Zandile Carol Mthembu

orfLed biomedical prevention portfolio ($50M+), including PrEP, PEP, GBV, STI, KP and MHPSS programming.
• Supervise and mentor three Agreement Officer’s Representatives (AORs), all senior technical leads overseeing major HIV prevention portfolios.
• Oversaw the full contract lifecycle, including both pre- and post-award responsibilities : technical input on service needs, development of statements of work (SOWs), market research, proposal evaluation, and solicitation design.
• Provided technical leadership in contract formation, administration, and compliance; reviewed and approved deliverables, ensured quality assurance, advised on changes and modifications, and ensured compliance with performance, health and safety, labor standards, and financial accountability.
• Directed technical activities and coordinated across CORs, monitored reporting systems, and supported contractor HR alignment with scope of work.
• Served as Co-Chair of the HIV Prevention Workstream, collaborating with SANAC, WHO, UNAIDS, NDoH, CEC, the Global Fund, and leading research institutions to align strategies and ensure evidence-based, sustainable implementation.
• Led the introduction of long-acting PrEP prevention technologies (e.g., CAB-LA), working closely with supply chain partners to plan, budget, and integrate into sustainable programming.
• Refocused HIV prevention strategy to align with life-saving programming, integrating community prevention sites as access points for comprehensive and essential care.
• Co-chaired the PEPFAR Prevention Workstream; led planning for Country Operational Plans (COPs).
• Directed stakeholder engagement, interagency coordination, and high-level performance reporting.
.Led biomedical prevention portfolio ($50M+), including PrEP, PEP, GBV, STI, KP and MHPSS programming.

• Co-chaired PEPFAR Prevention Workstream and led strategic planning aligned with national health priorities.
• Oversaw development of new awards and program extensions; served as AOR and Activity Manager.
• Directed performance monitoring, stakeholder engagement, and interagency coordination.
• Promoted a positive work environment by fostering teamwork, open communication, and employee recognition initiatives.
• Established clear performance metrics for the team which helped in tracking progress towards set targets effectively.
• Collaborated with other department leads to streamline workflows, improve interdepartmental coordination, and achieve business goals collectively.
• Managed risks and mitigated potential issues through proactive planning, monitoring, and timely decisionmaking.

• Designed and led the national TLD Implementation Assessment and tracked the policy’s implementation across government departments, implementing partners, and civil society.
• Collaborated with the National Department of Health (NDoH) to launch the Multi-Month Dispensing (MMD) and ARV Biweekly Technical Working Group, which I co-chaired alongside NDoH and CDC until the end of my tenure.
• Oversaw TLD rollout (80% PLHIV transitioned); revised ART guidelines and SOPs.
• Co-led PEPFAR Treatment TWGs; launched Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) integration.
• Led outcome evaluations and optimized treatment delivery models.
• Monitored specific programs' adherence to established schedules and operating budgets.
• Delivered high-quality results consistently by adhering to established project management methodologies and best practices.
• Streamlined program management processes by implementing efficient project tracking and reporting tools.
• Presented monthly metrics to upper management to improve decision-making.
• Facilitated communication between stakeholders, ensuring timely resolutions for any potential issues or roadblocks.
• Tracked KPI and monitored net profitability of assigned agreements.
• Demonstrated exceptional problem-solving skills by resolving critical issues promptly without compromising on quality or timeline.

• Provided overall strategic leadership and operational management for the organization, ensuring alignment with its mission and goals.
• Developed and implemented long- and short-term organizational strategies, including the Theory of Change, to enhance program impact.
• Oversaw technical programming across HIV prevention (including DREAMS), treatment, retention, youth empowerment, and community development initiatives.
• Supervised senior leadership and cross-departmental teams, promoting performance-driven culture and inclusive team-building practices.
• Led high-level stakeholder engagement with government departments, donors, and partner organizations, maintaining productive partnerships and expanding funding opportunities.
• Authored successful, award-winning funding proposals and concept notes to major donors and funders.
• Managed risk mitigation, governance compliance, and institutional sustainability through sound policy frameworks.
• Represented the organization in public forums, national panels, and donor negotiations.
• Increased company revenue by implementing innovative business strategies and expanding product offerings.
• Managed high-performing teams to successfully execute corporate objectives and drive organizational success.
• Addressed employee and managerial concerns and implemented corrective actions to promote compliance.
• Engaged positively with staff and leadership colleagues, soliciting and encouraging feedback and collaborative spirit.
• Negotiated favorable contracts with suppliers and vendors, ensuring cost-effective procurement processes.
• Implemented strong financial controls, ensuring accurate reporting and solid decision-making capabilities.
• Managed partnerships and strategic business relationships by negotiating contract terms and handling conflicts.
• Drove continuous improvement by fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and open communication across all levels of the organization.

• Provided technical leadership for QI across HIV programs; supported HTS TWG.
• Prepared interagency reports, cables, and briefs.
• Developed long-lasting relationships with clients to ensure consistent retention and loyalty.
• Maintained up-to-date knowledge on industry trends and regulations, ensuring accurate advice was provided to clients at all times.
• Managed risk effectively by closely monitoring client portfolios and making timely adjustments.
• Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current with industry trends and best practices.
• Developed strong relationships with clients through regular communication and excellent customer service.
• Facilitated workshops on financial planning for high-net-worth individuals, improving their understanding of wealth management.
• Collaborated with cross-functional teams to launch series of successful financial education seminars.
• Led team in development of digital advisory platform, enhancing accessibility and engagement for clients.
• Increased client satisfaction, providing personalized investment advice based on thorough financial analysis.
• Enhanced advisor skills and knowledge through continuous professional development program, elevating service quality.
• Used standardized assessments to evaluate abilities, interests and characteristics of different students.

• Led establishment of DREAMS programming; coordinated AGYW stakeholder engagement and implementation.
• Managed cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality products within scope and budget constraints.
• Championed continuous improvement initiatives within the organization, driving efficiency gains across all projects.
• Facilitated stakeholder communication, leading to improved alignment between business objectives and program goals.
• Led process improvement initiatives by conducting thorough analyses of existing workflows, identifying bottlenecks and redundancies that hindered progress toward established targets.
• Established clear performance metrics for tracking program success, enabling informed decision-making processes throughout each project''s duration.
• Developed comprehensive project plans, resulting in successful on-time delivery of multiple programs.
• Delivered engaging presentations to stakeholders at all levels, effectively communicating complex information in a clear and concise manner.
• Ensured compliance with industry regulations and organizational policies throughout the program lifecycle, mitigating potential risks or liabilities for the company.

• Convened national HTS policy revision; led development of registers and combination prevention policy.
• Established KZN provincial office and implemented quality improvement (QI) initiatives.
• Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.

• Conducted comprehensive assessments for USAID/CDC-funded programs; designed evaluation tools and dashboards.
• Managed workload effectively by prioritizing tasks according to deadlines while maintaining attention to detail in all aspects of the assessment process.
• Produced reports with detailed valuations.
• Achieved high levels of compliance through regular audits of exemption applications and adherence to established guidelines for qualification determination.
• Completed appraisals on pre-set number of properties to meet weekly production goals.
• Continuously improved assessment procedures through regular review of internal processes, incorporation of feedback from stakeholders, and adaptation to changing industry standards.
• Documented condition and special features to provide accurate estimations.
• Collaborated with team members to complete large-scale reassessments on time, ensuring equitable distribution of tax burdens among property owners.

• Collaborated with faculty members to design interdisciplinary courses that broadened student perspectives and enriched their educational experience.
• Ensured compliance with accreditation standards by maintaining rigorous academic policies and procedures.
• Fostered a culture of continuous improvement by regularly soliciting feedback from students, faculty members, and other stakeholders.
• Provided professional development opportunities for faculty members, empowering them to excel in their teaching roles.
• Improved student retention rates by developing and executing targeted academic support programs.

• Accomplished multiple tasks within established timeframes.

• Managed cross-functional teams for successful project completion within deadlines and budgets.
• Managed multiple strategic projects with numerous sub-projects or workstreams.

• Negotiated contracts with vendors, securing competitive pricing for critical study supplies and services.
• Championed continuous improvement initiatives within the department, driving process enhancements that increased overall efficiency.