Job Summary
- Type: temporary
- Location: Harare
- Category: Healthcare
- Closing Date: 2026-08-19
Key Responsibilities
- Offer comprehensive Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) services, including family planning, HIV testing and counselling, STI screening and treatment, and other reproductive health services within the Nurse Counsellor scope of practice.
- Perform routine physical and clinical examinations for clients attending static clinics and mobile sites, including assessment of vital signs such as blood pressure, pulse and temperature, and other clinically indicated examinations in accordance with national guidelines and scope of practice.
- Provide treatment and care for sexually transmitted infections and other reproductive health concerns in accordance with Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC) national guidelines.
- Perform rapid HIV testing and rapid syphilis testing, as well as other approved point-of-care tests, in accordance with national testing algorithms and programme procedures.
- Provide pre-test and post-test counselling, risk-reduction counselling, appropriate supportive counselling, referrals and follow-up for clients according to identified needs.
- Offer family planning counselling and, where appropriately trained and authorised, provide long-acting reversible contraceptive services, including insertion of long-acting contraceptive devices.
- Prescribe and dispense medicines appropriately according to diagnosis, national treatment guidelines and applicable professional requirements.
- Initiate eligible clients on ART or PrEP according to HIV status and MoHCC treatment and prevention guidelines.
- Provide appropriate clinical care and referral for survivors of sexual assault and gender-based violence while safeguarding client rights, dignity, privacy and safety.
- Apply Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) measures consistently to reduce the risk of communicable infections at static and outreach service points.
- Monitor adverse events and medicine-related side effects and report them through the appropriate programme and regulatory channels.
- Collect clinical specimens, including blood samples where required by approved protocols, and ensure appropriate handling, documentation and referral for laboratory testing.
- Maintain proper documentation of all clinical and laboratory procedures, findings, tests, referrals and treatment provided to programme clients using approved source documents and electronic systems, including registers, REDCap, ODK and DHIS2 where applicable.
- Update and maintain accurate, complete and confidential clinical records for all clients in accordance with programme requirements and data protection procedures.
- Participate in data verification and compile daily, weekly, monthly and quarterly statistics, key indicator reports and clinic reports within required timelines.
- Prepare and submit required monthly site reports to the National AIDS Council and other authorised stakeholders through the approved reporting channels.
- Maintain the quality and organisation of site drug rooms and ensure appropriate storage conditions for medicines and clinical commodities.
- Monitor drugs, commodities and clinic sundries regularly and maintain adequate stock levels to support uninterrupted service delivery.
- Order drugs, clinic sundries and other clinical supplies at site level in line with approved requisition and stock-management procedures.
- Maintain accurate stock records, monitor expiry dates and storage temperatures, and place orders on time to reduce stock-outs, wastage and service interruptions.
- Attend clinic, programme and stakeholder meetings as required and maintain appropriate minutes and records.
- Schedule mobile clinic visits and support the planning and coordination of static, outreach, night outreach and mobile service activities.
- Coordinate outreach activities with Outreach Workers and maintain cordial working relationships with MoHCC, the National AIDS Council, implementing partners and other health service providers.
- Carry out any other duties assigned by the Site Manager/Lead, Programme Coordinator or Regional Coordinator in support of programme delivery.
- Coordinate referrals, service layering and linkage of clients to MoHCC facilities and other implementing partners according to programme procedures.
- Support continuity of care, including appropriate transition or referral of clients to MoHCC facilities in line with programme and national guidance.
- Follow up referred clients where required and maintain appropriate documentation of referral outcomes.
- Maintain professionalism and respect for client privacy and confidentiality at all times.
- Provide non-judgmental, non-stigmatizing and non-discriminatory care to all clients.
- Uphold CeSHHAR Zimbabwe policies, professional nursing standards and the nurses’ code of conduct at all times.
- Attend all CeSHHAR Zimbabwe scheduled trainings and required clinical updates.
- Maintain current knowledge and skills relevant to HIV prevention, treatment, SRH care and key population programming.
- Participate in continuing professional development and on-the-job learning as required.
Requirements
- Degree/Diploma in General nursing.
- Any post basic training such as Midwifery/Psychiatry/Community Nursing.
- Certificate in Rapid HIV certificate.
- ART and PrEP Training
- Forensic certificate.
- Certificate / diploma in counselling an added advantage.
- Family Planning with LARC.
- At least 3 years post – graduate relevant working experience.
- Experience working in NGO sector, especially in HIV/AIDS programming.
- Good knowledge on use of Microsoft word, excel and power point.
- Good interpersonal communication skills and having high respect for confidentiality.
- Good report writing skills
How to Apply
About the Company
CeSHHAR Zimbabwe, formally known as the Centre for Sexual Health, HIV and AIDS Research Zimbabwe, operates within the country. This organization is dedicated to advancing public health outcomes through focused research in sexual health, HIV, and AIDS. Its mission extends to promoting health and wellbeing for all individuals across Africa and beyond, with a critical operational base in Zimbabwe. The centre's work contributes significantly to understanding and addressing these health challenges directly impacting Zimbabwean communities. Through its research initiatives, CeSHHAR Zimbabwe plays a crucial role in improving health services and policies in the region.
Health and wellbeing for all in Africa and beyond
Website: https://ceshhar.org/
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the typical qualifications and certifications required for a Locum Nurse Counsellor role in Zimbabwe?
You would generally need to be a Registered General Nurse (RGN) with current registration with the Nurses Council of Zimbabwe. Additional training or certification in counselling, particularly in areas like HIV/AIDS, sexual and reproductive health, or mental health, is usually highly preferred.
What would be the common day-to-day responsibilities for a Locum Nurse Counsellor in a Zimbabwean healthcare setting?
Day-to-day duties involve providing comprehensive health counselling, patient education, and support in areas such as chronic disease management, reproductive health, and psychosocial well-being. You would also be expected to maintain accurate patient records and collaborate effectively with other healthcare professionals.
What are the general work culture and expectations for a Locum Nurse Counsellor working in Zimbabwe?
Expect a professional and often fast-paced environment with a strong emphasis on patient-centered care and cultural sensitivity. Adaptability to varying caseloads and different clinic or community settings is crucial, alongside adherence to local health protocols and ethical guidelines.
What realistic career progression or growth paths exist for a Locum Nurse Counsellor in Zimbabwe?
Career progression can involve transitioning to permanent counselling roles, specializing in specific health areas like mental health or palliative care, or moving into supervisory or training positions within healthcare NGOs or institutions. Further education in public health or advanced nursing can also open up new opportunities.
What typical benefits can a Locum Nurse Counsellor expect in Zimbabwe, such as leave, medical aid, or pension?
As a locum, benefits often vary significantly; usually, you are compensated on a per-shift or contract basis, which may not include standard full-time employee benefits like medical aid or pension contributions. However, some longer-term locum contracts might offer limited benefits such as pro-rated annual leave or sick leave.
How should one apply for this role in Zimbabwe, and what do employers typically look for in applicants?
Employers typically seek a strong clinical background, proven counselling skills, excellent communication, empathy, and a commitment to patient welfare. Your application should include a well-structured CV and a cover letter highlighting your relevant experience and current registration status with the Nurses Council of Zimbabwe.