Recruitment of a Regional Health Management Programme Advisor for the Health Strengthening for Human Capital Development Project - Kingdom of Eswatini

HEALTH STRENGTHENING FOR HUMAN CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT PROJECT JOB -ADVERTISEMENT REQUEST FOR CURRICULUM VITAE FOR RURAL HEALTH MOTIVATOR PROGRAM ADVISOR FOR THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH KINGDOM OF ESWATINI • Project Background The Government of Eswatini (GOE) through the Ministry of Health (MOH) is undertaking the COVID-19 Emergency Response Project (Eswatini COVID-19 ERP; P173883) and Health System Strengthening for Human Capital Development in Eswatini Project (HSS4HCDP; P168564) with support from the World Bank.

• Background to the Assignment Over the last three decades following the 1978 Alma Ata Declaration on Primary Health Care (PHC), community health workers (CHWs) were promoted to become part of many developing countries’ health systems. While there was considerable variation in the types of CHWs and the forms taken by CHW programs, CHWs’ international experiences gave rise to debates on their role in health systems and highlighted the problems associated with their management.

While successful experiments across a range of contexts provided inspiration for CHW programs, numerous challenges arose in the process of shifting from effective and small-scale local projects to national CHW schemes. Common problems cited included lack of community integration, unrealistic expectations, unsupportive environments, poor supervision, lack of appropriate incentives, high turnover, poor quality service provision and low cost-effectiveness. Over the last decade, rapid expansion in HIV/AIDS and other health programs, such as tuberculosis and malaria, and a renewed interest in child survival have propelled a shift in international thinking back towards large-scale deployment of CHWs.

Furthermore, there is significant evidence that CHWs can be used at the sub-national or the local level, even in developing countries. WHO recommends that countries should also make investments in CHW programs to facilitate proper integration of community health workers in the health systems and communities (WHO, 2018). 3.

Objectives of the Consultancy • In the context of the COVID pandemic and under normal circumstances, the objectives of the consultancy are to: • support the RHM program at the policy level, in coordination (across all levels including partner coordination), providing operational support, in program management, human resource management, monitoring evaluation and in knowledge management with an aim to strengthen the efficiency of service delivery; • design, implement, scale-up and monitor key activities funded through the GOE, and bilateral and international institutions including the World Bank 4.

Experience and Qualifications • Master’s degree in public health, community health, epidemiology, health system management or any other related field. • Good understanding of current policies and strategies specifically related to community-based health programme globally. Good understanding of the health systems including community-based health programmes in Eswatini will be preferred • At least 7+ years of experience in health programming and coordination relevant to community-based systems and CHW platform as well as designing and/or implementing community health programs, including handling of public health emergencies like disease outbreaks, epidemics, and pandemics in a developing country • Demonstrated experience in strategic, technical or operational advisory role at national program level • Previous experience working with Eswatini government or other public sector organizations in the Kingdom of Eswatini is preferred. • Fluent in English and working knowledge of SiSwati is preferred.

The MOH now invites interested, qualified candidates to indicate their interest in providing technical support and services under this consultancy. Selection shall be on the basis of examination and comparison of the qualifications and experience of the individual candidates as evidenced by their CVs. The selected individual shall be requested to submit a costed offer to undertake the work APLICATIONS: Interested consultants should submit a detailed copy of updated curriculum vitae (duties inclusive), references, copy ID and scanned copies of notarized academic or professional certifications.

Application should be addressed to: The Principal Secretary, Ministry of Health; 2nd Floor Ministry of Justice Building, Mbabane. Postal address: The Principal Secretary, Ministry of Health P.O. Box 5; Mbabane, Eswatini.

Electronic applications should be sent to Project Coordinator; shongwelu@gmail.com copy to sncedile@gmail.com and thobiledlamini.1@gmail.com no later than 11.00 hours on 12th August, 2021. All applications will be acknowledged but only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Contacts: (00268) 24045514; (00268) 24042431