| The Institute of Human Virology, Nigeria is seeking bidders to bid for the Production of Data Collection Tools under GF N-THRIP grant. | |
| Opening Date/ Time: | 21st October 2024. |
| Closing Date/ Time: | 1st November 2024 @10:00am |
| For more on this bid, Please download the complete bid document, | |
20th Anniversary: IHVN Celebrates Milestones in Research
The Executive Director of the International Research Center of Excellence (IRCE) at the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN), Prof. Alash’le Abimiku has revealed that the Institute has joined the search for a HIV vaccine in partnership with organizations from eight countries.
Prof. Abimiku stated this at a press briefing to mark IHVN’s 20th anniversary in Abuja.
“For 30 years, Nigeria has not been involved in vaccine research to ensure that the vaccine that finally comes out will be relevant to Nigeria. So IHVN for the first time has put Nigeria and the whole of West Africa on the map. This is a big breakthrough in ending a pandemic that has affected millions of people with a significant number of people on lifelong medications,” she said.
The IRCE Executive Director said that the Institute is currently sequencing the viruses that come from Nigeria and West Africa, Sub-type G, and CRF- O2 to ensure that those sequences are part of a vaccine construct. She noted that the research will go through different phases that may take five to ten years.
“We are at the initial stages of the project with funding from USAID for the first five years. We are designing the construct to make sure that it has sequences of our viruses, so that is the first step. Whatever we test must take into consideration the viruses existent in our country,” she added.
She explained that IRCE is involved in clinical trials to test new drugs and concepts.
“We have a clinical trials unit. This differentiates us from other NGOs. This is why we can test candidate HIV vaccines and evaluate new platforms for diagnostics. Even during COVID, we tested if we could give individuals antibodies from other individuals that have recovered – individuals that were able to fight it.”
Prof. Abimiku said that IRCE’s vision is to tackle local challenges.
“It is not unusual that a lot of what we’ve done has focused on HIV, TB, malaria but we’ve also gone into non-communicable diseases that have been ravaging our population”
Also at the press briefing, IHVN Chief Executive Officer, Dr Patrick Dakum commended the media for partnering with the Institute to provide quality health services, capacity building, and research.
“Our celebration is mainly a celebration of life for the contributions that we have made. It is not just about the number of people we have provided services to, behind every number is a human being whose quality of life has improved,” he said.
IHVN Chief Operating Officer and Managing Director, Dr. Charles Olalekan Mensah stressed that the Institute’s achievements have been a result of partnerships and funding support of more than 300 million USD through grants from Global Fund, USAID, United States National Institutes of Health amongst other agencies.
Program Officer, GBV – Rivers State
The Institute of Human Virology (IHVN) is a leading and reputable non-governmental organization addressing infectious and non-infectious diseases such as HIV, tuberculosis, and cancer through prevention, diagnosis, treatment, capacity building, research, care, and support services. IHVN is in partnership with local and international organizations and the different tiers of the government of Nigeria at the national, state, and local levels. The Institute aims to provide quality health services, capacity building, and research in West Africa and beyond.
To further drive quality and engender global best practices in HIV and TB care and treatment, this advert is therefore seeking qualified candidates for the following position:
| Position | Program Officer, GBV |
| Department | Prevention Care and Treatment |
| Reports to | Technical Lead/Project Director |
| Location | Rivers State |
Opening Date: 16th October, 2024
Closing Date: 22nd October, 2024
Description and objectives
Under the supervision of the Project Director and Technical Lead, he/she will ensure the implementation of high-quality Gender Based Violence and Gender diversity programs according to the National Gender Policy as well as work to ensure that programs align with PEPFAR Gender priority. She/He will provide technical expertise in implementing high-impact interventions to ensure quality service delivery across all program areas. She/He will lead the day-to-day implementation of all GBV programs in the assigned health facility and guide program implementation according to the National GBV Guidelines.
Responsibilities:
- Provide technical support in the implementation of GBV program activities about HIV prevention, care & treatment including vulnerable populations in the states.
- Support, design, and implement a Gender-Based Violence Program according to the PEPFAR Gender Strategy to achieve targets for all supported facilities in the state.
- Ensure that the quality of GBV services across the states meets the basic minimum standards and that at least the minimum basic package of GBV prevention and care are implemented in the facilities.
- Working with health facility staff focal persons and colleagues to effectively address program challenges.
- Interphase with GON, USG, CBOs, and other relevant stakeholders on GBV at the state level to support program coordination and enhance sustainability
- Closely monitor the activities of the GBV CBOs in the state and provide mentorship to the Community-Based Organizations in the implementation of GBV program
- Submit Monthly/Quarterly and annual reports to the supervisor, State Technical Leads, Program Area leads, and Director Prevention Care and Treatment Department for an effective program implementation.
- Develop a GBV work plan for the state and implement the program across the supported facilities
- Coordinate biweekly meetings with GBV focal persons in supported states.
- Provide capacity building for the facility GBV focal persons
- Ensure that the integration of GBV into other treatment areas is maintained.
- Represent IHVN in state meetings and work as liaison between GoN in the state and IHVN
- Provide mentoring to all state staff on Gender-Based Violence/sexual diversity programming.
- Serve as Liaison between central and state offices on issues of Gender-Based Violence.
- Perform other roles or assignments as directed by supervisors, program area leads, and the Director of the Prevention Care and Treatment Department.
- Ensure that GBV data are correctly reported on all the approved reporting platforms
- Ensure that all the required program area deliverables are met in the state within the allotted timelines and track all program data and report as necessary.
- Facilitate in tracking implementation and reporting of program achievement of all GBV Key performance indicators and unit deliverables.
- Facilitating the use of the GBV Quality Assurance Tool to conduct assessments for facilities and design GBV quality improvement projects, report writing and collation, and data analysis.
- Carrying out any other duties/ assignments as directed by supervisors, program area leads, and the Director of the Prevention Care and Treatment Department.
Experience, skills, and competencies
- At least 2-5 years’ experience working with Gender Based violence and HIV and AIDS care.
- Must have working experience in PEFAR Priorities for Gender Program and Gender Diversity
- Possess the capacity to build interagency cooperation for efficient service delivery.
- Must have at least two years’ experience with program planning, assessment, and implementation of GBV programs.
- Must have working knowledge and experience in conducting GBV LIVES training.
- Previous experience in HIV-related operational research is an advantage.
- Good analytical and problem-solving skills
- Experience in coordinating multi-disciplinary HIV clinical teams for effective service delivery.
- Ability to communicate effectively and fluently in the English language (oral and written) and good inter and intrapersonal communication and facilitation skills.
- Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office packages, presentation skills, and video conferencing are required.
- Proficiency in program narrative and proposal writing, data evaluation, and excellent report writing.
- Staff must be knowledgeable in the use of WHO gender Quality assessment tools.
- Ready to work with other program staff as needed to achieve program and organizational goals.
- Ability to work under pressure to meet organizational targets/goals.
- Excellent persuasive skills, and good stakeholders’ management track record. Fundamental skills in project planning, implementation, and monitoring.
- Must be proactive and deliver quality work on time.
Safeguarding (PSEAH):
As an organization, IHVN takes the issue of Protection against Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (PSEAH) seriously, because safeguarding the people we interface with in all our programmatic work is of the utmost importance to us.
IHVN only recruits’ representatives who are suited and abides to the strict responsibility of SEAH.
By applying to this role, you are agreeing to IHVN carrying out a background check on you with respect to SEAH records and you also confirm that not before or after being hired will you breach the IHVN policy on SEAH.
Educational qualifications and experience
- Must be a registered nurse, a bachelor’s degree in nursing, Psychology, sociology and any related field.
- The applicant must be registered under the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria and must possess a valid practicing license.
- Master’s degree in public health will be an advantage.
- Diploma in Gender studies will be an advantage.
Equal employment opportunity statement
IHVN is an equal employment employer. We do not engage in practices that discriminate against any person employed or seeking employment based on religion, gender, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, genetic information, or any other status or characteristic protected under applicable laws.
Mode of Application:
- Application letter and detailed curriculum vitae in Microsoft Word format should be forwarded to the Assistant Director, Human Resources through this email address: [email protected] This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
- This advert is open from 22nd October 2024, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
IHVN Celebrates September Employees of the Month
In fostering an excellent work culture and staff performance, the Executive Management of the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) has initiated the “Employee Recognition Awards” to recognise “Employees of the Month” and “Employee of the Year.”
According to the IHVN Director of Finance and Administration, Mr. Olu Alabi, this recognition covers overall employee performance in dressing, innovation, teamwork, productivity, efficiency, leadership & interpersonal skills, punctuality and adherence to company values and principles amongst others.
For September 2024, IHVN Celebrates, Clare Ohunayo, Emmanuella Emmanuel, Oluwayemisi Asiozi, Lem Kwem Imasuen, Oluwatoyin Awoyemi, Oluwakemi Akinyede, Elizabeth Ejura Ali, Johnbull Egharevba, Abdulmojeed Akande, Muhammed Usman, Lojah Pascal Nyam, Isaac Bakzak, Sanusi Abiodun, Rayi Oluwagbemi, Ebenezer Ajayi, Anderson Ricketts and Odola Oluwafemi, whose performance stood out in their teams.
Three hearty cheers to our September star performers!
US Deputy Chief of Mission Applauds AYP Tech Hub
The US Deputy Chief of Mission, (DCM) to Nigeria, David Green has applauded the collaboration between the U.S. government, the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN), and other partners in equipping adolescents with digital, vocational, and leadership skills through an Adolescent and Young People (AYP) Tech Hub.
Mr Greene said this during the graduation ceremony for 50 adolescents and young people from an eight-month program at an AYP Tech Hub in Abuja. He said the initiative represents a significant step in ensuring that young Nigerians are equipped with the tools to compete in the global digital economy.
“This initiative is not just about creating economic opportunities. It is about fostering a generation that will shape Nigeria’s future. Through the training and mentorship provided here, we are reducing vulnerabilities, encouraging personal and economic growth, and ensuring that these young people are not just participants in the economy, but leaders of tomorrow,” he added.
He congratulated the graduates and encouraged them to take their newly acquired skills beyond Nigeria’s borders and become global ambassadors of innovation and entrepreneurship.
IHVN Chief Operating Officer and Managing Director, Dr Charles Olalekan Mensah thanked the US Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) and the U.S. government for their unwavering support. He emphasized the crucial role of partnerships in youth empowerment.
“The future belongs to those who are prepared, and today we are witnessing the emergence of a new generation of Nigerian leaders ready to take on global challenges.”
Dr. Mensah also urged the students to utilize the skills gained to impact their communities.
“As you step into the next chapter of your lives, remember that the most successful people are not just those with skills, but those who continue to seek out new knowledge, who collaborate with others, and who never stop evolving. You are the future leaders, creators, and innovators who will solve the challenges of tomorrow. I encourage you to keep pushing boundaries, to embrace change, and to use your skills to make an impact—not just in your careers, but in the world at large.”
Also at the ceremony, The District Head of Kurudu Community, Chief Ezra Gomna thanked the institute and its partners for locating the hub in his community. “This community has now been equipped and our children will not be unemployed because they have gained skills that will help them greatly in the future, I want to use this opportunity to urge those graduating to share their new skills with other members of the community, so you do not leave your brothers and sisters behind.”
The star graduating student and valedictorian of her set, Divine Adaobi was overjoyed and thankful to have been part of this initiative. “The tools we’ve acquired aren’t just for today, they are the keys to unlocking tomorrow’s opportunities. Whether creating apps, developing solutions, or leading digital transformations, we have become part of a movement that drives progress and shapes the future.”
“So, let’s stay curious, bold, and continue learning. The future is digital, and we are the innovators ready to build it,” she said.
The AYP Tech Hub was established with funding from the United States Centers for Disease Control (CDC) through IHVN. It is located in the FCT and is designed to be a welcoming and innovative space where young people can access educational and entrepreneurial opportunities. The hub’s mission is to equip adolescents with the skills needed for global competitiveness, including digital literacy, vocational expertise, and leadership capabilities.
The program’s curriculum focused on skills such as ICT, robotics, coding, web and mobile app development, and digital marketing. Vocational training also covered make-up artistry and hair styling, catering services, and nail technology. Beyond technical skills, participants also received psychosocial support through mentorship, leadership training, and health services, including HIV testing and gender-based violence awareness.
