The Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) is a Ugandan not-for-profit organizationwhose mission is to strengthen health systems in Africa, with strong emphasis on infectious diseases, through research and capacity development. IDI has six operational areas through which it works to achieve its mission: Prevention, Care and Treatment; Training, Research, Laboratory services (including the CAP-certified IDI Core Lab & Translational Lab), Global Health Security and Health System Strengthening.
Project Background: Title: Improving syphilis case identification and treatment among pregnant women and their male partners using assisted partner notification (APN)-Pzifer Syphilis Project
Newer syphilis point of care tests (POCT) and combined HIV-syphilis tests are helping to increase syphilis testing in pregnancy across the region. Unless infected male partners of pregnant mothers are treated, there is a chance of re-infection. Despite initiatives to increase notification of male partners of pregnant women in Uganda, partner treatment rates remain low (around 17%) . Causes of low notification include lack of knowledge, fear of partner violence, and lack of designated services for men at antenatal clinics.
Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) has received funding from Pfizer pharmaceuticals for support in prevention of Maternal Syphilis. This work will building on experience with Assisted Partner Notification program (APN) for HIV, in which trained health workers, ask people diagnosed with HIV about their sexual partners, and with the consent of the HIV-positive client, follow up and offer these partners voluntary HIV testing. The program uses a combination of phone calling and community tracing to reach the partners.
In this project, IDI will support 95% Syphilis testing in ANC, treatment for 90% positive women, and follow up women for birth outcomes and newborn treatment as required. Through APN, we will increase partners of syphilis positive pregnant women testing and treatment from 17 to 60%.
In order to successfully, implement the project, IDI is looking for a competent and experienced individual to fill the positions below:
Job Title: Research Nurse Counsellor
Vacancy Code: RNC-X001
Duty Station: Kawempe National Referral Hospital
Classification: Fixed Term (Contract), full time
Reports to: Project Coordinator

General summary: The project nurse counsellor will be responsible for follow-up on babies delivered by syphilis mother and administering of all project related procedures including, testing, treatment and follow-up on positive syphilis babies. She/he will be working together with the staff at the Health facility, will perform high level confidentiality counselling to mothersof affected neonates and refer patients for further management, care or for social support services. The Nurse Counsellor will be required to complete the District registry opened for Syphilis birth outcomes.

Key Responsibilities:
• Participate in screening and enrolment of clients with positive syphilis tests, focusing on syphilis positive pregnant mothers and newborn babies
• Administer treatment to and follow-up on the new born babies diagnosed with syphilis.
• Participate in completing registries and other documentation related to project
• Participate in routine QC/QA procedures for project documents
• Attend project staff meetings on a regular basis
• Participate as a full member of the facility health care team
• Provide a full range of counseling services to mothers with congenital syphilis babies
• Identify maternal problems and document pertinent information regarding neonatal outcome
• Assist Mothers in formulating plans for addressing problem areas
• Refer patients for further counseling to other social support institutions
• Perform any other duties as assigned by the supervisor.
• Perform any other duties assigned, as deemed necessary for project activities

Person Specification
• Minimum of a Diploma in Nursing from a recognized institution.
• Currently registered with the Uganda Nurses and Midwives Council
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience in clinical or medical research setting
• Computer literate
• Up to date training in Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and Human Subjects Research Protection (HSP)
• Previous experience with working on pregnant mothers and new born infants will be an added advantage
• Ability to speak the indigenous languages spoken in the central region will be an added advantage.
• Excellent communication skills
• Knowledge of good counselling and nursing procedures & practices
• Knowledge and understanding of HIV/AIDS and current STI treatment guidelines
• Good team player and flexible

Method of Application

Candidates that meet the above criteria and have what it takes to excel in these positions should send their CVs, including details of email address, present position, current remuneration, Certificate/testimonials and address of three (3) Referees plus telephone contact to the stipulated email address not later than 21th July, 2021. Please follow this link https://idi.mak.ac.ug/hrms  to apply for this position.

Key Notes:
1. IDI is an equal opportunity employer and does not charge a recruitment fee or any other fees at any stage of the recruitment process.
2. Internal candidates who meet the required specifications and have worked with IDI for a period of at least one year will be given priority.
3. Make sure that your application letter, CV and certificates are attached as one document.
4. Indicate the Vacancy Code as the subject line of your email.
5. Please note that if you DO NOT indicate the vacancy code as instructed above, your application will not be considered.
6. Any form of canvassing will lead to automatic disqualification.
7. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
The Senior Human Resource Manager
Infectious Diseases Institute — IDI Knowledge Centre, Makerere University Main Campus
College of Health Sciences, Makerere University
P.O. Box 22418, Kampala, Uganda