Organization: West African Centre for Public Health and Development (WACPHD)
Project: Integrated Biological and Behavioural Surveillance Survey (IBBSS) 2026
Vacancies: 24 Positions (2 per State)
Locations: Abia, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Benue, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Lagos, Nasarawa, Oyo, Rivers & Taraba
Application Deadline: 30th April, 2026
THE MISSION
The 2026 IBBSS is Nigeria’s premier public health survey focused on generating reliable data among Key Populations (KP). As a Counsellor, you are the vital intermediary between data collection and clinical testing. You ensure that every participant’s journey through the survey is ethical, informed, and supportive.
ROLE STRATEGY
Counsellor positions are designated by typology. Applicants should demonstrate specific expertise in engaging with one or more of the following groups:
- Female Sex Workers (FSW)
- Men who have Sex with Men (MSM)
- People Who Inject Drugs (PWID)
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Clinical Counseling: Conduct high-quality pre- and post-test counseling in strict accordance with national HIV counseling guidelines.
- Consent Validation: Act as the ethical gatekeeper by validating that every participant has provided genuine, informed consent before proceeding to clinical testing.
- Referral Pathways: Facilitate immediate and effective referrals to One-Stop Shops (OSS) or KP-friendly facilities for treatment and care services.
- Workflow Coordination: Direct participants from the interviewer to the laboratorian, ensuring a seamless and confidential survey experience.
- Dual Support: Provide flexible field support, including serving as an interviewer when project needs dictate.
CANDIDATE SPECIFICATIONS
Education & Training
- Degree: Degree or Diploma in Social Sciences, Sciences, or Education.
- Specialization: Formal training on HIV Counseling and Testing (HCT) is mandatory.
Experience & Skills
- Sector Expertise: At least 3 years of experience specifically working with Key Populations in a counseling and testing capacity.
- Communication: Exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to build trust quickly with marginalized populations.
- Language: Fluency in the local dialect of the selected state is paramount.
- Residency: Must be a current resident of the state for which you are applying.
- Advantage: Previous experience with WACPHD/IGPH projects.
TECHNICAL SUCCESS FACTORS
- Ethical Rigor: Maintaining absolute adherence to ethical standards and participant confidentiality.
- Sensitivity: Demonstrating a non-judgmental approach while managing complex psychosocial dynamics.
- Local Context: Leveraging local language and cultural nuances to ensure participant comfort and data accuracy.
METHOD OF APPLICATION
Qualified candidates are invited to submit their applications via the link below. Please ensure your application clearly states your experience with specific typologies (FSW/MSM/PWID) and your state of residence.
Closing Date: 30th April, 2026.
WACPHD: Strengthening HIV response through ethical and evidence-based interventions.