Peer Navigators

  • Full Time
  • Lusaka, Zambia
  • - / Month
  • Applications have closed

Population Council

TITLE: PEER NAVIGATORS    

LOCATION: Lusaka Province

ASSIGNMENT LENGTH: 2 years depending on performance and availability of funding.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Population Council, in collaboration with Ministry of Health, RTI International, and  University of North Carolina  is undertaking the above titled study which aims to address HIV and improve sexual and reproductive health (SRH) outcomes among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) by developing and testing an Integrated Wellness Care (IWC) delivery model for AGYW who are affected by or infected with HIV, targeting both those that are HIV-negative or do not know their status (HIV-ve/u) and those that are positive (HIV+ve) in Lusaka District.

The aims of this project are planned to be achieved in two phases:

  • Phase 1 (Formative Phase) which is already complete- consisted of the study team conducting interviews and focus group discussions with AGYW, caregivers and community stakeholders, to understand AGYW contextual experiences with access to health care, and experiences visiting the health facilities, in addition to identifying AGYW programs they would be involved in, if recruited for the study. The study team also developed and pre-tested the education modules to be used in a community engagement activity, while recruiting the study cohort of AGYW.
  • Phase 2 (Intervention Phase)- The study team is now preparing to assess the efficacy of the multilevel interventions over a period of 24months.

In order to ensure the study aims are met, which include counselling and support of AGYW during study participation,  generation of high-quality data and its  integrity  at all study levels, the Population Council is seeking to recruit Peer Navigators (PNs) for the SHIELD + IWC Study. PNs will be stationed in Lusaka District working specifically in selected sites within Lusaka. The PNS will report to the Study Coordinator and work in collaboration with the study Principal Investigators and Ministry of Health teams, at selected facilities. The ideal candidate will have previous experience working in a high paced research environment, have ability to engage and establish good rapport with AGYW, to gain their trust and confidence. Prior experience with positively engaging adolescent girls and young women or community mobilization will be an added advantage.

Peer Navigator Responsibilities

  • Participate in startup training workshops to receive orientation on various study aspects.
  • Screen and recruit participants into the study according to the set eligibility criteria.
  • Assist with data collection, data abstraction, data entry and follow up activities including tracking adolescent girls and conducting visitations as may be required.
  • Plan prepare for and facilitate group meetings routinely. The group meetings are to be engaging, interactive and dynamic .
  • Complete necessary reports following activity completion.
  • Oversee activities for assigned groups of girls and young women.
  • Adhere to study protocol and training material (including ensuring the delivery of age appropriate material as prescribed) in undertaking of one’s duty.
  • Work with community gate keepers to identify suitable spaces for convening meetings including advance planning for the rainy season.
  • Organize meetings with parents to AGYW and ensure managing relevant communications and logistics ahead of meetings
  • Attend Peer Navigator meetings/refresher trainings
  • Complete group activity reporting forms in the stipulated timeframe
  • Ensure privacy and confidentiality of all study participants
  • Maintain study equipment and materials
  • Complete Protecting Human subjects and Good clinical Practices (GCP) training.

Qualifications and Requirements

  • Females between the ages of 18-29 years
  • Grade 12 certificate with a minimum of a credit in English, Math’s and Sciences
  • Diploma in a Development/Clinical related field
  • Certificate in Psychosocial counselling
  • Experience with training and/or facilitation of groups particularly those of adolescents and young women
  • Basic knowledge of Sexual and Reproductive Health and HIV prevention and support preferred
  • Willing to carry out duties listed above
  • Possesses strong leadership qualities
  • Work with minimal supervision
  • Fluent in English and the Zambian language(s) of the community (Bemba and/or Nyanja recommended)

The Population Council is an international, nonprofit, nongovernmental institution that seeks to improve the well-being and reproductive health of current and future generations around the world and to help achieve a humane, equitable, and sustainable balance between people and resources. The Council conducts biomedical, social science, and public health research and helps build research capacities in developing countries. Established in 1952, the Council is governed by an international board of trustees. Its New York headquarters supports a global network of regional and country offices.  We are seeking an individual to fill the position described.

If you know of a qualified candidate or are interested in applying for this position, please send your resume and cover letter to [email protected] on or before 20th December 2020.  Applicants must be female and residents of Lusaka.

The Population Council provides equal opportunity; it does not discriminate against any person with regard to age, color, creed, national origin, disability, political belief, veteran status, religion, marital status, gender, gender identity, or sexual orientation. Decisions on employment are based on an individual’s qualifications as related to the position for which s/he is being considered. The Council has an affirmative action plan and especially encourages applications from qualified women and members of minority groups. The Population Council is international in the composition of its board of trustees and its staff, as well as in the nature and deployment of its activities


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