MINISTRY OF HEALTH
KINGDOM OF ESWATINI
CONSULTANCY SERVICES
TERMS OF REFERENCE AND SCOPE OF SERVICES
SENIOR HIV/STIs/EPREVENTION, CARE AND TREATMENT SPECIALIST
Joint TB/HIV/EMTCT and Community Programme Review 2026
Type of Contract Short-term technical assistance/consultancy
Expertise Required One (1) Senior HIV/STIs/VH Prevention, Care and Treatment Specialist
Duty Station Mbabane, Eswatini, with travel to selected regions and facilities in Eswatini
Duration 14 days
Dates 08 -19 June 20261. Background
The Kingdom of Eswatini, a lower-middle-income country of approximately 1.1 million people, bears one of the highest HIV burdens globally, with adult prevalence estimated between 24.8% and 27% and about 220,000 people living with HIV. The country is also among the 30 high-TB/HIV burden countries. Despite this, Eswatini has made significant progress toward epidemic control, achieving 94- 97-96 across the HIV cascade (SHIMS3, 2021), reducing incidence to 0.62%, and sustaining strong treatment outcomes, with 97% viral suppression among 154,393 tests in 2024/25. The Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (EMTCT) program has reached near-elimination targets, with an 18 – 24-month transmission rate of 1.34% in 2024, while TB incidence has declined modestly.
KINGDOM OF ESWATINI
CONSULTANCY SERVICES
TERMS OF REFERENCE AND SCOPE OF SERVICES
SENIOR HIV/STIs/EPREVENTION, CARE AND TREATMENT SPECIALIST
Joint TB/HIV/EMTCT and Community Programme Review 2026
Type of Contract Short-term technical assistance/consultancy
Expertise Required One (1) Senior HIV/STIs/VH Prevention, Care and Treatment Specialist
Duty Station Mbabane, Eswatini, with travel to selected regions and facilities in Eswatini
Duration 14 days
Dates 08 -19 June 20261. Background
The Kingdom of Eswatini, a lower-middle-income country of approximately 1.1 million people, bears one of the highest HIV burdens globally, with adult prevalence estimated between 24.8% and 27% and about 220,000 people living with HIV. The country is also among the 30 high-TB/HIV burden countries. Despite this, Eswatini has made significant progress toward epidemic control, achieving 94- 97-96 across the HIV cascade (SHIMS3, 2021), reducing incidence to 0.62%, and sustaining strong treatment outcomes, with 97% viral suppression among 154,393 tests in 2024/25. The Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (EMTCT) program has reached near-elimination targets, with an 18 – 24-month transmission rate of 1.34% in 2024, while TB incidence has declined modestly.
However, key program and system gaps remain. New infections are concentrated among adolescent girls and young women (AGYWs), and gaps persist in reaching men, paediatric and adolescent care, retention, and service integration. Weaknesses in commodity security, laboratory systems, and data platforms – particularly Client Management Information System (CMIS), Laboratory Management Information System (LMIS), and fragmented reporting systems – limit data quality and use.
As the National Health Sector Response Plan to HIV/STIs/VH 2024 – 2028, EMTCT Strategy and National TB Strategic Plan (2024 – 2028) are midway through implementation, the Ministry of Health (MoH) is conducting a Joint TB/HIV/EMTCT Review to assess performance, identify bottlenecks, and inform future strategies, including strengthening HIV coordination and service delivery through specialized technical support.
Job Summary
- Type: contract
- Location: Mbabane
- Category: Public Health
- Closing Date: 2026-05-14
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the assessment of all HIV/VH/STIs prevention, Care and treatment cascade
- Work closely with the National HIV/AIDS Program Officer and other thematic specialists to ensure HIV prevention, care and treatment findings are integrated into the overall health program review.
- Facilitate key informant interviews with program officers and frontline staff at national, regional, and facility levels.
- Analyse client flows between service delivery (community to facility) points to identifying bottlenecks and inefficiencies.
- Review the integration of non-HIV services and HIV at all levels of care and coordination
- Prepare a thematic report on findings, including prioritized recommendations for systems strengthening.
- Present findings to the program review debriefing meeting and contribute to the consolidated program review report.
Requirements
- Medical degree (MBChB/MD or equivalent) from a recognised institution.
- Master’s degree in public health, Epidemiology, Internal Medicine, Infectious Diseases, Paediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Family Medicine, Public Health Medicine, or another relevant postgraduate qualification.
- Additional formal training or certification in HIV medicine / HIV programme management is required; subspecialty expertise in infectious diseases, paediatrics, public health, or implementation science will be a strong advantage.
- At least 10 years of progressively responsible experience in HIV prevention, care, and treatment programming in sub-Saharan Africa, including experience at the national or large sub-national programme level.
- Demonstrated experience leading or substantially contributing to HIV programme reviews, evaluations, strategic planning exercises or performance improvement processes.
- Strong technical expertise across the continuum of HIV services, including combination prevention, ART programme management, viral load monitoring, management of treatment failure, advanced HIV disease, TB/HIV and adolescent/paediatric HIV.
- Demonstrated ability to analyse and interpret epidemiologic, programme, laboratory and routine monitoring data and translate findings into practical recommendations.
- Strong understanding of health systems issues relevant to HIV outcomes, including supply chain, laboratory systems, quality improvement, community systems and data use for decision- making.
- Excellent facilitation, stakeholder engagement, writing and presentation skills..
- Prior experience working in the Eswatini health sector or with the Eswatini Ministry of Health is an asset.
- Prior work experience in Eswatini or comparable high HIV burden settings.
- Experience in HIV drug resistance, differentiated service delivery, quality improvement, and program sustainability planning.
- Experience bridging prevention and treatment programming rather than working in a single technical silo.
- Familiarity with donor-supported HIV program reviews and joint government-partner review processes
- Excellent written and spoken English is required.
- Ability to communicate technical findings clearly to non-technical audiences, including senior program managers and policymakers.
- Knowledge of siSwati is an advantage but not required.
- Critical thinking, strong communication skills, team player, cultural sensitivity, stakeholder engagement, diplomacy, autonomy, facilitation skills
- Strong analytical, synthesis, and report-writing skills.
- Excellent stakeholder engagement and facilitation skills.
Application Details
Requirements (Submit the following):
- Detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Certified academic certificates
- Recent Good Clinical Practice certificate
- Cover letter indicating the position applied for
Submission Email:
snapresource@gmail.com
Address:
The Principal Secretary
Ministry of Health
P.O. Box 5
Mbabane, Eswatini
Deadline:
14 May 2026
Important Note:
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted
If you don’t hear back within 3 weeks after the deadline, consider your application unsuccessful
About the Company
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) is a ministry of the Government of India charged with health policy in India. It is also responsible for all government programs relating to family planning in India.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications and experience are typically required for a Senior HIV/STIs Specialist role within Eswatini's Ministry of Health?
Candidates usually need a Master's degree in Public Health, Medicine, or a related field, along with a Bachelor's degree in a relevant clinical discipline. Extensive experience (e.g., 7-10 years) in HIV/STIs program management, clinical care, and policy development within a public health setting, preferably in Eswatini or Southern Africa, is crucial. Strong project management and leadership skills are also highly valued for this senior position.
What are the common day-to-day responsibilities for a Senior HIV/STIs Specialist in the Ministry of Health in Eswatini?
A specialist would typically oversee the implementation and monitoring of national HIV/STIs programs, provide technical guidance to health facilities, and contribute to policy development. This often involves reviewing data, preparing reports, coordinating with partners, and participating in meetings related to disease prevention and treatment strategies across Eswatini. You would also engage in training health personnel and ensuring adherence to national guidelines.
What is the typical work culture and what are the expectations for a senior professional within Eswatini's Ministry of Health?
The work culture is generally hierarchical and formal, with respect for seniority and established protocols being paramount. Collaboration with various stakeholders, including local health districts, NGOs, and international partners, is a key expectation, requiring strong interpersonal and negotiation skills. Punctuality, dedication, and a commitment to public service and community health are highly valued attributes.
What are the realistic career progression opportunities for a Senior HIV/STIs Specialist within the Eswatini Ministry of Health?
Career progression often involves moving into higher-level management or policy development roles, such as Chief Medical Officer, Director of Disease Control, or even roles within regional health bodies. Opportunities may also arise in specialized areas like research or international health partnerships, leveraging extensive experience in HIV/STIs. Continuous professional development and demonstrating strong leadership are key to advancing within the Ministry.
What typical benefits package can one expect as a Senior HIV/STIs Specialist within the Eswatini Ministry of Health?
Employees typically receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical aid coverage, pension contributions, and annual leave allowances. The specific terms for leave (sick leave, maternity/paternity leave) are governed by Eswatini's public service regulations. Housing allowances or other non-cash benefits may sometimes be part of the package, depending on the specific role and prevailing government policies.