Director - Maternal Child Health And Nutrition at Gauteng Department of Health

Requirements :

• A Grade 12 certificate and NQF 7 qualification in medical and nursing sciences recognised by SAQA and registrable with a statutory council. A relevant post-graduate qualification in obstetrics, gynaecological or paediatric care at NQF 8 will be an added advantage.
• At least five (5) years’ experience at a middle/senior management (or equivalent) level in family health, child health, neonatal and/or maternal health. Knowledge of and experience in Provincial and District liaisons, policy development and implementation, strategic and operational planning as well as monitoring and evaluation, Human Resources and Financial management. Specialised knowledge and experience in maternal, basic antenatal care (BANC), newborn, child and adolescent health.
• Good communication (verbal and written), interpersonal, analytic problem solving and computer (Microsoft package) skills. Working knowledge of leadership, health sector, government strategies and processes, strategic management and project management. Knowledge of other health programmes that impact on family health, particularly HIV/AIDS and TB, Vertical Transmission Prevention (VTP), Nutrition, Integrated School Health Programme (ISHP), Public Health and Expanded Programme Immunisation (EPI) and Youth Services. Ability to work long hours and frequent traveling as required.
• The SMS pre-entry certificate is required for appointment finalization. A valid driver’s licence as well as willingness to work and travel irregular hours and during public holidays when the need arises.

COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:

• Excellent communication (written, verbal, presentation and liaison) skills. Skills in preparations for National and Provincial campaigns. Management of Maternal Child, Women Health, Integrated School Health, Expanded Programs on Immunization, Nutrition and the training of staff. Proficiency in Microsoft office in particular word, and power point with excellent presentation skills.
• Appropriate Coordination and negotiation skills. An ability to supervise. Ability to solve problems with proven analytic skills. A high level of diligence and commitment in ensuring that all duties are performed within tight and stipulated timeframes with outputs that are of the required quality. Knowledge of the concept of the Departmental Annual Performance and Strategic Plans.
• Knowledge of policy analysis, development, research and information management. Knowledge and competency in project planning and management. Knowledge of the following important Acts: The Public Service Act, the Public Service Regulation, the Public Finance Management Act as well as National Health Act. In depth knowledge of people management skills, financial, human resource management, development, leadership, communication (written and verbal), coordination, planning, organisational as well as computer skills.
• Knowledge and proven competencies in Change and knowledge management, Problem resolution. Ability to work independently and under pressure. Understanding legislative frameworks and related policies in the health public sector and other prescripts.

Duties :

• Reduction of maternal, neonatal and child mortality rates and improve all programme outcomes. Provide leadership at Provincial and District level in terms of the reduction of maternal, newborn and child morbidity and mortality rates based on recommendations of saving mother's report and national guidelines. Planning, organizing and supporting the maternal and child death assessors committee.
• Provide strategic direction and oversee the development of relevant policies, guidelines and standard operating procedures (SOPs) aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of women, adolescent and children.
• Facilitate the promotion of health behaviour and demand for health services in families, communities (outreach programmes) especially in areas that affect the health and wellbeing of mothers, women, youth and children. Monitor the implementation of the Cervical cancer screening (HPV DNA analysis), Teenage pregnancy implementation plan and Immunisation strategy.
• Effective governance, compliance and risk management. Monitor and report on progress towards the achievement of global and national commitments such as Sustainable Development Goal and National Development Plan targets. Build strong partnership with maternal, newborn and VTP stakeholders. Support Districts with the development and monitoring of responsive implementation plans.
• Engage statutory councils and professional organisations for effective and efficient development of professional human resources. Manage the human and financial resources and the operational activities of the directorate.
• Develop respond to audit queries and Parliamentary questions. Be a member of the Provincial Outbreak Response Team. Respond swiftly to Legislature and Parliamentary Questions. Provide leadership in improving EPI indicators, Cold Chain management and provide leadership in EPI Surveillance. Provide the Monthly, Quarterly and Annual reports.

Closing Date : 03-07-2026