Program Officer, SAFEStart+ Project

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PATH is a global nonprofit dedicated to achieving health equity. With more than 40 years of experience forging multisector partnerships and with expertise in science, economics, technology, advocacy, and dozens of other specialties, PATH develops and scales up innovative solutions to the world’s most pressing heath challenges. 

Project Overview: SAFEStart+

The SAFEStart+ project aims to scale up integrated elimination of vertical transmission (EVT) programs in comprehensive-engagement countries and address barriers to EVT scale-up and validation in focused-activity countries. The project disseminates innovations, evidence, and lessons to accelerate the adoption of effective EVT models and advance regional learning, policy influence, and market-shaping interventions across Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

Position Summary

The Program Officer will lead the implementation of the SAFEStart+ project in Malawi, ensuring coordinated delivery of project outputs and alignment with national priorities. The role includes conducting situational analyses, supporting EVT integration at subnational and facility levels, coordinating adaptive learning processes, overseeing implementation science research, and strengthening market access and supply chain pathways.

The Program Officer will work closely with the Senior Program Officer and PATH Malawi, the global technical team, health authorities, technical working groups (TWGs), community structures, and implementing partners. The position supervises the Program Officer, MEL Officer and the Finance Assistant.

Key Responsibilities

1. Situational Analysis and Survey Implementation

• Provide input into the development and refinement of the EVT situational analysis tool.
• Deploy the tool annually to assess progress in EVT integration.
• Co-develop and implement the Values & Preferences (V&P) survey for providers and clients.
• Secure necessary ethical and administrative approvals.
• Conduct data collection, perform analysis, and prepare reports for dissemination.

2. EVT Integration Implementation

• Identify priority catchment areas for enhanced EVT integration.
• Collaborate with health authorities to co-develop subnational EVT integration plans.
• Adapt national and facility-level guidance to align with project objectives.
• Train relevant healthcare worker cadres to implement EVT interventions.
• Provide technical assistance, supportive supervision, and motivation mechanisms for local authorities and facilities.

   3. Clinical Responsibilities (Added Section)

• Support clinical teams in applying updated EVT protocols across MNCH, HIV, and Hepatitis services.
• Provide onsite clinical mentorship to strengthen provider competencies in EVT interventions, including HIV/Syphilis/Hepatitis testing algorithms, ART initiation, and maternal–infant follow-up.
• Assist facilities in implementing differentiated service delivery (DSD) models for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
• Collaborate with facility and district clinical leads to address service delivery gaps and strengthen linkage and retention in care.
• Participate in clinical review meetings, mortality audits, and quality improvement (QI) initiatives related to EVT.
• Ensure adherence to national clinical guidelines and contribute to their adaptation where necessary.

4. Adaptive Learning and Process Evaluation

• Co-create adaptive learning plans addressing gaps and identifying opportunities for innovation.
• Support ongoing learning cycles through pause-and-reflect sessions and stakeholder engagement.
• Document promising practices, innovations, and lessons learned.

5. Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning (MEL) (Separated Section)

• Develop a comprehensive M&E plan and learning agenda aligned with EVT integration models.
• Strengthen facility and district systems to capture EVT-relevant data.
• Oversee bi-annual data collection and ensure data quality assurance.
• Compile, analyze, and interpret M&E data for reporting and decision-making.
• Supervise and provide technical support to the MEL Officer.

6. Implementation Science Research

• Support the design of implementation science studies within SAFEStart+.
• Lead ethical and regulatory submissions for research activities.
• Contribute to protocol development and study tools.
• Oversee data collection, data quality, and field implementation.
• Participate in data analysis and dissemination of results.

7. Market and Supply Chain Assessment

• Work with PATH’s Global Market Access team to assess market and supply chain dynamics for EVT products.
• Identify access barriers related to product uptake, financing, regulatory pathways, and procurement mechanisms.
• Address bottlenecks within national supply chain systems to ensure reliable availability of EVT commodities.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Health, Nursing Degree, Medical Degree, Social Sciences, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in project management or public health programming.
• Experience in clinical mentorship, facility-level implementation, or MNCH/HIV/EVT clinical services is an advantage.
• Demonstrated experience in situational analyses, surveys, M&E, or implementation science.
• Strong understanding of HIV, Hepatitis, MNCH, and EVT policies and programs in Malawi.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder engagement, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to coordinate across diverse teams, including government, partners, and community structures.
• Proficiency in data analysis and technical report writing.
• Fluency in English; knowledge of local languages is an asset.