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.





