Winfred KAPENDA Khondowe
Healthcare/ Public Health
Lusaka
Summary
With over two decades of experience in global public health, I have developed expertise in technical leadership, system strengthening, stakeholder engagement and partnership, quality assurance and capacity building, program design, and management. Throughout my career, I have worked across various sectors including MOH, NGOs, and the private sector, successfully managing numerous high-profile projects funded by USAID, DOD, UNITAID, BMGF, and UNICEF. My extensive experience living and working in sub-Saharan Africa has allowed me to provide both technical and administrative services while building strong collaborations with key stakeholders. Known for strategic leadership, effective negotiation skills, team management abilities, and impactful results sharing through local and international platforms. Currently serving as the HIV Technical Director for the largest USAID/Zambia HIV Prevention project, overseeing key programs such as DREAMS and community HIV prevention. Additionally, experienced in Key Population programming and made significant contributions to proposal writing for projects like the Zambian Integrated Health project under Pact International. Furthermore, have international experience and actively participated in recruitment of technical staff as well as influential international platforms like IAS and HIVR4P. As a researcher, published two papers on private health and dedicated time to volunteer work focused on elderly individuals and children with terminal illnesses. With a Master of Public Health degree, PMDPro certification, a Bachelor of Arts in Economics degree, a Diploma in Clinical Medicine, and various other certifications like M&E under my belt, currently pursuing a PhD in Business and Management set to be completed this year.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
HIV Technical Director /PM– DREAMS/PP
USAID CHEKUP I, CIDRZ
04.2022 - Current
- Key Personnel of USAID CHEKUP I Project (USAID Controlling HIV Epidemic for Key and Underserved Populations project)- overseeing DREAMS, and CHIV but also supporting KP programming
- Lead in design, roll-out and day-to-day management and implementation of community-based combination prevention interventions and related community strengthening activities for priority populations
- Functions as a vital part of the senior CHEKUP I team, providing strategic guidance on how to overcome technical and administrative obstacles to HIV prevention among priority population groups, and how best to develop and manage strategic partnerships for the sustainability of project outcomes
- Provides day-to-day oversight, as well as strategic and technical input and direction in the implementation of all priority population-related activities of the USAID CHEKUP I Project
- Creates positive synergies with HIV treatment and care partners to ensure effective referrals and access to HIV treatment and care services among priority populations
- Responsible for the development, implementation, and oversight of priority population technical activities in the annual work plans
- Supports sub partners in designing and implementation of targeted and evidence-based HIV prevention strategies and interventions
- Assists sub partners to build technical skills in HIV prevention, as well as strengthening organizational capacity to improve the quality, effectiveness, and efficiency of HIV prevention services
- Oversee the planning, execution and monitoring of the DREAMS implementation plans and budgets by CIDRZ and Partners and ensure alignment with overall DREAMS objectives and operational guidelines
- Oversees SBCC, Cultural Communications, Gender, and Economic Strengthening activities to ensure mainstreaming of these cross-cutting themes in the implementation of SDHP activities
- Represents CIDRZ and the CHEKUP I Activity in Partners’ public events related to DREAMS in consultation with the Chief of Party
- Provides ongoing support to sub partners in monitoring and reporting of HIV prevention activities to USAID other relevant stakeholders
- Supports implementing partners document key achievements of priority population activities, best practices, and lessons learnt to share with donors and relevant stakeholders
- Develops technical papers, presentations, and reports to document key achievements of the priority populations activities, best practices, and lessons learned to share with donors and relevant stakeholders
- Overseas and chair COVID-19 taskforce and provide feedback to CIDRZ leadership team
- Strengthened private sector engagement under USAID CHEKUP I project which has resulted into increased linkage of AGYW to employment, internship, and business support
- Utilized ward development committees to facilitate financial support through Community Development Fund (CDF) to help AYP start businesses, and tuition for vocational skills training
Senior HIV Prevention Advisor, Z-CHPP project
Pact International, Zambia
07.2021 - 04.2022
- Key Personnel and overall technical lead of the (Zambia Community HIV Prevention) USAID ZCHPP project
- Indirectly support sub partners in designing and implementation of targeted and evidence-based HIV prevention strategies and interventions
- Assist sub partners to build technical skills in HIV prevention, as well as strengthening organizational capacity to improve the quality, effectiveness, and efficiency of HIV prevention services
- Assist the sub partners in planning the implementation of HIV prevention services as per the approved work plans and budgets
- Provide ongoing support to sub partners in monitoring and reporting of HIV prevention activities to USAID other relevant stakeholders
- Support and provides day-to-day guidance to sub partners identify and determine lessons learned from the project activities
- Remain informed on current programs and emerging issues in the field of HIV prevention and development related issues
- Chair COVID19 Taskforce for Pact and leads in Project reports and other critical documents
- Provide strategic and technical guidance to Provincial Coordinators, Economic strengthening, FCI and SBCC/Gender/Biomedical Services Advisors on technical and programmatic issues
- Participate in Business development for Pact future awards
- Senior Member of Management Team for Pact Zambia
- Coordinate business development activities and various consultants conduct diverse work for pact
- Actively participates in HIV Prevention Technical Working Group Meetings
- With other advisors and program coordinators, coordinate the identification and dissemination of best practices and new technical strategies and approaches
- Focal Point for Environmental Compliance and Climate Risk Management
- Represents COP in technical meetings including TWG meetings with donors and key stakeholders
Senior VMMC Technical Advisor
USAID Supporting an AIDS Free Era (SAFE) Project, Zambia
12.2017 - 06.2021
- Coordinated and managed the VMMC and PrEP program under the USAID SAFE project
- Worked closely with Senior Private Sector Advisor introducing and scaling up HIV treatment and Prevention services in companies, farm blocks and mine community in Central, Copperbelt and Northwestern Provinces
- Overall technical lead for Objective5 and responsible for overall strategic leadership, coordination, and management of prevention interventions such as VMMC, PrEP, and Condom Distribution
- Provided day-to-day oversight, as well as strategic and technical input and direction on annual work plans and performance monitoring plans
- Provided ongoing support in monitoring and reporting of HIV prevention activities to USAID and other relevant stakeholders
- Performed DQAs on indicators related to the program objective and perform routine project monitoring with the M&E teams
- Technical lead and manages a team of three provincial VMMC Coordinators and indirectly supervising30 MOH District Coordinators
- He worked very closely with other directors and senior advisors in meeting projects targets
- Provided technical and programmatic guidance to implementing partners on linking HIV/AIDS activities with maternal and child health, family planning and reproductive health, and other Mission activities
- Produced quality quarterly reports on the project’s HIV prevention activities performance
- Conducted capacity building training in mentorship, CQI, effective supervision, VMMC skills training, Community interventions and demand generation models
- Spearheaded6 teams in ART accelerated activities in raising TX_Curr through targeted testing especially indexing and ensuring retention into treatment
- He possesses vast experience including system strengthening, supply chain management and laboratory services
- Worked extensively in bringing VMMC and PrEP activities in private institutions and higher institutions of learning in SAFE supported provinces
- So far, he has supported the Ministry of Health to reach over150% targets in VMMC with over80% in the age group15 years and above through innovative demand creation models such as engagement of higher institutions of learning, private sector, farm managers, traditional and religious leaders
- Effective use of champions and satisfied clients as mobilizers, involvement of teachers and use of HCD model helped the project meet set targets
- Pioneered and rolled out prevention services in higher learning institutions and private companies including mines in Zambia and ensured that combination prevention interventions are done with strong linkage of HIV positive clients to treatment
- Being a trainer of trainers in QA/QI, I managed to introduce CQI projects in the ART and VMMC programs under SAFE project
- Being an HIV/AIDS expert, Mr
- Khondowe doubles his responsibilities by also spearheading as Team Lead in ART services, especially where indicators are facing challenges
- Actively participated in National technical, planning, and supervisory meetings to ensure alignment of activities
- Contributed to formulation of national strategic plans such as Sustainability strategy, National VMMC Operational plan, Revised training, and QA/QI manuals
- Worked collaboratively with other technical staff under the Clinical Care and Communicable Diseases Specialists from the MOH to ensure activities implemented are well-aligned with the national priorities and strategies
- Reviewed financial and performance reports to ensure that partner(s) adhere to bilateral government agreements and with the performance expectations outlined in their work plan and contract/agreement(s) with USAID
- Conducted research and high impact practices of the program, reports, and documents “success stories” and challenges faced by the program
- Actively participates in all MOH HIV Technical Working Group Meetings including sustainability
- Provided mentorship, capacity building, training, follow-up support and supportive supervision as necessary to the three USAID SAFE provinces
Deputy Program Manager
Project Concern International, Zambia
01.2016 - 01.2017
- Being member of Senior management and Technical Lead at PCI coordinated and helped in managing a DOD-funded project that was aimed at building the capacity of the Zambia Defense Force (ZDF) to design, manage, monitor, and evaluate HIV/AIDS and OVC programs
- Responsible for Administration, technical coordination, and management of capacity building interventions to ensure quality and evidence-based programming that aligns to the national HIV/AIDS strategic framework, UNAIDS95-95-95 fast track goals, and national guidelines
- Managed a team of five project technical officers
- Supported HTOs to build technical skills in HIV prevention, as well as strengthening organizational capacity to improve the quality, effectiveness, and efficiency of HIV prevention services
- Supported the Defense Force Medical Services secretariat and ZDF camp level HIV/AIDS committees to reach over30,000 military personnel and civilians in and around the54 ZDF camps—spanning the10provinces of Zambia—annually with quality evidence-based prevention, care and support services for people living with HIV/AIDS and OVC
- Lead and coordinated participatory processes to develop detailed work plans, budgets and the program monitoring plans that are aligned to the national M&E framework and the PEPFAR Monitoring and Evaluation Reporting (MER) System
- Led the implementation of cervical cancer, SMGL, PMTC and nutrition activities under the DHAPP project and ensured that combination prevention interventions were done with strong bi-directional linkages between community and facility to ensure continuum of care and treatment was achieved
- Trained lay counselors who are conducting HTS services which have led to reduced lost to follow up cases within the ZDF sites
- Worked with other DOD partners in identifying learning and service delivery gaps across HIV continuum of care and by sub-population living with HIV with particular focus on military personnel and their families including surrounding communities within the cantonments
- Member of National TWG on HIV/AIDS management and contributed to the formulation of Linkage and Index registers as a way of having evidence-based community to facility interventions
Regional Manager
Population Services International, Zambia
01.2014 - 10.2016
- Overall regional coordination and implementation of Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, DOD VMMC projects, and a USG5-year PRISM project including the provision of technical assistance to Ministry of Health, Provincial Health Offices including Districts teams in Northern, Muchinga and Central
- Overseeing both Administration and Technical implementation of Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, DOD, and UNITAID projects
- Supervised both supportive and program staff related to implementation of the projects
- Worked very closely with other implementing partners in design and implementation of UNITAID STAR project aimed at piloting self- testing in selected districts in Zambia
- Supported demand creation activities, reproductive health services and conducted social marketing activities such as sale of clorin, Malaria family planning pills and different types of scented condoms
- Conducted trainings in VMMC, HTS, Option B+, OIs and general HIV management, piloted innovations in VMMC demand creation strategies such as Guerrilla, taxi and teachers’ models and contributed greatly to the design and piloting of Human Centered Design based on the IPSOS findings
- These models contributed greatly to increased VMMC output from2% to over160% monthly targets, built systems where both demand creation and service provision worked together with user friendly targets that resulted in consistent facility driven VMMC activities
- Contributed to development of quality systems in self-testing, service provision, accountability, and supervision
- Managed different teams under the regional offices- operational, administration, finance and technical to achieve program objectives
- Conducted capacity building of small businesses- retail and wholesale to effectively market and sale health products
- Participated in SIMS conducted by DOD, DFMS and its Ips and put in place remedial plans based on gaps identified
Part Time Lecturer
Chainama Hills College of Health Sciences, Zambia
01.2013 - 01.2016
- Trained community health assistants in HIV/AIDS, medics and other common diseases, ART, and OIs/TB
- Organized and facilitated clinical skills training to over30 students at Chainama College
- This cadre helped to triage HIV/AIDS patients and offered counseling and testing services
- Organized lectures and set tests and examinations for the students and contributed to the successful training of HIV MEDICs to graduates of September,2014
Health Coordinator
Plan International, Zambia
10.2014 - 12.2014
- Overall regional coordination and implementation of projects under UNICEF, Germany, and Netherlands under health and sanitation portfolio in Mansa
- Develop detailed action plan and ensure effective implementation of overall health, water and sanitation components in line with the existing donor approved project document in collaboration with other the project staff and other stakeholders
- Strong working relationship with ministry of health, ministry of education, local and housing ministry and communities under Luapula province
- To ensure proper health and nutrition and medical management is provided to the beneficiaries
- To ensure Plan’s & national protocols are respected and followed in the treatment centers
- To ensure proper implementation of nutrition/health education sessions
- To participate in technical staff recruitment, training and supervision
- To evaluate the impact of programs through regular field visits, data collection and reports
- To oversee other field activities such as community mobilization, nutrition and health education sessions and community screening by CDF’s (community nutrition workers and volunteers), water and SMAGs
- To monitor program activities to ensure that treatment centers achieve acceptable performance indicators (such as cure rate, defaulter, death, non-response rates) and IYCF implementation based on SPHERE standards
- Follow & check field activities are accomplished regarding to suitable protocols
- Create smooth relationship among field staff and recognize teamwork progress
Volunteer Clinical Officer and ART Provider
Corpmed Medical Services and Our Lady’s Hospice, Zambia
01.2012 - 01.2013
- Provided volunteer clinical work and ART services to both adults and children who were terminally ill
- By so doing helped save lives by applying knowledge and skills to critically ill patients and conducted minor surgery and attended to emergencies as required
- He also carried outward rounds and attended OPD cases
- Conducted and provided health care to in-patients, especially the terminally ill at Our Lady’s Hospice
- I managed complicated cases and sharpened his clinical and counseling skills and general management of complications of HIV/AIDS and offered palliative care to affected patients
- He built capacity in management of complications of advanced HIV by ensuring onsite training of international medical students
- Focal Point for Environmental and Climate Risk Management
Heath Center In-Charge/Clinical Officer
Monze District Health Office, Zambia
01.2002 - 01.2012
- Provided ART services to HIV/AIDS patients and attended clinical cases and helped start ART services at Manungu and Monze urban Clinics
- He also provided couples’ counseling under ZEHRP which enhanced the reduction of HIV prevalence rate in Monze
- Managed the day-to-day activities of the clinic both at static and outreach services
- He planned, mobilized resources and led in execution of planned activities of the clinic
- He managed the TB corner and youth friendly services, allocated daily responsibilities to subordinates, did staff appraisals, coordinated activities, and gave technical support to health workers and community-based volunteers
- Participated extensively in National Nutritional Surveillance System and Performance Assessment of clinics and mentorship of health workers in Monze district
- Provided ART services to both adults and pediatrics under Monze urban clinic and Monze Mission Hospital, spearheaded the formation of Youth Friendly corners in Monze district where adolescents can access reproductive health services freely and, in an environment, designed for young people
- Provided counseling services including couples’, adherence, and general counseling
- He also contributed to the mentorship of clinic staff so that they are equipped with the necessary clinical and diagnostic skills to improve public health
- Managed to come up with a way to address the challenge of waste management and disposal by extending upwards and fencing the refuse pity so that it meets an acceptable standard
- Awarded a Labor Day prize as the most hardworking and improved staff under Monze DMO in2008, was part of the startup team for HAART project under Monze Mission Hospital and helped the hospital in providing ART services to both children and adults
Nutrition Monitor
World Vision International
01.2006
- Of the startup team for C-SAFE PROGRAM in the Sinazongwe District
- Worked under strenuous conditions and helped measure the nutritional status of communities as well as provided ways in which malnutrition could be measured and prevented
- He also distributed relief food to hunger stricken households in Sinazongwe villages
- Guided the communities in ensuring households understood balanced diet through locally grown foods and performed cooking demonstrations to ensure foods were prepared correctly.
Education
Ph.D. - Business and Management
UNZA
Lusaka04-2025
Master Public Health - Public Health
Texila American University
Lusaka, Zambia02-2019
Bachelor of Arts - Economics and Development Studies
University of Zambia
Lusaka12-2013
PMD Pro Certificate - Project Management
APMG International
08-2017
M&E Certificate - Planning, Monitoring And Evaluation
University of Zambia
Lusaka, Zambia09-2013
Diploma - Clinical Medicine
Chainama College of Health Sciences
Lusaka, Zambia02-2003
Post-Degree Certificate - Psychosocial Counselling, HIV/AIDS
Chainama College of Health Sciences
Lusaka, Zambia09-2005
Skills
- Visionary leadership- technically and administrative
- Results oriented, decision making and Teamwork/support
- System strengthening, capacity building, consultative leadership style, problem solving skills and strategic management
- Strategic planning, organization, coordination, and engagement
- Adaptability, creativity, critical thinking and problem-solving
- Oral and written communication skills and Advocacy
- Stakeholder engagement and partnership
- Grants, business development, abstract, publication, donor and Report writing
- Team building and conflict resolution skills
- Management skills
Certification
- 2016 Certificate in Project Management Development for Professionals, APMG International
- 2013 Post-Graduate Certificate in M&E, University of Zambia
- 2015 Certificate in Foundation of Management, PSI University
- 2006 Certificate in Psychosocial Counseling, Chainama College of Health Sciences
LANGUAGES
English: Fluent
Proficient
C2
Bemba: Fluent
Proficient
C2
Nyanja: Fluent
Proficient
C2
Tonga: able to speak and write within work requirements
Intermediate
B1
Nsenga: able to speak and write within work requirements
Upper intermediate
B2
References
Margret, Folowisa, District Maternal Neonatal and Child Health Coordinator, margretfolowisa@gmail.com, +260973366626, USAID Zambia Integrated Health, Zambia
Hastings K. Chishete, District KP Associate, Samfya, Zambia, Phone: +260964642616, email: chishetek@gmail.com
Felix Tembo, Private Sector Advisor, PSI, Zimbabwe. felix.kaphinde@gmail.com
Kennedy Moola Gutinyu, Elder/Treasurer, Bread of Life Church International, +260977497594, kengutinyu@yahoo.com/ intellectual782@gmail.com
Charity Siame, Deputy Chief of Party, USAID CHEKUP I/USAID Z-CHPP Project, Pact/CIDRZ Zambia, Phone: +260977785795, email: cherrymp77@yahoo.com
Accomplishments
- I am a global public health expert with over two decades of experience in technical leadership, system strengthening, stakeholder engagement and partnership, quality assurance and capacity building, program design, and management in community and facility- based intervention in HIV/AIDS Treatment and Prevention services
- I have worked across various sectors including MOH, NGOs, and the private sector, managing numerous high-profile projects funded by USAID, DOD, UNITAID, BMGF, and UNICEF
- My expertise spans various development funding mechanisms and organizations, both as an implementer and strategic leader, with extensive experience living, working, and supporting regional HIV/AIDS programs in sub-Saharan Africa
- I have provided both technical and administrative services, built strong collaborations and synergies with key stakeholders both private and public to co-create and successfully manage complex fundings
- My success is rooted in strategic leadership, planning and execution, effective negotiation, team management, and impactful results sharing through local and international platforms
- Currently, serving as the HIV Technical Director for the largest USAID/Zambia HIV Prevention project, overseeing key programs like DREAMS and community HIV prevention
- I have experience working with Key Population programming
- I have made significant contributions to proposal writing for projects like Zambian Integrated Health project ($300M) under Pact International and was later awarded in 2022
- Further, contributed to the DOD project awarded to Jhpiego and DOD Lab and supply chain project under PCI in 2016
- I have international experience and extensively participated in recruitment of technical staff and participated in international platforms like IAS, HIVR4P where I influenced PEPFAR shift of policy under VMMC program
- Being a researcher, I have done two publications on private health
- I have done volunteer work focusing on elderly and children with terminal illnesses
- Nationality: All provinces in Zambia
- International: Represented PSI-SFH at International Aids Conference in Durban, South Africa in 2015, i3.7https://www.ajol.info/index.php/rmj/issue/view/24771
- Private Sector Engagement in Healthcare Delivery in Developing Countries: A Review
- 2024, Vol
- 3(2): pp DOI: DOI: https://doi.org/10.51846/jucmd.v3i2.3031
- Enhancing economic resilience as an HIV prevention strategy for adolescent girls and young women: Lessons from private sector engagement in DREAMS
- AIDS2024: 9194, Munich, Germany, from 22 to 26 July 2024
- Harmonized Facility-and Community-based Cohort Follow-up Programs Combined Increase Retention in Prevention, Care and Treatment Services among HIV Positive Pregnant, Breastfeeding Mothers & Babies” for ICASA under PCI, 2016“Increasing Uptake of VMMC in the Older Age Group 15- 49”: Lessons Learnt from Zambia for the R4P conference, Cape town South Africa
- Webinar Presentations: https://www.malecircumcision.org/resource/delivering-vmmc-services-males-15%E2%80%9349-zambia https://vimeo.com/410233888 for audio presentations
- VMMC National Operational Plan 2021-2026, National Sustainability Road Map & Training materials "Enhancing economic resilience as an HIV prevention strategy for adolescent girls and young women: Lessons from private sector engagement in DREAMS”, numbered AS-AIDS-2024-09194
- AIDS 2024, the 25th International AIDS Conference, to be held in person, in Munich, Germany, from 22 to 26 July 2024.
Affiliations
Health Professions Council of Zambia (Full Registration) ,2003
Interests
I believe in consultative leadership style. I value respect, inclusiveness, teamwork and integrity. I have a passion for traveling, exploring new places, and immersing myself in different cultures. Singing and dancing are my ways of expressing joy, while watching soccer keeps my competitive spirit alive. I also enjoy making new friends, as connecting with people from diverse backgrounds broadens my perspective.
Languages
- English: C2
Hobbies
I have a passion for traveling, exploring new places, and immersing myself in different cultures. Singing and dancing are my ways of expressing joy, while watching soccer keeps my competitive spirit alive. I also enjoy making new friends, as connecting with people from diverse backgrounds broadens my perspective.
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Work Preference
Work Type
Full TimePart TimeWork Location
HybridOn-SiteRemoteImportant To Me
Career advancementHealthcare benefitsWork-life balanceCompany CultureFlexible work hoursPersonal development programsTeam Building / Company RetreatsPaid sick leaveWork from home optionPaid time off4-day work weekTimeline
HIV Technical Director /PM– DREAMS/PP
USAID CHEKUP I, CIDRZ
04.2022 - Current
Senior HIV Prevention Advisor, Z-CHPP project
Pact International, Zambia
07.2021 - 04.2022
Senior VMMC Technical Advisor
USAID Supporting an AIDS Free Era (SAFE) Project, Zambia
12.2017 - 06.2021
Deputy Program Manager
Project Concern International, Zambia
01.2016 - 01.2017
Health Coordinator
Plan International, Zambia
10.2014 - 12.2014
Regional Manager
Population Services International, Zambia
01.2014 - 10.2016
Part Time Lecturer
Chainama Hills College of Health Sciences, Zambia
01.2013 - 01.2016
Volunteer Clinical Officer and ART Provider
Corpmed Medical Services and Our Lady’s Hospice, Zambia
01.2012 - 01.2013
Nutrition Monitor
World Vision International
01.2006
Heath Center In-Charge/Clinical Officer
Monze District Health Office, Zambia
01.2002 - 01.2012
Ph.D. - Business and Management
UNZA
Master Public Health - Public Health
Texila American University
Bachelor of Arts - Economics and Development Studies
University of Zambia
PMD Pro Certificate - Project Management
APMG International
M&E Certificate - Planning, Monitoring And Evaluation
University of Zambia
Diploma - Clinical Medicine
Chainama College of Health Sciences
Post-Degree Certificate - Psychosocial Counselling, HIV/AIDS
Chainama College of Health Sciences
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