Jhpiego is an international, non-profit health organization affiliated with The Johns Hopkins University. For more than 50 years and in over 155 countries, Jhpiego has worked to prevent the needless deaths of women and their families. Jhpiego provides technical support to Ministries of Health across the globe in areas including HIV/AIDS, maternal and newborn health, family planning, health workforce development, cervical cancer prevention, malaria, and IPC/WASH.
In Eswatini, Jhpiego is implementing the Reaching Impact Saturation and Epidemic Control (RISE) project. RISE is a multi-country project funded by the U.S. Government to save lives and improve health through integrated, evidence-based approaches to address urgent gaps in lifesaving services. RISE works across all levels of the health system to strengthen the HIV/TB epidemic response, to limit the spread of deadly disease outbreaks through Global Health Security (GHS) programming, and to reduce preventable morbidity and mortality through integrated maternal, newborn, and child health (MNCH), nutrition, tuberculosis (TB), and malaria services. Since 2019, RISE has supported programs in more than 25 countries across Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
Job Summary
- Employer: Jhpiego
- Job Type: Full-time
- Location: Mbabane, Eswatini
- Category: Project Management
- Closing Date: 2026-09-18
Key Responsibilities
- Provide strategic leadership and direction for laboratory systems strengthening and supply chain management activities at national and regional levels.
- Lead the design, implementation, and monitoring of laboratory and supply chain strategies aligned with Ministry of Health priorities and donor requirements.
- Serve as the primary liaison between RISE, Eswatini Health Laboratory Services, Central Medical Stores, the Ministry of Health, donors, and implementing partners on laboratory and pharmaceutical matters.
- Conducts proactive consultative meetings with Chief and Regional Technologists to discuss and address implementation issues.
- Supervise and provide oversight to RISE Laboratory and Supply Chain Advisors, ensuring high-quality technical support and project delivery.
- Establish and maintain quality assurance systems to ensure technical excellence and compliance across project activities.
- Strengthen coordination and stakeholder engagement by fostering partnerships with government, donor, and implementing partner organizations.
- Lead capacity-building initiatives, including mentoring, coaching, supportive supervision, and professional development of national and regional teams.
- Provide technical leadership in forecasting, quantification, procurement, and management of laboratory and pharmaceutical commodities to ensure uninterrupted service delivery.
- Drive continuous improvement by identifying service delivery gaps, developing corrective actions, and implementing evidence-based solutions.
- Guide project planning and implementation, including strategic plans, work plans, performance monitoring, and compliance with donor and project requirements.
- Represent the project on national laboratory and supply chain technical working groups, advisory committees, and professional forums.
- Support data-driven decision-making by working with Monitoring and Evaluation teams to track performance, assess results, and inform program improvements.
- Support documentation and knowledge management efforts, including capturing lessons learned, best practices, project achievements, and reporting to stakeholders and donors.
Requirements
- Master’s degree in a relevant field including pharmacy, laboratory sciences, logistics and supply chain management, leadership and strategic management, business administration, public health, or related degree.
- 7+ years of experience implementing and/or providing technical assistance in one or more of the following areas: Laboratory services; supply chain management; HIV testing services; and/or HIV treatment services
- 5+ years of experience working in Eswatini in procurement and supply chain management, or other relevant pharmacy or health commodities logistics sector.
- Experience working with priority health programs (HIV/TB), as well as supply chain and pharmaceutical management systems specific to HIV/TB.
- Knowledge of technical and programmatic approaches in public health sector procurement and supply management required, including all aspects of supply chain and its role in health sector programming.
- Demonstrated capabilities in capacity building at the organizational and individual levels, and experience working effectively with Ministry of Health
- Skilled in at least two or more of the following technical areas: strengthening service delivery projects; training; performance and quality improvement; and monitoring and evaluation
- Demonstrated in-depth understanding of the healthcare system in Eswatini, particularly the public health system
- Self-motivated, self-starter who can work independently and collaborate with multiple teams
- Good interpersonal skills are essential
- Ability to effectively manage others and work as part of a team
- Excellent verbal, written interpersonal and presentation skills in English
- Computer literacy, including use of basic Microsoft packages (Word, Excel & PowerPoint) and statistical packages
- Ability and willingness to work during weekends and after hours
- Ability and willingness to undertake frequent in-country travel
How to Apply
To apply, please visit: jobs-jhpiego.icims.com
REF Code: 2026-8126
About the Company
Jhpiego is a nonprofit organization for international health affiliated with Johns Hopkins University. The group was founded in 1973 and initially called the Johns Hopkins Program for International Education in Gynecology and Obstetrics, but is now referred to simply as Jhpiego.
Website: https://jhpiego.org/where-we-work/eswatini/
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications and certifications are typically required for a Senior Laboratory and Supply Chain Advisor role in Eswatini?
Employers usually require a master's degree in public health, laboratory sciences, or supply chain management, plus at least 7-10 years of relevant experience. Professional certifications such as CSCP (Certified Supply Chain Professional) or laboratory quality management training are highly valued. Experience with PEPFAR, USAID, or Global Fund-funded programs is often essential given Eswatini's heavy reliance on international health funding.
What are the common day-to-day responsibilities of this role?
Daily tasks include overseeing laboratory commodity forecasting and procurement, mentoring district laboratory teams, and coordinating with the Ministry of Health and international donors. You will also monitor supply chain performance indicators, troubleshoot stockouts of critical HIV/TB testing supplies, and ensure compliance with national and international quality standards. Regular travel to regional laboratories and stakeholder meetings in Mbabane or Manzini is typical.
How does local work culture in Eswatini affect expectations for this senior advisory position?
Eswatini's workplace culture emphasizes respect for hierarchy and formal protocols, so building relationships with Ministry of Health officials and traditional leadership is crucial. Punctuality is valued, though meetings may start with extended greetings and relationship-building. Understanding local siSwati customs and demonstrating patience with bureaucratic processes will strengthen your effectiveness in this advisory role.
What realistic career progression paths exist after this senior advisor position?
Successful advisors often advance to country director, regional technical lead, or global health supply chain director roles within international NGOs. Others transition into senior positions with Eswatini's Ministry of Health, such as Director of Laboratory Services or National Supply Chain Manager. Some pursue consulting or move into multilateral organizations like WHO or UNICEF with regional Africa portfolios.
What typical benefits should I expect or negotiate for this level of position in Eswatini?
Senior positions with international NGOs typically include comprehensive medical aid covering private facilities in Eswatini and South Africa, pension or retirement contributions, and generous annual leave often exceeding 20 days. Housing allowances, education stipends for children, and relocation support are common for expatriates or returning nationals. Always confirm whether benefits are gross or net of local tax obligations, as Eswatini's tax structure differs from neighboring countries.
How should I apply and what do employers in Eswatini specifically look for in candidates?
Apply through official NGO career portals, LinkedIn, or Eswatini's local job boards like Jobs.co.sz, ensuring your CV highlights quantifiable supply chain or laboratory systems improvements. Employers prioritize candidates with demonstrated experience in resource-limited settings and familiarity with Eswatini's HIV/TB epidemic context. Strong references from previous supervisors in sub-Saharan Africa and fluency in English with working knowledge of siSwati significantly strengthen your application.