About the Role
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health is seeking a dedicated and passionate individual for the position of Deputy Director: Maternal Health, based in Pietermaritzburg. This pivotal role plays a vital part in enhancing maternal health services and reducing maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality in our communities. By developing and implementing effective health policies and guidelines, the Deputy Director will contribute significantly to the overall health and well-being of mothers and infants throughout the province.
The successful candidate will not only work closely with various stakeholders, including national and provincial health departments and local partners, but will also provide essential support to district coordinators. This collaboration ensures that best practices in maternal health are shared and implemented across all healthcare facilities, ultimately leading to improved health outcomes for families in the region. The impact of this role extends far beyond the office; it resonates within the heart of every community, fostering healthier generations.
About the Department
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health is committed to providing accessible and quality healthcare services to all residents of the province. It focuses on promoting health, preventing diseases, and ensuring that healthcare systems are efficient and effective. By working within this vibrant department, employees contribute to a noble mission of improving public health standards and addressing the diverse health challenges faced by the community.
As an employee of the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health, you will be part of a dynamic team that values collaboration and innovation. The department strives to empower its workforce through continuous learning and development, making it a meaningful place to work.
What You’ll Do
- Develop, review, and implement maternal health policies and guidelines to address provincial needs.
- Monitor and evaluate maternal health services, reporting on key performance indicators.
- Facilitate stakeholder collaboration to improve service delivery and program integration.
- Provide technical assistance and support to district and facility management teams.
- Conduct outreach visits to districts, prioritizing areas with the greatest need for improvement.
- Facilitate training for healthcare providers on maternal health protocols and best practices.
- Coordinate provincial maternal mortality and perinatal morbidity committees.
- Engage in comprehensive data collection and analysis to inform strategic planning.
What You’ll Need
- Matric Certificate (Grade 12) is essential.
- An undergraduate qualification (NQF 7) or Diploma (NQF 6) in Nursing or a Medical degree (MBCHB).
- Current registration with SANC or HPCSA is required.
- A minimum of three years’ experience as an Assistant Director in a relevant field.
- At least five years of post-registration experience in Maternal Health Programs.
- Valid code EB Driver’s License (code 8) and computer literacy are required.
- A Master’s Degree in Public Health or a similar field will be an added advantage.
How to Apply
All applications should be forwarded to the Chief Director: Human Resource Management Services, KZN Department of Health.
Requirements
Matric Certificate (Grade 12).An undergraduate qualification (NQF 7) or Diploma (NQF 6) in Nursing.
Or Medical degree (MBCHB) Plus.
Current registration with SANC or HPCSA.
A minimum of three (3) years’ experience as an Assistant Director Plus.
Five (5) years’ experience after registration with professional body in Maternal Health Programme Plus.
Valid code EB Driver’s License (code 8) Plus.
Computer literacy.
Additional Information: A Masters’ Degree in Public Health or similar in research will be an added advantage.
NB: All shortlisted candidates will be required to submit proof of work experience endorsed and stamped by the employer/s prior to the date of the interview.
Knowledge, Skills, Training and Competencies: Job Purpose: To develop, facilitate, monitor and evaluate evidence-based strategies to i) reduce maternal morbidity and mortality, including HIV-related and ii) vertical transmission prevention (VTP) of HIV, syphilis and Hepatits B; and improve the quality of maternal and perinatal health through improving service delivery, ensuring transfer of appropriate knowledge, skills and developing community intervention strategies.
Manage resource allocation and monitor implementation of maternal health care and VTP policies within the province; comprehensive data collection, analysis and strategic planning in the field of maternal health and VTP.
The ideal candidate must possess the following: Technical knowledge on maternal health policies and VTP.
Knowledge of the current health and public health services legislation.
Financial management skills.
Project management skills.
Understanding of epidemiology and statistics.
Leadership skills, including good communication, decision making 129 and clinical skills.
Possess sound knowledge of human resources.
Management skills, including budgeting, planning, implementation, and quality assurance.
Job Duties
Develop, review and ensure implementation of relevant policies and guidelines: Performance standard.Update existing provincial maternal health and VTP related guidelines and policies.
Develop new guidelines and policies for the Province in response to identified issues in maternal health and VTP field.
Provide guidance to districts regarding best practices for maternal health and VTP coordinators.
Identify maternal health and VTP advocacy needs according to priorities.
Program Management & Implementation: Performance standard.
Develop and implement strategies to reduce maternal and perinatal health-related morbidity and mortality, including HIV-related in each key programme area (preconception/ antenatal care; labour and childbirth, post- natal care) as per Saving Mothers recommendations and consolidated HIV guidelines.
Report on key activities conducted aligned to these strategies.
Facilitate engagement on programme performance at women’s health management and provincial quarterly meetings.
Offer assistance and technical support to all districts to improve Maternal Health and VTP Services: Performance standard.
Support the district in devising district plans to address district-specific health issues.
Provide technical assistance to district and facility management team.
Conduct outreach support visits (on site or virtual to all districts) with priority given to districts with poorest performance.
Facilitate training in all key areas of women’s health programme.
Offer assistance and technical support to all districts to improve Maternal Health Services.
Stakeholder Collaboration - Liaise with national and provincial Departments of Health, funders (like UNICEF), partners, and local stakeholders to ensure coordinated effort and program integration.
Improve service delivery through capacity building: performance standard: Facilitate training of midwives and doctors where applicable on the new developments and protocols, as well as to maintain and improve skills and knowledge (e.
g.
ESMOE, Emotive); engage districts to conduct skills audits for relevant trainings; Organize and provide orientation and training for healthcare providers and facility staff on VTP guidelines, screening, and preventative therapies.
Monitor and evaluate maternal health services: performance standard.
Review and update maternal health and VTP data elements.
Quarterly reports prepared with remedial actions.
Correct data errors.
Analysis of relevant indicator performance with the team.
Monitor quarterly the implementation of Saving mothers recommendations.
Undertake other managerial and administration duties; performance standard.
Coordinate provincial maternal mortality confidential enquiry.
Coordinate Provincial perinatal morbidity and mortality committee.
EPMDS completed.
Compile DORA.
Participate in provincial and district interviews as panel member.
