Organization Summary:

Ciheb-Zambia is a non-profit local Zambian organisation supporting Ministry of Health to scale up comprehensive HIV prevention and testing services and find the best solutions to life threatening situations among communities in Zambia.

Project Overview:

The Medication-Assisted Therapy (MAT) project focuses on providing comprehensive support to the Ministry of Health in the implementation of opioid replacement therapy (ORT) for individuals with substance use disorders. The project aims to ensure the effective, safe, and regulated use of MAT through the development of national policies, guidelines, and training initiatives.

Position Summary:
The Technical Lead – Psychiatry will provide high-level technical expertise and guidance to the Ministry of Health on the implementation and scaling up of Medication-Assisted Therapy (MAT) services for individuals with opioid use disorders. The role involves contributing to policy and guideline development, leading training and mentorship initiatives for healthcare providers, and ensuring the integration of evidence-based practices in MAT treatment. The incumbent will also provide ongoing clinical support, supervise treatment protocols, and ensure quality and safety in the use of opioid replacement therapies.

Key Responsibilities:

Policy and Guidelines Development:

• Lead the development, review, and adaptation of national policies, clinical guidelines, and standard operating procedures for MAT, focusing on the safe and effective use of opioid replacement therapies.
• Collaborate with the Ministry of Health, regulatory bodies, and other stakeholders to ensure that MAT guidelines align with international best practices and local needs.
• Advise on the regulatory framework for the use of MAT medications, ensuring compliance with legal and ethical standards.

Clinical Support and Supervision:

• Provide expert psychiatric guidance on the clinical management of patients undergoing opioid replacement therapy, including identifying appropriate patients suffering from Substance use disorders, dosing protocols, and managing side effects.
• Ensure the safe and effective integration of MAT into mental health services for individuals with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders.
• Conduct regular audits and reviews of MAT treatment plans to ensure adherence to best practices and treatment goals.
• Address clinical challenges related to opioid replacement therapy and provide tailored solutions to healthcare providers.

Training and Mentorship:

• Design and lead training programs for healthcare providers on the effective use of opioid replacement therapy, focusing on clinical practices, patient management, and mental health considerations.
• Mentor clinicians and healthcare staff, providing guidance on the clinical aspects of MAT and the management of opioid use disorder in a psychiatric context.
• Conduct workshops, seminars, and on-the-job training for healthcare providers to improve their competency in opioid use disorder treatment and MAT implementation.
• Develop and disseminate training materials, case studies, and clinical tools for use in the field.

Monitoring and Evaluation:

• Support the monitoring and evaluation of MAT programs, ensuring that data on patient outcomes, treatment efficacy, and safety are collected and analyzed.
• Provide feedback and recommendations to the Ministry of Health on improvements in MAT implementation based on evaluation results.
• Collaborate with the project team to ensure that monitoring and reporting systems are in place to assess the effectiveness of MAT services.

Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement:

• Work closely with the Ministry of Health, other governmental agencies, and non-governmental organizations to promote the integration of MAT into the national mental health and substance use treatment systems.
• Facilitate stakeholder meetings and coordinate efforts to enhance the accessibility and quality of MAT services.
• Represent the project in technical working groups, conferences, and other professional forums to share knowledge and advocate for MAT services.

Qualifications:

• Medical/clinical science degree in Psychiatry or related field.
• Valid professional license to practice as a Psychiatrist in Zambia.
• Minimum of 5 years of clinical experience, with a focus on substance use disorders, mental health, and opioid replacement therapy.
• Demonstrated expertise in developing and implementing psychiatry guidelines, policies, and training programs related to MAT.
• Proven experience in providing clinical mentorship and supervision to healthcare providers.
• Familiarity with the regulatory frameworks for opioid use disorder treatment and opioid replacement therapy in Zambia.
• Experience working with government health systems and international organizations, especially in substance use treatment programs.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills.

Skills and Competencies:

• Strong clinical knowledge of substance use disorders and opioid replacement therapies.
• Ability to develop and implement evidence-based guidelines and protocols.
• Demonstrated experience in training, mentoring, and building the capacity of healthcare providers.
• Analytical skills for evaluating program data and outcomes.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with multi-disciplinary teams and stakeholders.
• High level of professionalism and ethical practice.