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Late Ms. Josephine Tapgun

IHVN Mourns Board Director – Hon Josephine Tapgun

The Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) deeply mourns the passing of its esteemed Board Director, Ms. Josephine Tapgun, who departed on November 3, 2024.

Hon. Tapgun was appointed to the IHVN Board in 2012, where she made invaluable contributions to the Institute’s growth and success. With her extensive experience as the former Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, alongside over 20 years of service in the public sector, Hon. Tapgun played a pivotal role in the strategic management and governance of the Institute.

IHVN Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Patrick Dakum said that “her unwavering commitment to public health has left a lasting impact on IHVN, and she will be profoundly missed by the board and all who had the privilege of working with her. The Institute extends its deepest condolences to her family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time,” he said.

Before her passing at 64 years, Josephine Tapgun made a tremendous impact through her exemplary leadership and unwavering commitment to nation-building. She served in various key capacities, including as an Assistant Director in both the Ministries of Power and Youth Development. Additionally, Ms. Tapgun was an Assistant Chief Consulting Officer for the National Council on Inter-Governmental Relations (NCIR), where she was responsible for monitoring activities and resolving conflicts between different tiers of government.

Ms. Tapgun was a highly respected expert in her field of psychology.  She earned a Master of Science degree in Organizational Psychology from the University of Jos in 1989, following her earlier achievement of a Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Psychology. Her extensive academic background and professional experience positively influenced the various institutions she served.

Senior Program Officer-Monitoring & Evaluation | Abuja

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’s vision is to provide quality health services, capacity building, and research in West Africa and beyond.

To further drive quality and engender global best practices in our operations, IHVN is seeking qualified candidates for the following position:

PositionSenior Program Officer-Monitoring & Evaluation
Scheduled Work TimeMonday – Friday (Flexibility, willing to travel and work weekends)
Reports toProgram Manager- SI
Operational ContactsHIV Lead, TB Lead, Program Management Team, Project Director
LocationCentral, Abuja

Opening Date: 13th November 2024

Closing Date: 27th November 2024

Project Overview

The Institute of Human Virology, Nigeria (IHVN), through funding from The Global Fund (GF), will be implementing the Grant Cycle 7 (GC7) grant, a combined TB &HIV effort pivotal to transforming TB & HIV programs. Under the leadership and coordination of the National AIDS and STDs Control Programme (NASCP), the National TB and Leprosy Control Programme (NTBLCP), and the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), this project will increase the identification of all forms of TB cases in the community and ensure prompt access to high-quality, patient-centered prevention and treatment through a Nationwide coverage of TB Public-Private Mix active TB case finding effort, and Community TB testing. The HIV component of the grant will focus on four states (Ebonyi, Anambra, Kwara, and Gombe) for end-to-end HIV comprehensive services, community PMTCT scale-up in all states,  PrEP in the four GF-supported states and in other states where PEPFAR IPs will be operating, and support harm reduction program (specifically needles and syringes) in 12 states. Other focus areas include Health Systems Strengthening/Resilient and Sustainable Systems for Health (RSSH) and National level support activities.

Position Overview

Under the supervision of the Program Manager, the (SPO SI) will ensure data quality and best practices in data collection, data management, and data reporting at different levels. Promote health system strengthening activities.

Description and objectives:

Under the supervision of the Program Manager SI, the SPO will provide strategic leadership in the design, development, and implementation of the M&E framework within the state or region of implementation.

Responsibilities:

  • Ensure that data collection and reporting flow are strictly adhered to
  • Troubleshoot data flow choke points and resolve them in a timely manner.
  • Ensure proper management of PMM data
  • Distribution of Data Collection Tools to thematic areas
  • Liaise with different thematic units to resolve data quality issues and take necessary corrective actions
  • Participate in periodic external data quality assessments
  • Ensure strict adherence to M&E SOPs.
  • Supervise the daily activities of Data entry clerks & documentation clerks at the site
  • Ensure timely, complete, and consistent reports come in from sites
  • Ensure the utilization of standardized monitoring and evaluation indicators and tools for consistency in measurement at all supported sites
  • Monitor the stock balance of DCTs at sites and ensure availability at all times; submission of DCT utilization reports.
  • Participate in data processes from collection, collation, analysis, reporting, and use.
  • Participate in health system-strengthening activities
  • Assist in generating regular gap analysis to show site progress towards achieving set targets.
  • Provide regular on site supervision and mentoring on monitoring and evaluation processes and tools
  • Participate in periodic data quality assessments at IHVN-supported sites
  • Participate in all HMIS processes in the state
  • Perform other duties as assigned by his/her Head of Unit, Strategic Information

Required competencies:

Core requirements:

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills to convey complex information clearly and concisely.
  • Ability to prepare comprehensive reports and present findings to diverse audiences.
  • Strong analytical and quantitative skills to interpret data and draw meaningful conclusions.
  • Ability to analyze trends, identify patterns, and make data-driven recommendations.

Education and Experience:

Academic training:

  • A University degree in any of the following or related fields: Medicine, Pharmacy, natural and social sciences, statistics and epidemiology. A master’s degree will be an added advantage.
  • A minimum of 5-8 years of relevant work experience in monitoring and evaluation roles.
  • Experience in roles with progressively increasing responsibilities, demonstrating a track record of success and growth in the field.
  • Direct experience in designing and implementing monitoring and evaluation frameworks for projects or programs, focusing on measurable outcomes and impact.
  • Proven experience in data analysis, interpretation, and reporting. Familiarity with statistical tools and software is often required.
  • Experience in managing or leading a team, providing guidance and mentorship and ensuring the effective coordination of monitoring and evaluation activities.
  • Understanding of project management principles, with the ability to coordinate M&E activities within project timelines.

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 abide by 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.

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 closes 14 days from the date of this publication, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.  

Program Officer-Health Informatics (Java Developer) | Abuja

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’s vision is 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, IHVN is seeking qualified candidates for the following position:

Position Program Officer-Health Informatics (Java Developer)
Scheduled Work TimeMonday – Friday (Flexibility, willing to travel and work weekends)
Reports toDirector Strategic Information
LocationCentral, Abuja

Opening Date: 7th October, 2024

Closing Date: 19th October 2024

Position Overview

The Health Informatics Unit, within the Department of Strategic Information at the Institute of Human Virology, Nigeria (IHVN), leads the implementation of Health Information Systems designed to support public health interventions at both facility and community levels.

The Unit oversees a range of Health Information Systems, including the Nigeria Medical Record System (NMRS), Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), DHIS2, NMRS Community Mobile Systems, National Data Repository (NDR), NMRS Commodity Management Module, NMRS-to-LIMS exchange module, NOMIS, IHVN Central Data Repository (CDR), and additional emerging platforms.

The Unit’s mission is to deploy functional, sustainable, and locally relevant Health Information Systems that ensure the availability of high-quality data, enhancing patient care, and enabling robust monitoring and surveillance of public health programs.

Responsibilities:

  • Extend the functionality of the Nigeria Medical Record System by building custom modules in line with the needs of our very dynamic HIV AIDS, TB, PMTCT, and HTS program.
  • Extend the functionality of other Health Information systems like Central Database Repository, NMRS Mobile or  DHIS2 in line with changing user needs.
  • Test components Health Information System Components, NMRS modules, and applications (mobile and web) developed by other CDC partners before deployment.
  • API integration of different Health Information Systems for a secure data exchange. Example EMR to Central Database JSON exchange, EMR to SMS system exchange.
  • Ensure that standard software development processes and protocols are followed in all software projects (Clean Coding, Architecture, Documentation, Source Code management)
  • Routine reporting to the Program Manager Health Informatics on the status of Health Informatics Interventions at facility and community level (NMRS Module Deployment
  • Any other responsibilities may be assigned as our Health Information System needs change with time.

Specific Deliverables:

  • Central Data Repository Upgrades: Develop, Upgrade, and Maintain Java Components of IHVN’s CDR (ETL, Consumer, MongoDB, Application Servers etc).
  • OpenMRS Development: Develop, Upgrade, and Maintain NMRS Modules Reporting Module, SMS Module, OpenMRS Synch Module.
  • HIS Component Development: Participate in the development of Health Information System components like PIMS, Facility Registry (FR), Health Worker Registry (HWR), Terminology Service (TS), Shared Health Record (SHR), and Deduplication Service as required by FG and other stakeholders.
  • Testing and Debugging: Testing, debugging, maintaining, and troubleshooting issues with HIS components developed in-house or by 3rd parties.
  • Software Engineering Best Practices: Adhere to Software Engineering best practices (Documentation, Testing, Development, Source Code Management, Deployment etc)
  • Routine Reporting: Ensure that superiors and other stakeholders are updated routinely on the progress of Health Informatics-related interventions at the facility or community level.

Education,  required skills and experience:

  • Bachelor’s degree or HND in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Physics, or related fields.
  • Strong proficiency in Java and experience working with Java-based frameworks.
  • Experience in customizing and extending OpenMRS, DHIS2, OpenSRP2, or similar Health Information Systems.
  • Hands-on experience with ETL processes and transforming large datasets for analytical purposes.
  • Experience with MongoDB, PostgreSQL and MySQL for data storage and retrieval.
  • Knowledge of data integration methods, especially in healthcare environments.
  • Familiarity with RESTful APIs and web services.
  • Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work in a collaborative team environment.
  • Experience with version control systems like Git.

Additional Qualifications:

  • Experience in public health or healthcare informatics.
  • Familiarity with FHIR or other healthcare data standards.
  • Experience working with OpenMRS, DHIS2, OpenSRP2
  • Knowledge of Docker, Kubernetes, or other containerization technologies.

Willingness to travel to the States within Nigeria.

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.

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 closes 14 days from the date of this publication, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.  

IHVN Celebrates 20th Anniversary with Festive Dinner

It was an evening of glitz, glamour, and merriment when the Board of Directors, management, staff, family members, friends, and beneficiaries of the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) gathered in Abuja to celebrate two decades of excellence in public health implementation, capacity building, and research. 

During the dinner, there were inspiring speeches, staff testimonials, award presentations to long-serving staff, games, and dancing. At the event, IHVN Chief Executive Officer,  Dr. Patrick Dakum recounted the Institute’s progress from its establishment in 2004 till date. 

“Over the years, we have provided HIV medications to more than 600,000 individuals, supported orphans and vulnerable children across the country, and restored hope for many living with HIV, including children. Some children who were born with HIV when we were established and at the point of death are now getting ready to be married.”

He said that IHVN has expanded its services to non-communicable diseases and has grown to host two centers, the Center for Public Health Implementation and the International Research Center of Excellence (IRCE).

IRCE Executive Director, Prof. Alash’le Abimiku stressed the importance of research and small beginnings and urged young researchers to keep dreaming. 

IHVN Chief Operating Officer and Managing Director, Dr Charles Olalekan Mensah also took guests down memory lane to trace the Institute’s achievements. 

IHVN is a leading non-governmental organization established in 2004 to address the HIV/AIDS crisis in Nigeria by developing infrastructure for treatment, care, prevention, and support for people living with and affected by HIV/AIDS. The Institute has expanded its services to other infectious diseases like tuberculosis, malaria, and non-infectious diseases, including cancers. As a local organization, the Institute is structured to collaboratively develop and maintain linkages within and outside the country that support the Government of Nigeria’s health sector strategic plans. 

USAID TB LON 3 Project Hosts Review Meeting for Medical Directors

To ensure the provision of quality tuberculosis services in Lagos State, the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) has organized a program review meeting for medical directors of health facilities implementing the USAID Tuberculosis Local Organizations Network (TB LON 3) project in Lagos State.

About 30 medical directors and representatives from the Lagos State Ministry of Health attended the meeting which featured plenary discussions on challenges and strategies to improve out-patient screening optimization, childhood tuberculosis, drug-resistant tuberculosis, tuberculosis prevention therapy, treatment completion by patients, human resources for health and electronic medical record integration.

USAID TB LON 3 Lagos State Team Lead, Dr. Babajide Kadri welcomed participants to the meeting and enjoined all to work towards ensuring quality of care in their different facilities.

“The meeting is part of quality improvement initiative under the TB LON 3 project in Lagos state. It is also aimed at updating the medical directors on the TB implementation status in their facilities as well as getting feedback from them on the program. Key expectations from participants include, better ownership of TB program by the facility management, improvement in the quality of services provided to the patients,  improvement in project performance indicator and resolution of the programmatic and operational challenges affecting project implementation”, he said.

Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Olusegun Ogboye stressed the need for patients to be involved in developing a joint treatment plan for tuberculosis.  

“We should adapt the program to the needs of the people, explain to them the next steps, and let them know when to start medication. This will make them committed to adherence to the medications.” He reiterated his commitment to supporting health facilities in the state to ensure efficient delivery of health services.