The Eswatini Medical Supplies Agency (EMSA) is a Category A public enterprise established by the Eswatini Medical Supplies Agency Act No. 3 of 2026 to procure, store and distribute essential medicines, medical supplies and health commodities to public health facilities nationwide.
EMSA is now recruiting a visionary and transformational Chief Executive Officer to provide strategic and operational leadership, lead the transformation of the public enterprise into a high-performing and commercially oriented organisation, and deliver the strategic direction of the Board of Directors. The detailed job profile is available on the following link: http://www.kq.co.sz/kqa/careers.html
Job Summary
- Type: full-time
- Location: Mbabane
- Category: Healthcare
- Closing Date: 2026-08-24
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Leadership and Governance: Provide strategic leadership, execute Board directives, ensure governance and regulatory compliance, and position EMSA as a sustainable national supply chain institution
- Operational Excellence: Oversee procurement, warehousing, inventory management, distribution, quality assurance, and digital supply chain transformation
- Financial Sustainability and Risk Management: Drive financial sustainability, diversify revenue streams, strengthen financial controls, and implement enterprise risk management
- Stakeholder Engagement: Build strategic relationships with Government, donors, development partners, private sector organizations and international agencies
- People and Organizational Development: Build a high-performing workforce, promote accountability, innovation, succession planning and performance management
Requirements
- Minimum a Master’s degree in Health Systems Management, Business Administration, Business Leadership, Supply Chain Management, or related field
- Minimum of 10 years’ progressive leadership experience, with a minimum of 5 years in a senior leadership executive role within healthcare, supply chain and operations management
- Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, institutional management and organizational transformation
- Experience in managing large-scale procurement, warehousing and distribution operations, preferably in the pharmaceutical or healthcare sector
- Strong financial management, business development and governance experience
- Experience with parastatal setup, donor engagement and private sector stakeholders
- Knowledge of WHO Good Distribution Practices and public procurement
- Experience in establishing / transforming/ leading a similar medical supplies agency
Salary
Not specified
How to Apply
To apply, please visit: kq.co.sz
About the Company
The Eswatini Medical Supplies Agency is a public entity established by the Government of Eswatini to oversee the procurement, storage, and distribution of medicines and medical supplies for the country's health sector. It evolved from the former Central Medical Stores under the Ministry of Health as part of reforms aimed at improving supply chain management of health commodities. Operating from its facilities in Mbabane, the agency serves government hospitals, health centres, and clinics across Eswatini's four regions. Its mandate includes ensuring the availability, quality, and affordability of essential medicines while reducing stock-outs in public health facilities.
Ensuring access to quality medical supplies for Eswatini
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications are typically required to become a CEO of a medical supplies agency in Eswatini?
Employers usually look for a master's degree in public health, pharmacy, business administration, or a related field, combined with senior management experience in healthcare or supply chain. Professional registrations with relevant Eswatini bodies and knowledge of public procurement regulations are highly valued. Strong leadership experience at executive level is often the deciding factor.
What are the main day-to-day responsibilities of this role?
The CEO oversees strategic planning, procurement and distribution of medical supplies, financial management, and stakeholder engagement with government, health facilities, and development partners. The role also involves board reporting, ensuring regulatory compliance, and leading senior management teams. Ensuring consistent availability of essential medicines across the country is a core accountability.
What is the work culture like for executives in Eswatini?
Work culture in Eswatini tends to be hierarchical but relationship-driven, so building trust with government ministries, boards, and traditional structures is important. Punctuality, professionalism, and respect for protocol are expected in formal settings. Collaboration with regional and international health partners is also common in the healthcare sector.
What career progression can I expect after holding a CEO position like this?
A CEO role at a national agency opens doors to permanent secretary or director-level positions in government, leadership roles in regional health organisations, or executive positions with NGOs and international agencies. It also strengthens candidacy for board memberships. Experience in public health supply chains is particularly transferable across SADC countries.
What benefits are typically offered for senior executive roles in Eswatini?
Executive packages generally include medical aid, pension contributions, generous annual leave, and sometimes housing or vehicle allowances. Exact benefits vary by employer and are negotiated at contract stage. Public agency roles may follow government-aligned remuneration frameworks.
How do I apply, and what do employers in Eswatini look for in applications?
Applications typically require a detailed CV, certified copies of qualifications, cover letter, and contactable referees, submitted as directed in the job advert before the closing date. Employers look for demonstrated leadership results, integrity, knowledge of the local health system, and clear alignment with the agency's mandate. Shortlisted candidates should prepare thoroughly for panel interviews that assess both technical and governance competence.