Behavioral Health Trainer

The Ministry of Health’s National Cervical Cancer Unit (NCCU) in Eswatini is seeking support in building community awareness of the benefits of early cervical cancer screenings.

Eswatini continues to see high rates of human papillomavirus infection (HPV) cancers, with cervical cancer remaining the leading cancer among women. The country’s high HIV prevalence further increases both the risk and the severity of HPV‑associated disease, making cervical cancer an ongoing public health challenge. Although Eswatini has made notable progress through its decentralized services, outreach programs, and standardized treatment guidelines, critical gaps remain—particularly in remote areas, where stigma, limited utilization data, and geographic barriers reduce access to prevention and screening. The government has prioritized cancer control, but limited resources and capacity constraints highlight the need for outside support to expand prevention programs, scale community‑level communication efforts, and strengthen early detection systems.

As a Behavioral Health Trainer, you will collaborate with community health workers to advance cervical cancer prevention. Together, you will provide trainings, enhance outreach strategies, and develop stronger monitoring tools. Your contributions will support the country’s efforts toward eliminating cervical cancer while improving overall access to cancer services.

Education: BA in communications, marketing or public health or a related field OR MA in public health

AND

Experience: 2 or more years of experience with social behavior change communications and project management

During training, the Volunteer will stay within a peri-urban area just outside the capital. The Volunteer will then move to their permanent site in the Hhohho Region and live in their own house within a family homestead. While electricity is widely available and most Volunteers will live with modern conveniences, Volunteers should also be prepared to live without electricity and to use a latrine, as that is the norm in rural communities. You will commute to work on foot or public transport, depending on the distance from your house to the workplace.

Gain experience working alongside community health workers to implement impactful health promotion strategies in Africa.

Make an impact that could save a life by championing early cervical cancer screenings.

Immerse yourself in Eswatini’s vibrant culture—from traditional ceremonies and intricate beadwork to the warmth of communal living.

Develop and facilitate training sessions for community health workers on cervical cancer prevention and available services.

Create culturally appropriate educational materials that dispel misconceptions and encourage positive health behaviors.

Design and implement targeted interventions that increase awareness and uptake of cervical cancer screenings and vaccinations.

Strengthen communication systems between healthcare providers and communities to ensure optimal information sharing.

Assist the development of monitoring and evaluation frameworks to measure the impact of health promotion activities.

Train health personnel and community leaders in effective communication and mobilization strategies.

Build partnerships and assist in identifying funding opportunities to sustain cervical cancer prevention efforts.

Document activities and transfer materials to ensure project continuity.

You may also work on additional projects that meet the community’s interests and priorities, such as English language classes or running clubs.

After the two-week orientation on topics such as health and safety, you will move to a rural or urban community where you will collaborate with the NCCP staff and community health workers to assess needs and develop a work plan in line with their established goals.

Peace Corps/Eswatini will equip you with Siswati language resources and you may work with a tutor who can help you build basic language skills to connect with the community.