Consultoría Nacional: para asistencia técnica para fortalecimiento del Comp. ITS/VIH del MINSA, eliminación de la transmisión materno-infantil del VIH y la sífilis congénita, Nicaragua. (remoto, 6 meses)

Organizational Context

UNICEF promotes the rights and wellbeing of every child. Together with our partners, we work in 190 countries and territories to make this commitment a reality, working tirelessly to end the inequalities faced by children. We work in some of the world's toughest places, to reach the most disadvantaged children.

Job Purpose

The consultant will provide technical assistance to the Ministry of Health (MINSA) Component on Sexually Transmitted Infections/HIV (STI/HIV) to accelerate the Elimination of Mother-to-Child Transmission (EMTCT) of HIV and syphilis (including Hepatitis B, HB) and congenital Chagas prevention. This involves strengthening care for pregnant women and exposed children, improving regulations, the information system and Epidemiological Surveillance (SIVE), cascades, and the capacities of health personnel. The consultant will coordinate preparatory steps for EMTCT validation, ensuring quality evidence (data, program, laboratory, rights) in accordance with WHO/PAHO criteria, in coordination with MINSA and partners. The goal is to enhance the national response to HIV and congenital infections, ensuring that children have the right to health and a life free from these preventable diseases.

Responsibilities

Macro product 1 – Acceleration of EMTCT and the Maternal, Neonatal, and Child (MNC) network: (a) Monthly monitoring of pregnant women and exposed children (HIV, syphilis, HB, Chagas) with dashboards per SILAIS; (b) EMTCT report with gap analysis (proviral DNA ≤2 months, partner treatment, Viral Load at 36 weeks (VL), missed opportunities) and improvement plan; (c) Support visits to prioritized SILAIS (e.g., Bilwi/Managua/Chinandega) with rapid record audit/triangulation and laboratory flows; (d) Coordination with Non-Profit Organizations (OSFL) for the 2026 Annual Operating Plan (POA); (e) Two training cohorts (16 hours each) for Family and Community Health Teams/Intercultural Groups for Integral Health (ESAFC/GISI) with pre/post measurement, rapid testing practice, and registration. Macro product 2 – Programmatic management, information, and validation: (f) Support for the 2026 STI/HIV situation report; (g) Development of the Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) cascade and prevention in pregnant women, with recommendations for retention and suppression; (h) Accompanied update of guides/protocols and registration formats (aligned with international guidelines); (i) Data quality package and proposal for SIVE adjustments (pilot in ≥2 SILAIS) to improve user-friendliness and integration with laboratory; (j) Readiness roadmap towards EMTCT validation, aligned with WHO/PAHO 2022 Governance: formation of the National Validation Committee, timeline, and checklists/templates for data, laboratory, program, and rights/participation.

Work Experience

A minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in public health programs, with a focus on HIV/AIDS, maternal and child health, or infectious disease control. Experience working with government ministries and international organizations is desirable. Experience in Nicaragua or the Latin America and Caribbean region is an advantage.

Skills

Technical assistance, HIV/AIDS prevention and control, Mother-to-child transmission elimination, Syphilis and congenital infection prevention, Maternal and child health, Epidemiological surveillance, Data analysis and reporting, Program management, Coordination and partnership building, Capacity building, Health information systems, Project planning and execution

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