
Background
The Baylor College of Medicine Bristol-Myer’s Squibb Children’s Clinical Centre of Excellence (COE) in Mbabane and the associated Satellite Centres of Excellence (SCOE) at Hlathikulu Government Hospital and RFM Hospital in Manzini are a manifestation of a public-private partnership between the Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini and Baylor College of Medicine, Texas, USA. The Foundation seeks to immediately fill the following positions:
1. WASTEWATER RESEARCH ASSISTANT (Six Months)
Reporting to the Project Manager and located at Baylor Clinic Mbabane and the Department of Water Affairs, the Wastewater Research Assistant will be a detail-oriented, reliable, and motivated Research Assistant to support a wastewater-based epidemiology and public health research project. The Research Assistant will be responsible for the collection, handling, documentation, and safe transportation of wastewater samples collected from household sanitation systems, including pit latrines and septic tanks, and other designated sampling sites.
The successful candidate will conduct field-based sample collection activities in accordance with approved study protocols, biosafety procedures, and quality assurance requirements to ensure the integrity and traceability of collected samples. The role will involve engaging with household members and community stakeholders in a respectful and professional manner, obtaining relevant field information, maintaining accurate sample collection records, and ensuring timely delivery of samples to designated laboratories for analysis.
The ideal candidate will have experience supporting research activities, strong attention to detail, good communication skills, and the ability to work effectively in field environments. The candidate should demonstrate commitment to following safety procedures and contributing to environmental surveillance and public health research initiatives.
SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Duties include but are not limited to the following:
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- Conduct wastewater sample collection from household sanitation systems, including pit latrines and septic tanks, in accordance with approved study protocols.
- Engage with households and community members professionally and respectfully during field activities.
- Properly label, document, and store samples to maintain integrity and chain of custody.
- Follow all safety protocols, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Maintain accurate records of sample collection, including location, time, and environmental conditions.
- Transport samples in a timely manner to the designated laboratory or storage facility.
- Sample preparation for laboratory storage and processing.
- Collaborate with research teams, public health officials, and laboratory personnel as needed.
- Troubleshoot collection issues and ensure compliance with project guidelines and regulatory requirements.
- Record specified wastewater conditions at time of collection.
- Maintain sampling equipment and report any malfunctions or supply shortages.
- Ability to support other project activities when not actively engaged in wastewater collection.
- Quality assurance monitoring of research data.
- Screen individuals for study eligibility.
- Enroll participants in studies with adherence to principles of good clinical practice.
- Assist with specimen collection for clinical and research specimens including phlebotomy if qualified.
- Ensure good communication with participants to ensure longitudinal retention, avoid missed visits and ensure informed consent.
- Work with participants and team to support appropriate referrals, specimen collection, organization and transport, and documentation in the project database.
- Support collection and documentation of clinical and programmatic data on study participants.
- Work with the data management department on cleaning reports on project indicators.
- Maintain Good Clinical Practice training and good documentation practices.
- Provide regular updates on field activities, challenges, and progress to the research team.
Minimum Qualifications and Experience
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- Minimum of a Form 5 certificate or equivalent qualification; additional training or qualifications in Biomedical Sciences, Environmental Health, Environmental Science, Biology, Chemistry, Public Health, or related disciplines will be an advantage.
- Prior experience supporting field activities, environmental monitoring, sample collection, or public health research is preferred.
- Ability to accurately follow standard operating procedures, maintain proper documentation, and adhere to study and safety requirements.
- Strong organizational skills with attention to detail to ensure accurate sample identification, handling, and record keeping.
- Willingness and ability to work in field settings, including outdoor environments and household sanitation sites.
- Physically capable of handling field equipment and transporting sample containers as required.
- Possession of a valid driver’s license and ability to travel to assigned sampling locations.
- Experience using GPS devices, mobile data collection platforms, or mapping tools for recording field locations is desirable.
Skills/Abilities/Aptitudes Requirements
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- Fluency in English and SiSwati
- Ability to coordinate with multiple team members
- Computer skills in Microsoft Office and email
- Planning and organizational skills
- Good problem-solving skills and ability to respond appropriately to field challenges.
- Ability to work independently, manage field activities, and meet deadlines.
Special Requirements
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- Field-based work requiring travel to various sampling locations.
- May involve exposure to wastewater, inclement weather, and physical activity.
- Flexible work hours, including early mornings, evenings, or weekends, depending on sampling schedules.
2. REGISTERED NURSE
Reporting to the Nurse Manager, the Registered Nurse will provide high quality, comprehensive nursing care to Baylor College of Medicine patients and their families in compliance with the Eswatini Nurses and Midwives Act as well as the Nurses’ Code of Conduct.
SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Nurses will be responsible for assessing, developing, implementing and evaluating individual treatment plans for patients presenting for care. Nursing diagnoses and treatment of paediatric illnesses and injuries will be provided within her/his technical competence. Complicated cases will be referred to the next senior level nurse or medical provider. All services will be provided using a differentiated service delivery model, maintaining a child/adolescent friendly environment.
In addition, nurses may be assigned to a specific service area requiring additional expertise and responsibilities. Nurses report directly to the Nurse Manager and indirectly to the Clinical Director.
Duties include but are not limited to the following:
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- Triages patients prioritizing health problems and intervening to assist patients in complex or emergency situations.
- Follows current clinical guidelines for infection control and screens all patients for airborne illnesses, including TB and Covid-19.
- Conducts HIV testing of infants, children and adults, including pre and post-test counseling.
- Initiates non-complicated patients on antiretroviral treatment (ART).
- Manages the care of children and adults living with HIV, refilling medications and addressing arising health concerns.
- Reviews labs within his/her scope of practice and liaise with physician on abnormal labs.
- Administers immunizations, following Ministry of Health guidelines.
- Administer HPV vaccines to eligible adolescents.
- Provides antenatal and postnatal care.
- Performs cervical cancer screening following clinical protocols.
- Educates all sexually active patients on how to prevent transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STI), distributes condoms and provides HIVST kits.
- Provides PrEP, PEP, STI screening and treatment.
- Counsels and initiates clients on contraceptive methods of their choice in concordance with WHO guidelines.
- Supports parents and caregivers of paediatric patients to cope with the burden of caring for children living with HIV and administering ARVs. Encourage/advise parents/caregivers to come to monthly support group meetings.
- Educates parents on care of children and adolescents including prevention of maternal to child transmission and disclosure of HIV status.
- Assesses every child for growth and development, taking action to address developmental, nutritional and behavioral deficits.
- Evaluates patients’ mental health and makes appropriate referrals to social workers and/or psychologists.
- Assists in provision of support groups that strengthen adherence to HIV treatment.
- Supervises unlicensed health workers/non-technical teams.
- Supervises students attached to Baylor for clinical practice.
- Mentor nurses and other health care workers on clinical skills and workflow.
- Provides in-service training for health care workers and the general community as requested.
- Attends and actively participates in nursing, prescriber and staff meetings.
- Maintains supplies and equipment in his/her assigned area.
- Makes official reports of communicable diseases (TB) and adverse drug reporting.
- Ensures proper documentation in electronic systems and/or updates registers to complete monthly/quarterly reporting as required by the Ministry of Health.
- Monitors and acts as indicated on selected outcome indicators as directed by M&E Manager.
- Lead and participate in quality improvement initiatives.
- Updates Baylor Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and job aids as needed.
- Conducts home visits, if indicated.
Minimum Qualifications and Experience
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- Holds a Diploma in Nursing from a recognized institution.
- Midwifery diploma.
- At least 2-3 years of pediatric nursing experience.
- Experience providing HIV/TB care.
- Maintains Certificate of Good Standing with a relevant Professional Council.
- NARTIS Trained.
Desirable
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- Holds Certificate of Good Clinical Practice from Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI program).
- Experience managing quality improvement projects.
- Previous participation in clinical research.
Skills/Abilities/Aptitudes Requirements
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- Commitment to the mission and values of Baylor College of Medicine.
- Accountable to the Eswatini nursing scope of practice.
- Strong desire or inclination to work with young children, especially those with HIV.
- Client-centered, treats clients with knowledge about and respect for their values, culture and personal priorities.
- Respectful to colleagues and able to work as a member of an interdisciplinary team.
- Sound work ethic, flexible, honest, trustworthy and dependable.
- Maintenance of strict confidentiality and professional etiquette.
- Able to work independently with minimal supervision.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Strong organizational and planning skills.
- Interest in implementing evidence-based nursing practice.
Applications
Applications to be addressed to the Executive Director, Baylor Foundation- Eswatini, and sent ONLY by email to: hr@baylorfoundationeswatini.org citing the position applied for, your Name and Surname in the email subject.
All applications should be accompanied by a cover letter, curriculum vitae (CV) and certified copies of certificates. Faxed applications, posted or hand delivered applications will NOT be considered. No calls. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
Application Deadline: Monday 12 October 2026.
Baylor Foundation Eswatini is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages applications from all qualified individuals regardless of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or disability. Baylor Foundation Eswatini’s recruitment and selection policies and procedures reflect our commitment to the safety of children. Any appointment is subject to commitment to our Child Safeguarding Policy, satisfactory references and criminal record disclosure.


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