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!
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.
Graduands of the Adolescents and young people’s hub celebrating with a ceremonial cake cuttingDeputy Chief of Mission,(DCM) at the US Embassy, David Green receiving a guided tour of the Adolescents and young people’s hubChief Operating Officer, Dr. Charles Olalekan Mensah delivering his remarks at the AYP Hub graduation and launch ceremony.
The Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) is celebrating 20 years of “excellence in public health implementation, capacity building and research.”
IHVN 20th Anniversary – The CEO’s Founder Story
IHVN was incorporated in October 2004. It started with the implementation of a grant by Professor William Blattner, who was the Director of the Epidemiology Division of the University of Maryland, Baltimore’s Institute of Human Virology.
The Institute was established to outlast the grant and address the HIV/AIDS crisis in Nigeria by developing infrastructure for treatment, care, prevention, and support for people living with and affected by HIV. IHVN has expanded its services to other infectious and non-infectious diseases as it continues to provide quality health services, capacity building, and research with guidance from a Board of Directors consisting of seasoned and committed professionals and leaders in health, business, research, management, finance, communications, and other areas.
Since 2004, IHVN has provided HIV testing services to more than 18 million people, life-saving antiretroviral treatment to more than 600,000 people, trained over 50,000 healthcare workers, and provided tuberculosis services to more than 300,000 individuals.
As the Institute commemorates this milestone, IHVN Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Patrick Dakum said, “Some of the achievements can only be described in terms of beneficiaries that have come under the support of IHVN.”
Dr. Dakum added that IHVN has utilized financial support from funding agencies and partnership with all levels of government, the public and private sector, to put smiles of the faces of many.
The CEO praised the staff for their support, the University of Maryland for its technical guidance and stakeholders for their collaboration. He called for continued partnership in addressing the health needs of many more people in Nigeria and West Africa.
The Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) has showcased its commitment to Learning and Development (L&D) at the recent Champions for Talent Development (CTD2024) conference, themed “Igniting Sustainable Development through Learning and Development.” The conference gathered key stakeholders, policymakers, and industry experts to explore the pivotal role of L&D in fostering sustainable national development.
IHVN Program Manager L&D Department Bang Rwang, emphasized that the conference focused on examining the relationship between L&D and sustainable development. “Our participation at CTD2024 underscores how learning and development can enhance employability, creativity, and innovation,” she stated. The event featured keynote talks, panel discussions, and networking opportunities, allowing participants to share best practices and propose actionable strategies for strengthening the development agenda.
Secretary of the Abuja Chapter of the Learning and Development Network International (LDNI), Kate Pamsemlek highlighted the conference’s impact, “we identified significant opportunities for growth but stressed the need for a strategic approach to influence policy and implementation.” She noted the importance of collaboration among practitioners, professionals, and policymakers to ensure sustainable development through effective education and skills training.
The conference also addressed pressing issues, including the “Japa syndrome”—the emigration of skilled professionals—which has created skills gaps in the health sector.
“We’re excited to build on the momentum generated here,” Pamsemlek added. “Together, we can create a meaningful impact in the health sector and ensure a sustainable future for the next generation.”
“As IHVN continues to lead in health service provision and capacity building, its active role in forums like CTD2024 illustrates a robust commitment to fostering a culture of lifelong learning essential for national development. IHVN aims to tackle these challenges through enhanced capacity building and partnerships with other health organizations,” Mrs Rwang said.
IHVN Program Manager, L&D Department, Mrs. Bang Rwang receiving an award on behalf of IHVN by Business Development Director and Managing Partner of IPM Consulting GmbH, SkyNet Group Mr. Mohammed Radwan, and President & Chairman of Council Learning and Development Network International (LDNI).Mr. Olumide Ajomale,L-R, Member of the CTD2024 Conference Planning Committee, Mrs. Enokponi Iniworikabo, and IHVN Staff at the IHVN CTD 2024 exhibition booth
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
Senior Program Officer-Health Product Management
Scheduled Work Time
Monday – Friday (Flexibility, willing to travel and work weekends)
Reports to
Program Manager- Pharmacy
Location
Central, Abuja
Opening Date: 7th October, 2024
Closing Date: 19th October 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
The Senior Program Officer-HPM will work closely with the Program Manager-Pharmacy to ensure the effective coordination and implementation of all Pharmacy and Supply Chain activities in the GF-GC7 grant. S/He will collaborate closely with the National PSM stakeholders to ensure the implementation of all pharmacy and supply chain strategies in the supported states and provide technical guidance for program implementation according to the national guidelines and policies.
Description and objectives:
Under the supervision of the program manager, the Senior Program Officer-HPM (Central) will support the implementation of all pharmacy and supply chain activities under the grant.
Responsibilities:
Supports the Program Manager-Pharmacy in overseeing procurement, warehousing, distribution, logistics, and supply management activities of the GF-GC7 grant.
Works with the SRs to ensure the availability of Anti-retroviral and anti-TB medicines and medicines used to treat Opportunistic Infections, STIs, and Harm reduction at the supported facilities.
Supports the SRs to ensure timely submission of LMIS reports across the supported facilities.
Ensures rational use of all medicines according to the National HIV treatment guidelines.
Provides technical assistance to SRs to implement Pharmacovigilance and Pharmaceutical care activities according to the grant.
Works closely with the National and State PSM stakeholders to identify technical assistance required to achieve the expected outcomes for the GF GC7 grant.
Represents IHVN at relevant stakeholder engagement through meetings and conferences.
Prepares weekly and monthly project updates, reports and monthly activity plans.
Required competencies:
Core requirements:
Demonstrated coaching and mentoring ability.
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work with people of different backgrounds.
Good communication (oral and written) and facilitation skills.
Proficiency in the use of MS Office – (Word, Spreadsheet, and PowerPoint), other applicable software, and video conferencing are required.
Ability to evaluate and interpret data and prepare quality program reports.
Education and Experience:
Academic training:
Must possess a degree in a B. Pharm/Pharm D
A Postgraduate qualification/master’s level training in Public Health will be an advantage.
Must be registered with the Pharmacist Council of Nigeria and have evidence of current practicing license.
S/He must have at least 3-5 years’ experience in supply chain management of HIV/AIDS medicines and commodities.
Must be familiar with the NHLMIS platform and monitoring and interpreting supply chain indicators.
Knowledgeable on Pharmacovigilance and the available reporting channels.
Experience in the provision of LMIS and Pharmaceutical care training.
Must have at least three years’ experience with program planning, assessment, and implementation of HIV programs.
Previous experience in HIV-related operational research is an advantage.
Good knowledge of current trends and normative guidance (national and international) in HIV clinical care and service delivery.
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.
