iCARE Plus Clinical Research Center (CRC) is funded by the United States National institutes of Health (NIH) to conduct interventional trials over 5 years with outcomes across the HIV care continuum in youth aged 15-24, including young men who have sex with men (MSM), through new Clinical Research Performance Sites (CRPSs) in HIV “hotspots” across Nigeria’s six geopolitically distinct zones. The CRPSs include Akwa Ibom, Benue, Enugu, Kano, Lagos, and Taraba.
The Enugu CRPS seeks to recruit Testing Peer Navigators (TePNs) at the main University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital Ituku/ Ozalla: 2) and satellite site (General Hospital Enugu-Ezike: 2) in Enugu State. The TePNs are integral to the HIV case finding intervention of iCARE Nigeria Plus study that includes social media engagement and peer navigation to HIV testing, peer navigation to HIV treatment (if HIV-positive) and a brief motivational-interviewing intervention for PrEP uptake (if HIV-negative).The TePNs will provide direct health system navigation, health advocacy, education, and linkage to relevant specialized health, social and emotional well-being and wellness resources related to HIV among YMSM in Enugu State.
Job Title: Peer Navigator
Location: Enugu state
Slots: 4 (UNTH Ituku/ Ozalla: 2, GH Enugu-Ezike: 2)
Job category: Contract
Job type: Full time Overview:
Responsibilities
- Work with the Outreach Coordinator under the supervision of the Program Manager.
- The TePNs and their coordinator will work in the community and through social media to perform HIV testing among YMSM (either directly or by referral to locations selected by the participant).
- TestkitswillbemadeavailabletotheTePNsandthecoordinatortoperformHIV testing wherever the participant feels most comfortable (home, office, bar, clinic, etc.).
- NewlyHIVdiagnosedYMSMwillbenavigatedtotheirpreferredclinic/treatment.
- Identifies and recruits high-risk individuals for HIV testing and prevention education and provides navigation support, counseling, and linkage to a continuum of care system via interagency program partners or other healthcare services.
- Provides confidential HIV testing and counseling specifically targeting individuals with high-risk for contracting HIV/AIDS.
- Provide escort services to HIV positive clients for confirmatory testing and linkage to HIV treatment.
- Demonstrate the ability to facilitate one-on-one and group interactions.
- Utilize motivational interviewing techniques to support participants to strengthen their motivation to take PrEP.
- Responsible for maintaining confidentiality of participants information
- Collect all required data and submit all required documents such as data collection forms and informed consents in a timely manner.
- Other duties as assigned.
Minimum requirements
- Minimum of national diploma in any relevant field
- Must be between 18 and 30 years of age
- Connected to YMSM community networks in Enugu/ Enugu-Ezike
- Minimum of 1-year relevant experience in HIV or health care sector, and/ or an influential member of the YMSM community
- Extensive knowledge of HIV/ HCV/ STD infection, transmission, and prevention.
- Knowledge of local community resources and referrals related to HIV, healthcare, substance use, and basic needs.
- Ability to engage clients in a client-centered manner and create effective referrals.
- Ability to communicate in English and additional knowledge of local language (Igbo/ Pidgin) is a plus
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills with diverse groups and individuals, including strong interpersonal and organizational skills.
- Demonstrate the ability to work effectively with YMSM ethnicities, ages, sexual orientations, and drug use patterns, in a multicultural environment.
- Demonstrate the ability to facilitate one-on-one and group interactions.
- Ability to use a smartphone to navigate social media applications including Facebook, WhatsApp etc.
- Knowledge of MS office (Microsoft Word and Excel) and internet are essential.
- Passionate advocate for PrEP is an asset.
- Must be available to work evenings and weekends as required.
Interested persons should send a cover letter and current CV by email to [email protected] by 26th September, 2024.
