Departments of Health, community bodies, and civil society groups. 
•  Work closely with the Department of Health, PEPFAR-funded partners, and other stakeholders to ensure co-ordinated programme execution and maximise the impact of the vaccination integration programme. 
•  Act as the main point of contact for M&E in the project, providing technical assistance and fostering effective communication and collaboration among all project participants. 
•  Lead data analysis to assess the impact of past community-based vaccine campaigns and other project components, deriving actionable insights and lessons learnt for future strategies. 
•  Ensure optimal resource utilisation at all times.

Key Attributes

• Time-consciousness, self-motivation, and a results-driven approach are essential, as is the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines. 
•  Ability to work as part of a team and independently. 
•  Ability to use personal initiative towards achieving the programme goals. 
•  Excellent administrative and organisational skills. 
•  Strong facilitation and communication skills. 
•  Sensitivity to cultural differences as well as political, confidential and ethical issues pertaining to patient information. 
•  A valid driver’s license is essential.

Education Required

• Degree

Qualification Required

• An undergraduate degree in Public Health or data management, or a related field. 
•  A Master’s degree in Public Health or related field would be an advantage.  Formal training in monitoring and evaluation would be an advantage. 
•  Certified training on TIER.Net software and/or previous experience with TIER.Net data-capturing and reporting. 
•  Knowledge of the Electronic Vaccination Data System (EVDS) and health information systems.

Experience Required

• At least five years’ experience in managing health-related data, including data verification and quality assurance, is essential. 
•  A demonstrable background in data analysis in the following programme areas: vaccination, COVID-19, pandemic preparedness, and HIV 
•  would be an advantage. 
•  Knowledge of pandemic prevention, response, treatment, care and support programmes. 
•  Knowledge of the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI). 
•  A good understanding of South Africa’s public health system, including the national and provincial policies, management and health information systems and structures. 
•  Excellent computer skills (MS Word, MS Excel, MS Outlook, MS PowerPoint).

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Description

The Health Systems Trust (HST) is committed to an equitable health system that recognises basic socio-economic needs as an important determinant of health outcomes. We are implementing a cervical cancer prevention and screening project to address the challenge of high incidence and mortality due to cervical cancer. The project adopts a Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) framework to improve access to early screening, diagnosis, treatment and palliative services in the Zululand District of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The project objective is to detect early signs of cancer among HIV-positive women and women of childbearing age (20 years and older) by conducting Pap smear screening for cervical cancer and active linkage to care. HST seeks to engage a Professional Nurse to provide technical assistance in this regard. The incumbent will mentor facility-based Nurses who are conducting screening for cervical cancer and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) ? including HIV ? on proper referral for treatment, and linking patients to Primary Health Care clinics in compliance with the project’s profile and reporting requirements. The incumbent will work closely with the Project Manager to implement evidence-based activities, review programme performance, assess and guide project outcomes and outputs, and report to funders and stakeholders. This is a fixed-term contract position.

Key Responsibilities

•  Provide screening services using Pap smears at facilities in line with the National and Provincial Department of Health (DoH) policy, guidelines and standard operating procedures 
•  Manage patients according to their Pap smear results (early detection of abnormalities and referral to the nearest clinic and/or hospital) 
•  Identify patients due for follow-up visits in accordance with the project guidelines 
•  Develop a system for active patient referrals and couples counselling on a weekly and monthly basis in line with the project guidelines 
•  Support the strengthening of patient tracking and referral systems 
•  Actively transfer and/or refer and check the successful transfer of patients to other facilities for treatment 
•  Build and maintain partnerships with all internal and external stakeholders, including the Department of Health (DoH) district structures, community-based organisations and civil society groups 
•  Identify facility staff members’ training needs and support them in analysing their performance data 
•  Submit daily, weekly and monthly data internally and to the facility 
•  Participate in the CCPAC bi-weekly and monthly review meetings 
•  Provide accurate data to the Project Manager to inform stakeholders of project activities.

Key Attributes

•  A strong work ethic and ability to work in a pressurised environment 
•  Skills to build and maintain relationships with multiple stakeholders 
•  Ability to work with minimal supervision and be deadline-driven 
•  Sensitivity to cultural diversity and others’ values, with good interpersonal skills and commitment to equity 
•  A dynamic, courteous and positive attitude.

Education Required

• Diploma

Qualification Required

•  A degree or diploma in Nursing is essential. 
•  Current registration with the South African Nursing Council (SANC) is essential. 
•  Certified training in Nurse-initiated Management of ART (NIMART) and Maternal Health is essential. 
•  PHC certification with SANC would be advantageous. 
•  A valid drivers’ licence is required, as this position is community-based.

Experience Required

•  Proven knowledge of and ability to entrench a quality improvement approach to healthcare service delivery and providing on-site support to staff at facility and community level 
•  Experience in providing supportive supervision and mentoring to junior staff in the facility 
•  Experience in building facility staff capacity for strengthening cervical cancer screening of HIV-positive women 
•  Capacity to implement a training and mentoring programme in line the CCPAC clinical strategy 
•  Ability to support Facility Managers in tracking performance and using routine data for planning supply chain management and decision-making 
•  Skills to strengthen links between the community, healthcare workers and the facilities 
•  Knowledge of HIV programme management, including the UNAIDS 95-95-95 goals and targets, and of TB management 
•  Understanding of Universal Test and Treat (UTT) processes, and demonstrable competence in HIV clinical management (NIMART) 
•  Extensive experience in administering of Pap smears for cervical cancer screening, diagnosis and referral for treatment, and in provider-initiated HIV counselling and testing (PICT) 
•  Sound understanding of the South African public health system, including the national and provincial Department of Health cervical cancer policy and guidelines 
•  Computer literacy and good knowledge of Microsoft Office (MS Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook) is essential 
•  Experience in a research project environment, and particularly in oncology, would be advantageous 
•  Previous work experience in non-governmental organisations (NGOs) or funded programmes will be an advantage.

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Description

To support the District Department of Health in providing direct cervical cancer screening services as part of Health Systems Trust’s (HST’s) Cervical Cancer Prevention and Control (CCPAC) Project implementation, HST wishes to appoint three Linkage Officers in the Zululand District, KwaZulu-Natal Province: one in eDumbe; one in Empangeni; and one in Ulundi – kwaCeza. These incumbents will be responsible for supporting the implementation of the patient-tracking systems by linking and navigating patients through referral pathways and processes across the different levels of care. Working with the facility staff, Outreach Teams and the community, the Linkage Officers will serve as Patient Navigators to facilitate follow-through for patients, ensuring that adequate documentation and support is provided in their treatment journey. They will assist in improving the quality of life mentally, physically and spiritually for the patients diagnosed with cervical cancer at their facilities through palliative care, counselling and support. Working closely with community-based organisations (CBOs) to build trusting relationships with community members for the implementation of this project, the incumbents will actively participate in the campaign programme to facilitate project outcomes and capacity-building. These are fixed-term contract positions, renewable subject to availability of funding.

Key Responsibilities

•  Strengthen linkages between the community and facilities in collaboration with the Outreach Teams and the facility staff 
•  Serve as a point of contact and information node between the community and the facilities within and outside the district 
•  Set up and manage a patient referral system for active linkage to care at the nearest facilities 
•  Implement case management of patients across the cervical cancer treatment cascade 
•  Obtain line lists from the facilities to track and trace patients back to care 
•  Establish systems for efficient records management 
•  Support the establishment and implementation of feedback systems as part of the referral package 
•  Track linkage targets, and prepare and submit related monthly reports 
•  Support quality-improvement processes to strengthen linkage approaches, and identify and document good linkage practices 
•  Participate in data analysis (facility targets, tracer indicators, cascades) 
•  Submit daily, weekly and monthly data reports to the facility 
•  Participate in the facility’s bi-weekly and monthly review meetings.

Key Attributes

•  A strong work ethic and ability to work in a pressurised environment 
•  Ability to work with minimal supervision and be deadline-driven 
•  Ability to work after hours, which may include weekends from time to time.

Education Required

• Higher Certificate

Qualification Required

•  Certification as an Enrolled Nurse with a Counselling Certificate OR 
•  Certification in Social Auxiliary Work 
•  Current registration with the required health professional body is essential.

Experience Required

•  A strong background in counselling patients and partners on the importance of remaining in care for better disease outcomes 
•  Sound understanding of the importance of the Universal Test and Treat (UTT) policy, notably for patients’ linkage to and continuity of care 
•  Experience of working in a palliative care programme will be advantageous. 
•  Good communication skills and ability to communicate in English, isiZulu and/or another South African language 
•  Thorough understanding of South Africa’s national and provincial public health policies 
•  Solid experience in and knowledge of partnering with multiple stakeholders 
•  Extensive experience with patient tracking (via telephone and in person through home visits) 
•  Computer literacy and competence in Microsoft software (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) 
•  Previous work experience in non-governmental organisations or funded programmes will be an advantage.

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Description

The Health Systems Trust (HST) wishes to appoint a Post-Basic Pharmacist Assistant for the South Africa Sustainable Response to HIV and AIDS (SA SURE PRO) Project in uMgungundlovu District, KwaZulu-Natal to render pharmaceutical support in health facilities that promotes and implements the principles of drug supply and management. Liaising with relevant stakeholders within the Department of Health and partner multi-disciplinary teams in support of the TB and HIV programme, the incumbent will be responsible for the implementation of Drug Information Systems in facilities throughout the district, where the position will be based. This is a fixed-term contract position, renewable subject to continuation of funding.

Key Responsibilities

•  Undertake primary activities in support of the Central Chronic Medicine Dispensing and Distribution (CCMDD) Programme. 
•  Support all Pelebox activities, including but not limited to: loading, offloading, query resolution and submission of invoices. 
•  Undertake tasks in support of the Synchronised National Communication in Health (SyNCH) system, ensuring utilisation and compliance. 
•  Work collaboratively with other HST personnel in support of the SA SURE PRO project. 
•  Ensure that Department of Health monitoring and evaluation systems are updated and supported. 
•  Ensure support for transitioning of CCMDD patients out of the facilities via registration at available external pick-up points.
•  Share information about and promote the CCMDD programme. 
•  Undertake secondary activities in relation to all aspects of ethical stock control, including re-ordering of stock, maintaining dedicated stock areas for organisation and expiry dates, and conducting cyclical and full stock-taking. 
•  Update minimum and maximum levels to ensure that sufficient levels of stock are available at all times. 
•  Assist in all aspects of issuing, dispensing, procurement and ethical stock control.
•  Ensure compliance with good clinical/pharmacy practice. 
•  Maintain the Stock Visibility Solution (SVS) and RX Solution systems. 
•  Support the maintenance of accurate and updated records on pharmacy activities. 
•  Maintain effective communication and resolution of queries. 
•  Perform related administrative and house-keeping tasks, and other functions as deemed necessary. 
•  Assist with and offer advice on the usage, side-effects, contra-indications and storage of medication. 
•  Represent HST and the facility in stakeholder meetings and workshops when requested.

Key Attributes

•  Knowledge of good pharmacy practice 
•  Knowledge of SVS and RX Solution, SyNCH and TIER.Net 
•  Good communication skills 
•  Ability to work as a part of team, with good people skills 
•  Willingness to work in remote rural areas 
•  Computer literacy 
•  Accuracy and attention to detail 
•  Basic calculation skills 
•  Good presentation skills 
•  Fluency in English is essential, and in isiZulu would be an advantage. The incumbent must reside in or relocate to (at his/her own cost) to the district before the start-date of the job, and must be willing to be rotated to support all clinics in the district at any time.

Education Required

• Higher Certificate

Qualification Required

•  Registration and active status as a Post-Basic Pharmacist Assistant with the South African Pharmacy Council (SAPC)

Experience Required

•  One year’s experience as a qualified Post-Basic Pharmacist Assistant with the SAPC

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Description

The Health Systems Trust (HST) wishes to appoint four Clinical Advisors in uMgungundlovu District for the South Africa Sustainable Response to HIV and TB (SA SURE PRO) Project. The project aims to strengthen local capacity for the provision of sustainable HIV- and TB-related care and treatment. The Clinical Advisor provides technical assistance and leadership to facility Operational Managers (OMs) in achieving the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets and Department of Health (DoH) objectives by overseeing selected facilities and community services and managing staff. The role entails providing leadership, management and clinical governance support of facility and community services through mentoring and coaching of facility health teams. The incumbent will apply a quality improvement (QI) model through effective monitoring and evaluation of project performance in facility clusters, and will manage HST’s facility- and community-based staff who report directly to the OM. This is a fixed-term contract position, renewable based on continuation of funding and performance.

Key Responsibilities

•  Mentor, coach and provide supportive supervision for OMs and facility- and community-based staff on adherence to National Department of Health (NDoH) health initiatives, strategies, policies and guidelines when implementing activities to achieve the 95-95-95 and project targets 
•  Work with OMs to ensure transfer of skills and activate transition from a District Support Partner (DSP)-led focus to a NDoH-led focus, and coach and mentor OMs on performance management 
•  Attend weekly Nerve Centre meetings to provide input on programme performance, analyse data to identify programme gaps to target, and develop quality improvement plans (QIPs) with the OMs for each facility, focusing on targeted HIV and TB programme areas 
•  Provide reports to Sub-district Co-ordinators for weekly reviews with technical and programme leads, giving feedback on workplan progress and outputs 
•  Assess data and information for planning, mapping of outreach activities, supply chain management and decision-making for effective delivery of integrated community-based HIV management services by HST, partner and DoH teams 
•  Support implementation and/or strengthening of Community Health Workers and Ward-based Outreach Team linkages and referral systems 
•  Work with Cross-site Facilitators to design and implement specific programme activities that close gaps to target across the HIV and TB cascades 
•  Attend strategic networking meetings with partners and district structures when requested by the Sub-district Co-ordinator
•   Conduct site visits with DoH and stakeholder counterparts to assess progress on implementation and QIPs 
•  Work with Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Officers to interrogate data for continuous quality improvement across programme areas (e.g. case-finding, continuity of care, and viral load suppression) 
•  Ensure that all project reports are completed and submitted in accordance with workplans and funder contracts, including submission of log-sheets and weekly schedules 
•  Develop weekly performance monitoring reports with OMs, and provide feedback on progress to sub-district Co-ordinators on opportunities for improvement 
•  Share good practice among clusters, HST and district teams; contribute to relevant HST publications/documentation for knowledge management when requested 
•  Adhere to HST’s financial policies and procedures to maximise cost-effectiveness, and manage efficient and responsible use of HST resources and assets (including human resources), ensuring sustainable resource and reporting losses of and damage to HST assets to sub-district Co-ordinators timeously 
•  Apply good governance principles and management of deliverables in the allocated facilities to mitigate reputational risk that would affect HST’s ability to sustain operations and secure funding, reporting all risks to HST management timeously 
•  Monitor and evaluate the implementation of project-plan activities and individual workplans for all direct reports 
•  Submit weekly, fortnightly, monthly, quarterly, semi-annual and annual reports internally and externally as required, and ensure that monthly timesheets are submitted to the sub-district Co-ordinator 
•  Ensure that all HST probation and performance review procedures are complied with; conduct performance reviews with the OM for HST staff allocated at facility and community levels 
•  Manage staff conflict, disciplinary issues, absenteeism and sick leave in line with HST policies and procedures, ensuring that staff adhere to HST’s Code of Conduct 
•  Identify and maintain personal and professional development by attending relevant courses, webinars, conferences and training 
•  Identify skills gaps in the allocated facilities, and create and implement skills development plans for individuals and DoH and HST teams.

Key Attributes

•  Knowledge of strategic processes (District Implementation Plans, Ideal Clinic Realisation and Maintenance, Central Chronic Medicine Dispensing and Distribution (CCMDD), treatment adherence guidelines) 
•  In-depth understanding of the South African health system, including the policy and management structures at facility, district, province and national levels 
•  Knowledge of the District Health Information System (DHIS) and TIER.Net 
•  English language proficiency, both verbal and written.

Education Required

• Diploma

Qualification Required

•  A relevant Nursing degree or diploma, with Midwifery  Diploma in Primary Health Care or any related speciality 
•  Current registration with the South African Nursing Council (SANC)  Nurse-initiated Management of Antiretroviral Therapy (NIMART) certification 
•  Paediatric NIMART and Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) certification The incumbent must be trained in at least one of the following areas: 
•  Health systems: Demonstrable knowledge of health system strengthening, including the World Health Organization ‘building blocks’ 
•  Leadership and management: Relevant HIV management training, with experience in management  Clinical care: Understanding of quality improvement processes and concepts 
•  Monitoring and evaluation: A good understanding of the importance and role of health information systems in health system strengthening

Experience Required

•  Three to five years’ experience in HIV/AIDS, STI and TB (HAST) management 
•  Extensive knowledge of clinical guidelines for HIV management  Demonstrated experience and knowledge of M&E and quality improvement approaches 
•  One year of experience in mentoring, coaching and supervising facility staff 
•  Three to five years’ experience of working in a donor-funded environment/non-government project-based organisation 
•  Experience working with the DoH 
•  Analytical and quality improvement skills 
•  Effective organisational, management and facilitation skills 
•  Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team 
•  Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook)