Quality Improvement Advisor – Wits RHI – Gophelega - Tshwane at Wits Health Consortium

Key performance areas

Lead the Implementation of the Operation Phuthuma Methodology

• Lead the implementation and institutionalisation of the Operation Phuthuma (OP) methodology across supported sub-districts and health facilities.
• Facilitate the application of the Model for Improvement (MFI) to improve priority HIV, TB, PHC and health systems indicators.
• Conduct baseline assessments, gap analyses and root cause analyses (5 Whys, Fishbone, Process
• Mapping and Driver Diagrams) to identify system bottlenecks.
• Support facility teams to develop, implement and monitor Quality Improvement Plans (QIPs) using
• PDSA cycles and evidence-based change ideas.
• Ensure implementation fidelity of the OP Step-by-Step Guide, Barometer, Summary Charts, Nerve
• Centre meetings, Huddles, Learning Sessions and Gemba Walks.
• Support facilities to institutionalise successful interventions and spread best practices across the district.

Quality Improvement Coaching, Mentorship and Capacity Building

• Build the quality improvement capability of Department of Health and Wits RHI teams through structured coaching, mentorship and competency-based training.
• Mentor facility managers, Quality Assurance teams, programme managers, clinical staff and data teams on the practical application of the Model for Improvement and Operation Phuthuma tools.
• Identify training needs and coordinate blended learning programmes, learning collaboratives and coaching visits.
• Develop and update training materials, job aids, SOPs and QI implementation guides.
• Strengthen leadership capacity to sustain continuous quality improvement and foster a culture of data-driven decision-making.

Data Analytics, Performance Monitoring and Measurement for Improvement

• Analyse routine programme and clinical data to identify performance gaps, prioritise improvement opportunities and guide decision-making.
• Develop and monitor family of measures, run charts, control charts, dashboards, barometers and summary charts to track improvement.
• Monitor progress against project indicators, district priorities, Ideal Clinic, RTQII, NCS and funder requirements.
• Conduct regular data reviews and support facilities to improve data quality, interpretation and utilisation.
• Produce high-quality technical reports and recommendations to support programme planning and strategic decision-making.

Stakeholder Coordination, Learning and Sustainability

• Coordinate Quality Improvement activities with the Department of Health, Wits RHI technical teams, donors and implementing partners.
• Facilitate facility, sub-district and district learning sessions, SPMRs, DPMRs, PPMRs, clinical audits, Nerve
• Centre meetings and Quality Improvement forums.
• Document, package and disseminate best practices, success stories, innovations and lessons learnt using Operation Phuthuma knowledge management approaches.
• Strengthen collaboration between clinical, programme, pharmacy, laboratory, community and management teams to improve integrated service delivery.
• Support sustainability planning through institutionalisation of successful QI interventions within routine
• Department of Health systems.

Quality Assurance and Clinical Systems Strengthening

• Conduct routine Quality Assurance (QA) assessments across supported facilities to evaluate compliance with national guidelines, Operation Phuthuma standards, Ideal Clinic Realisation and donor requirements.
• Assess the quality and performance of priority programme areas, including Differentiated Models of Care (DMOC), Mother, Child and Women's Health, NIMART, Records Management, Lenacapavir implementation, PrEP, Tuberculosis (TB), Viral Load uptake and suppression, HIV Testing Services (HTS), and Retention in Care (RTC).
• Identify system and clinical performance gaps through quality assessments, clinical audits, data reviews and root cause analysis, and mentor facility teams to implement corrective actions using the Model for Improvement.
• Monitor implementation of Quality Improvement Plans (QIPs) and verify sustained improvements through follow-up quality assurance visits and measurement for improvement.
• Support facilities to prepare for and respond to external and internal quality assessments, including
• Ideal Clinic, RTQII, NCS, IPC and other programme quality audits.
• Promote adherence to standard operating procedures, national guidelines and quality standards to strengthen service delivery and patient outcomes. 

Programme Administration, Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting

• Develop and maintain annual and monthly Quality Improvement work plans, mentorship schedules and activity trackers aligned with project objectives and district priorities.
• Document mentorship activities, quality assurance findings, Quality Improvement Plans (QIPs), best practices, lessons learnt and success stories in accordance with Operation Phuthuma knowledge management processes.
• Compile and submit accurate, high-quality technical, narrative and performance reports within prescribed timelines for Wits RHI, the Department of Health and funding partners.
• Analyse routine programme data and prepare dashboards, run charts, barometers, summary charts and presentations to monitor progress and support evidence-based decision-making.
• Monitor project deliverables, risks, milestones and performance indicators, and recommend corrective actions where implementation gaps are identified.
• Maintain effective communication and coordination with Wits RHI teams, Department of Health stakeholders, implementing partners and donors to ensure timely reporting, accountability and programme sustainability.
• Ensure proper record management, filing and maintenance of Quality Improvement documentation in compliance with organisational policies and audit requirements.
• Required minimum education and training

Essential

• Professional qualification in Nursing, Public Health, Health Sciences, Pharmacy, Medicine or another relevant health-related discipline.
• Bachelor’s degree in public health, Nursing, Health Sciences, Epidemiology, Health Systems
• Management, Social work or a related field.
• Valid registration with the relevant professional council where applicable.

Advantageous

• Postgraduate qualification in Public Health, Epidemiology, Health Systems Management, HIV
• Management, Quality Improvement or Programme Management.
• Certification in the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) Model for Improvement or equivalent
• Quality Improvement methodologies.
• Training in Lean, Six Sigma, Project Management or Change Management

Required minimum work experience

• Minimum 5 years' experience implementing Quality Improvement programmes within the South African public health sector.
• Minimum 3 years' experience implementing the Operation Phuthuma methodology at facility, subdistrict or district level.
• Demonstrated experience applying the Model for Improvement
• Experience facilitating Quality Improvement collaboratives, Learning Sessions, Huddles, Gemba Walks and Nerve Centre meetings.
• Experience implementing and monitoring Quality Improvement Plans in HIV, TB, PHC, Ideal Clinic, RTQII, NCS and related programmes.
• Experience mentoring multidisciplinary teams and Department of Health managers.
• Strong analytical skills with experience interpreting DHIS, Tier.Net and other routine health information systems.
• Experience documenting best practices, writing technical reports and presenting programme
• performance to senior management and donors.
• Experience working within donor-funded programmes (CDC, USAID, Global Fund or similar) will be advantageous.

Competencies

• Advanced knowledge of the Operation Phuthuma methodology.
• Advanced knowledge of the Institute for Healthcare Improvement Model for Improvement.
• Strong facilitation, coaching and mentoring skills.
• Excellent presentation and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Excellent report writing and documentation skills.
• Strong data analysis and interpretation skills.
• Project planning and programme management.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to influence system change without direct authority.
• Strong organisational and problem-solving skills.
• High level of professionalism, integrity and accountability.
• Ability to work independently and within multidisciplinary teams.
• Willingness to travel extensively within supported districts.

Closing date: 08 July 2026