HIV Diagnostic Assistant at UNC Project

UNC Project Malawi, a biomedical research, training and service organization based in Lilongwe, invites applications from suitably qualified and experienced individuals to fill the following positions:

HIV DIAGNOSTIC ASSISTANT (PACMan Study)

 

Job Summary

An HDA for the PACMan Study at UNC Project is responsible for two functions: the first is to support delivery of the PACMan model at study sites implementing the intervention, and doing so as an integrated part of the team from the MOH and implementing partners at the site; the second is to support point-of-care (POC) early infant diagnosis (EID) and viral load testing during study surveys. In this dual-function role, they will support HIV testing services for PMTCT/EID and assist in completing survey activities. S/he provides HIV prevention counseling and testing to clients willing at the study sites utilizing existing protocols and national, local and site policies, regulations, SOPS developed by MOH, UNC, and CDC/USAID/PEPFAR. The HDA is responsible for making relevant and appropriate referrals when needed.

 

Main Duties/Responsibilities

• Provide HIV testing services, including EID for HIV-exposed infants and maternal viral load (VL).
• Ensure quality control of reagents.
• Collect and manage data using the required data collection forms.
• Seek out and respond accordingly to feedback and supervision from the supervisor to improve and maintain quality service delivery.
• Complete and maintain confidentiality of medical and personal information of clients as directed.
• Participate in dispelling rumors and misconceptions about the PAC-Man study in the community.
• Make relevant and appropriate referrals of clients as needed for ART, PMTCT, and other clinical and support services.
• Conduct sensitization meetings and give health education.
• Review daily the completed registers and other relevant forms.
• Draw finger/ heel-prick blood and perform testing on the mPIMA POC platform for DNA PCR and viral load
• Participate in in-group peer discussions.
• Attend facility health worker meetings.
• Discuss sensitive issues with clients including sexual behavior and related activities.
• Compile and send monthly reports to the Supervisor.
• Perform any other duties as assigned.

 

Team work

• Work closely with the PAC-Man Diagnostic Network Specialist who will be the primary Supervisor
• Work closely and collaboratively with site teams and MOH and implementing partner counterparts providing PMTCT/EID services.
• Maintain frequent contact with other team members and counselors.

 

Qualifications, Skills and Experience

• Certified as HDA according to MoH.
• In service training on HIV/AIDS updates and referral procedures.
• Participation in skills development by sharing experiences and skills with colleagues from UNC, MOH, and PEPFAR partners.
• At least 2 years’ work experience as HAD.  Basic counseling skills.
• Problem solving skills.
• Communication skills in both oral and written form.
• Good judgment skills to select appropriate and applicable guidelines that fit a particular situation.
• Flexibility and competence in decision making when determining the best practices and procedures necessary to support quality service delivery.
• Humility and team work skills to involve colleagues for challenging cases.
• Thorough knowledge of HIV/AIDS and PMTCT/EID related issues.
• Knowledge of provision of HIV Testing services following national policies, standards and guidelines developed by MoH, including EID testing and other point-of-care tests.
• Knowledge of counseling protocols developed by MoH.
• Knowledge about SOPs.

Method Of Application

Please send your applications via email to:

The Country Director

UNC Project

Lilongwe

Email: [email protected]

Deadline for receiving applications: Wednesday, June 25, 2025

Only shortlisted candidates will be acknowledged.