PMTCT-Maternal Syphilis Technical Advisor

Job description

Job description

About Evidence Action

At Evidence Action, we deliver data-driven interventions that transform lives at an unprecedented scale. We identify neglected global health issues and deploy proven solutions, forging healthier futures for generations.

Our model operationalizes leading academic research (including from Nobel-winning economists). We measure progress and outcomes at every stage to ensure we’re making a real impact for people living in poverty and suffering from preventable or treatable health issues. Operating across 9 countries, our team of 800+ has reached over 500 million people, working closely with governments to scale these interventions.

Our Deworm the World program has delivered over 2 billion treatments, significantly reducing worm prevalence and generating more than $23 billion in lifetime productivity gains.
Through Safe Water Now, we’ve saved the lives of over 15,000 children.
Our Accelerator explores untapped opportunities in global health, testing low-cost interventions with the greatest potential to save and improve lives.

At Evidence Action, your colleagues are your greatest asset. You’ll partner with high-caliber colleagues in an environment blending innovation, autonomy, and teamwork. Our team excels in disruptive thinking and believes in rolling up our sleeves to get things done. If you’re looking to work flexibly and with purpose, join a team that delivers measurable change for millions.

The Role

The Ministry of Health is committed to intensifying efforts in HIV prevention and maternal syphilis control as crucial components of the national public health agenda. To strengthen and enhance existing prevention initiatives, the Ministry seeks the expertise of a Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT)-Maternal Syphilis Technical Advisor to provide technical guidance, strategic direction, and programmatic support. The PMTCT-Maternal Syphilis Technical Advisor will align efforts with the goals and targets outlined in the “National Health Strategic Plan 2022-2026,” the “National AIDS Strategic Framework 2023-2027,” and the “National HIV Prevention Road Map 2023-2027” in Zambia.

This position, which is based in Lusaka, is established through a collaborative initiative between the Ministry of Health and Evidence Action, reporting to the PMTCT Assistant Director- Disease Control, playing a pivotal role in the HIV and maternal health program teams.

Note: The position will be employed by Evidence Action, which will second the individual to the Ministry of Health.

Reports to: Assistant Director Disease Control-PMTCT

Responsibilities

As the PMTCT-Maternal Syphilis Technical Advisor, you will perform the following function(s):

Program Lead and Subject Matter Expertise:

Serve as the Ministry of Health’s representative for the Maternal Syphilis Prevention Program, managing implementation and research agreements;
Represent the Ministry of Health in technical working groups, forums, and international conferences;
Provide technical oversight for the Global Fund and NGO Sub-Recipients responsible for maternal syphilis prevention;
Provide technical leadership for the maternal syphilis prevention response in collaboration with the National AIDS Council (NAC)

Technical Assistance and Program Support:

Offer expert technical advice and clinical expertise on maternal syphilis prevention strategies and interventions;
Monitor and evaluate maternal syphilis prevention programs, track progress, identify barriers, recommend improvements, and document results;
Support the development and implementation of evidence-based maternal syphilis and HIV prevention programs and strategies;
Contribute technical input to annual work plans for maternal syphilis and HIV/AIDS, ensuring alignment with Ministry of Health priorities;
Conduct regular site visits to assess program implementation, identify challenges, and provide actionable recommendations;
Lead the design of new prevention activities, ensuring alignment with Ministry of Health strategic directions

Program Planning and Coordination:

Collaborate with departments to integrate maternal syphilis prevention into existing health programs;
Ensure maternal syphilis prevention and treatment activities comply with national and international guidelines, including national campaigns;
Coordinate with government departments, NGOs, and international partners on maternal syphilis prevention activities;
Lead coordination with provincial health teams to ensure consistent and effective implementation of maternal syphilis prevention activities across all regions; and
Liaise with the national and provincial pharmacy, labs, and supply chain departments to ensure the availability and accessibility of necessary diagnostic and treatment supplies

Program Evaluation, Monitoring, and Reporting:

Oversee the monitoring and evaluation of maternal syphilis and HIV prevention programs, ensuring data collection aligns with program goals;
Prepare regular progress reports, highlighting challenges and achievements;
Advocate for ongoing research in maternal syphilis prevention through collaboration with partners and stakeholders;
Maintain up-to-date summaries of program areas and lead prevention partners’ meetings; and
Collaborate with partners to disseminate program achievements and lessons learned

Capacity Building and Training:

Provide ongoing technical assistance, training, and consultation on the development and implementation of maternal syphilis and HIV prevention activities to MOH staff and partners; and
Foster a culture of continuous learning and skill development within maternal syphilis and HIV prevention teams

Knowledge Management and Dissemination:

Coordinate MOH maternal syphilis and HIV prevention portfolios with the National Health Strategic Plan 2022-2026, the National AIDS Strategic Framework 2023-2027, the National HIV Prevention Roadmap 2023-2027, and other prevention activities in Zambia;
Ensure incorporation of best practices, evidence-based approaches, and epidemiologically relevant strategies into all maternal syphilis and HIV prevention activities; and
Develop comprehensive communication strategies to increase awareness and engagement in maternal syphilis prevention

Additional Roles:

Develop and manage partnerships with local and international stakeholders to enhance program visibility and effectiveness;
Identify and secure additional funding opportunities to support maternal syphilis and HIV prevention initiatives; and
Provide leadership in emergency response related to maternal syphilis and HIV outbreaks

Requirements

Master’s Degree in Public Health;
Bachelor’s Degree in Public Health;
Minimum of 8-10 years of professional-level experience in HIV/AIDS and/or PMTCT/maternal syphilis prevention activities;
A full Grade Twelve (12) School Certificate with five (5) 0′ Level Credit or better including English, Mathematics and Science;
Experience in program design, strategic planning, and program management in a developing country context; and
Familiarity with local health systems, policies, and regulations related to HIV and maternal syphilis prevention

Skills and Competencies:

Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate with various stakeholders;
Demonstrated ability to work effectively within a team and mentor others;
Excellent project management and analytical skills;
Strong financial management and administrative skills to track the performance of implementing partners;
Proficient in interpreting regulatory directives and providing strategic guidance
Computer literacy, including proficiency in word processing, email, spreadsheets, and presentation software; and
Excellent written and spoken English language communication skills

Position Location

Role will be based at the Ministry of Health, Ndeke House, Lusaka

We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of Zambia employment visa at this time. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in Zambia for roles based in Zambia.

Selection Process

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview, and references will be contacted to assess past performance.

Note: The Ministry of Health reserves the right to second and/or not to appoint anyone to this position.

Logistics, working environment, and duration

The appointee will sit within the Ministry of Health (Ndeke House, Lusaka), with bi-weekly reporting to Evidence Action at their office in Lusaka.

On a quarterly basis, the appointee will work with the Ministry of Health to develop a shared work plan between the Ministry of Health and Evidence Action with a focus on the above outlined areas of implementation.

Duration:

This role will be for a period of (2) years with possibility of a follow on depending on project extension award.