Jhpiego is an international, non-profit health organization affiliated with Johns Hopkins University. For 50 years and in over 155 countries, Jhpiego has worked to prevent the needless deaths of women and their families.
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.
The Senior Program Manager serves as the Chief of Party’s principal implementation management and coordination lead, ensuring effective execution of project activities, operational excellence, and achievement of project results. SPM translates strategic plans into actionable work plans and provides day-to-day oversight of project execution across technical, operational, financial, monitoring and evaluation, and administrative functions.
Working closely with the Chief of Party, technical leadership, finance, operations, M&E and field teams, the SPM ensures the project activities are effectively coordinated, implemented on schedule, compliant with donor and organizational requirements, and aligned with national priorities. The SPM serves as the primary focal point for implementation management, facilitating communication, problem solving, risk mitigation, resource coordination, and adaptive management across all project work streams.
This position will also proactively identify opportunities to implement quality improvement and assurance initiatives in the assigned project area.
S/he will work within the project team to develop and deliver solutions to further enhance effectiveness of the projects. The SPM is responsible for the delivery of program activities within the established scope, budget and timeline. This position is accountable for ensuring that strong project management methodology, practices and tools are being applied.
Job Summary
- Type: full-time
- Location: Mbabane
- Category: Project Management
- Closing Date: 2026-07-30
Key Responsibilities
- Partner with the Chief of Party on strategic planning, prioritization, and decision-making, independently leading the operationalization and adaptive management of resulting decisions.
- Own and drive the project workplan and implementation calendar, ensuring alignment across all technical, operational and field implementation activities.
- Coordinate the quarterly program performance monitoring meetings and drive timely follow-up and resolution of action items arising from meetings, assessments, reviews, and field activities.
- Champion a culture of quality improvement, accountability, learning, and innovation throughout project implementation.
- Design and lead implementation of process improvements and operational efficiencies.
- Lead engagement between the Eswatini country office and the Global SGP team on new business development opportunities
- Independently identify and pursue new funding opportunities with local and international donors
- Lead proposal development efforts in close collaboration with technical teams and the Chief of Party
- Provide direct supervision, mentorship, coaching, and performance management to supervisees
- Foster a culture of teamwork, collaboration, continuous improvement, problem-solving, and results-oriented implementation.
- Serve as a key operational liaison with government counterparts, implementing partners, subrecipients, donors, and other stakeholders.
- Coordinate implementation of above site activities at regional level in supporting the RHMTs
- Build and maintain productive working relationships with government agencies, donors, implementing partners, and consortium members, keeping the Chief of Party informed of key developments.
- Represent the project in technical, operational, and coordination forums as delegated by the Chief of Party.
- Facilitate alignment of project activities with national priorities, policies, guidelines, and implementation frameworks.
- Establish and maintain comprehensive project documentation systems within the Jhpiego systems including work plans, meeting minutes, risk registers, implementation trackers, lessons learned, technical briefs, success stories and progress reports.
- Lead the preparation and submission of ad hoc requests for project leadership, donors, government counterparts, and other stakeholders.
- Lead development of presentations, briefing materials, success stories, technical briefs, communication products, and project updates.
- Ensure timely documentation and dissemination of project achievements, lessons learned, and implementation experiences.
Requirements
- Master’s degree in public health, Business Administration, Project Management, or a related field. .
- Minimum of 8-9 years of experience in program management, operations management, or project coordination within international development or health programs in Eswatini.
- Demonstrated experience managing complex program implementations involving multiple stakeholders and work streams.
- Prior work experience in United States Government health programs, strong familiarity with local health systems, government structures, and donor-funded programs strongly preferred.
- Strong project and program management skills.
- Excellent leadership, coordination, and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and competing deadlines.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Experience working and writing proposals
- Strong facilitation, negotiation, and relationship management skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and project management tools.
- Ability to work effectively in multicultural and multidisciplinary environments.
- Demonstrated commitment to quality, accountability, and continuous improvement.
How to Apply
To apply, please visit: jobs-jhpiego.icims.com
REF Code: 2026-7913 | Job Code: 2026-7913
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the typical qualifications and certifications expected for a Senior Programme Manager in Eswatini, especially for an international NGO like Jhpiego?
This role usually requires a Master's degree in public health, social sciences, international development, or a related field, alongside significant project management experience. Relevant certifications like PMP are highly advantageous and demonstrate a structured approach to program delivery, often sought by international organizations.
What are the common day-to-day responsibilities for a Senior Programme Manager in Eswatini, particularly when overseeing health programs?
Day-to-day tasks often involve overseeing program implementation, managing budgets and teams, and engaging with key stakeholders including government ministries and local partners. You would also be responsible for monitoring program progress, preparing comprehensive reports, and ensuring compliance with donor requirements and local regulations.
What is the typical work culture and what are the key expectations for a Senior Programme Manager working with an international NGO in Eswatini?
Eswatini's work culture often values professionalism, respect, and building strong collaborative relationships, especially when working with local government and community structures. Punctuality, clear communication, and an understanding of local context and cultural nuances are highly appreciated and essential for effective program delivery.
What are the realistic career progression opportunities for a Senior Programme Manager within an international NGO structure in Eswatini?
Successful Senior Programme Managers can advance to roles such as Country Director, Regional Programme Director, or take on more specialized technical advisory positions within the organization or other international NGOs. Growth often involves demonstrating strong leadership, strategic thinking, and a consistent track record of achieving program goals and managing complex projects effectively.
What typical benefits can a Senior Programme Manager expect from an international NGO in Eswatini, such as leave, medical aid, or pension?
International NGOs generally offer competitive benefits packages that include annual leave, sick leave, and sometimes parental leave in line with Eswatini labor laws and organizational policies. Comprehensive medical aid coverage and contributions to a provident fund or pension scheme are also common components of the compensation package.
When applying for a Senior Programme Manager role in Eswatini, what do employers typically look for in applications and during interviews?
Employers seek demonstrable experience in managing complex programs, strong leadership skills, and a proven ability to achieve results within the Eswatini context. Highlighting your experience with local stakeholders, understanding of public health challenges, and adherence to all application instructions are crucial for standing out.