VACANCY: HIV PEER COUNSELLING MANAGER
- PSGDN
- Jan 8
- 4 min read
ORGANISATION: Fiji Network for Positive People (FJN+)
SECTION/DIVISION: Central, Western, Northern
REPORTS TO: Executive Director – FJN+
DATE OF COMMENCEMENT: FEBRUARY 2026
DURATION: 18-month contract, with 6-month probation period
RENUMERATION: $45,000 annual gross salary
OVERVIEW
Formally launched in 2025, the HIV Peer Counselling program offers people newly diagnosed with HIV or newly reengaging in care dedicated support from peer counsellor. Peer counsellors are individuals living with HIV who possess expertise in empowering and supporting their peers throughout their journey with HIV. The program is led by FJN+ and aims to provide people living with HIV aged over 18 with health and well-being support, as well as guidance around treatment adherence. The purpose of HIV Peer Counselling is to ensure all people living with HIV can live well and thrive with HIV.
PURPOSE OF THE ROLE
The HIV Peer Counselling Manager supervises all HIV Peer Counsellors and leads the program implementation and coordination. They are responsible for supporting and empowering the Peer Counsellors and ensuring they have the right tools, conditions, and training to create impact in their work. The Program Manager also works closely with health facilities where Peer Counsellors are stationed, to ensure the correct working conditions and expectations, as well as efficient communications between the Peer Counsellors and staff at the health facility.
This role will be under the overall supervision of the Executive Director of the Fiji Network for People Living with HIV. This role will be under the overall supervision of the Executive Director of the Fiji Network for People Living with HIV. The successful candidate will also collaborate closely with Burnet, who is the principal funding partner, to undertake additional responsibilities, including activities related to donor needs, reporting, and compliance.
FJN+’s Vision is that "People of Fiji living with HIV remain socially integrated and lead positive and productive lives." The HIV Peer Counselling Manager will foster support this vision by creating an environment of inclusion, dignity, and social integration for people living with HIV. They ensure that Peer Counsellors embody and promote these values in their work and interactions.
The role requires the Manager to have an in-depth understanding of HIV services in Fiji to advise where and how the Peer Counsellors can complement clinical care and work with the health teams. In line with FJN+’s Mission to "improve the quality of lives of people living with HIV and their families," the Manager will ensure that the peer-led approach promotes empowerment, dignity, and improved health outcomes for clients.
The Manager must be committed to providing ongoing training, empowerment, and pastoral care to the Peer Counsellors. They will also be a Master Trainer of the HIV Peer Counselling Toolkit, and able to train and empower future Peer Counsellors who join the program.
Rooted in FJN+’s Core Values and Principles, which include collaboration, meaningful involvement of people living with HIV (PLHIV), tolerance, equality, empathy, compassion, and respect, the Manager promotes these values within the program. They work to ensure that Peer Counsellors operate with empathy and respect, fostering a supportive environment for clients and staff alike.
The Manager must also have deep knowledge of Fiji’s peer-led HIV response, how HIV Peer Counselling fits within the broader context, and where HIV Peer Counsellors can contribute to and support other programs within the peer-led response. Their role is to liaise and engage with other leaders of the HIV response and represent the Peer Counselling program in formal panels, strategy meetings, or other decision-making contexts which impact the program itself. The Manager will also coordinate the monitoring and evaluation and report to key stakeholders on the impact and reach of the Peer Counselling program.
OVERVIEW POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS
Supervise HIV Peer Counsellors across the country, and provide ongoing skills development and training with the HIV Peer Counselling Toolkit
Provide pastoral care to Peer Counsellors, enabling them to debrief and communicate any challenges faced in their role
Engage with the Officers In-Charge at each Health Facility to ensure correct working conditions and expectations of the Peer Counsellors
Liaise with Offices In-Charge to enable Peer Counsellors to complement clinical care and work cohesively with the broader health team
Oversee the submission of reports from Peer Counsellors, to monitor the impact and reach of the Peer Counselling program
Lead monthly learning workshops, for further training and skills development
Attend formal meetings with other key stakeholders leading the HIV response, as well as other peer networks, as representative of the HIV Peer Counselling program
Monthly reporting to Ministry of Health and Officers In-Charge of the Health Facility around program impact and monitoring indicators.
Active participation in the corporate activities of the FJN+ as and when required
WORKING CONDITIONS
The incumbent will need to work a total of 7 hours per day (9am to 4:00pm daily) for five (5) days per week .
Travel to other divisions will occur throughout the year, to meet with partners and provide in-person support to the Peer Counsellors
Once the incumbent starts, FJN+ will support them to find a suitable workstation in their division, although remote working is also accepted for this role.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
University qualification (bachelor’s degree or higher) is preferred
Certificate in counselling, psychology or related field
Minimum 7 years’ experience in counselling or related roles in Fiji
Lived experience with HIV is considered an asset, candidates with such experience are encouraged to apply and may choose to disclose this during the recruitment process
Proven experience working with diverse communities, including marginalized or vulnerable groups
Proficient IT Skills (MS Suite), or willingness to learn
Completed training in using HIV Peer Counselling toolkit
Excellent communication skills, both oral and written
Well Organised and detail oriented, and capable managing multiple tasks
Commitment to working in accordance with Ministry of Health Policies Procedures.
SEND YOUR APPLICATION TO
DEADLINE
23 January 2026
Note: FJN+ welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds who meet the specified qualifications and experience. While lived experience with HIV and in peer support programs is helpful, FJN+ look for qualities like skills, kindness, and a strong commitment to helping people living with HIV
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