About the Role
The Uthukela Health District is seeking a dedicated and skilled individual to join their team as a District Director. This pivotal role is based in the Uthukela region, where you will provide strategic leadership and oversee the implementation of health service delivery plans that directly impact the well-being of the local community. As a District Director, your work will be integral to enhancing public health services, ensuring equitable access to care, and fostering a culture of accountability and transparency within the health sector.
Your leadership will be vital in addressing health service delivery challenges, particularly in an area facing significant public health issues. With a focus on community health and collaboration, you will help navigate the complexities of health management, ultimately contributing to improved outcomes for the people of Uthukela and surrounding areas. This role is an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others, reinforcing the commitment of public service to uphold the health rights of every citizen.
About the Department
The Department of Health is committed to promoting and protecting the health of South Africans through quality health services and comprehensive healthcare systems. It strives to ensure that all citizens have access to the necessary resources and support for their health needs, particularly in underserved communities. Working within this department offers a chance to be part of a mission that prioritizes public health, equity, and the continuous improvement of healthcare services across the nation.
As a member of the Department of Health, you will join a diverse team of professionals dedicated to addressing the health challenges facing South Africa. Your contributions will play a significant role in shaping the future of healthcare delivery, making it a rewarding and impactful career choice.
What You’ll Do
- Lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of the Annual District Health Services Delivery Plan.
- Coordinate health service delivery initiatives and allocate resources among health facilities effectively.
- Monitor and evaluate health service delivery, identifying high-risk areas and facilitating timely corrective actions.
- Provide clinical support and other essential services to various health institutions.
- Foster the development of a skilled and compassionate workforce across all health levels.
- Address barriers to health service delivery that require provincial intervention.
- Oversee Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and Forensic Pathology Services in the district.
- Ensure compliance with governance and accountability practices, driving a culture of transparency.
- Maintain strong relationships with community structures, NGOs, and health partners.
- Supervise and mentor public health teams to enhance performance and policy compliance.
What You’ll Need
- An undergraduate qualification (NQF level 7) in Health, along with a degree or diploma in health management or general management.
- A minimum of five years of experience in a middle or senior managerial role in a public health care environment.
- A valid driver’s license and proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
- Strong leadership skills and the ability to effectively manage and optimize resources.
- A deep understanding of the public health sector’s challenges, including poverty and resource limitations.
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities to develop innovative solutions.
- Knowledge of universal health coverage and the governance framework for health services.
How to Apply
Applicants are encouraged to apply for posts through the online e-Recruitment system below.
Looking for more South African government jobs? Browse the latest vacancies on JobsSouthAfrica.co.za. If you are applying for the first time, read our Complete Guide to Applying for Government Jobs in South Africa, covering the Z83 form, certified copies, CV format, interview tips and more.
Requirements
An undergraduate qualification (NQF level 7) in Health; Plus degree or diploma in health management or Degree/diploma in general management.Plus A minimum of Five (5) years at a middle/senior managerial level in Public Health Care environment Plus Unendorsed valid driver’s license.
Computer literacy with proficiency in Microsoft software applications.
Additional Information: An undergraduate qualification (NQF level 7) in Clinical Health Science; Current registration with the relevant health professional body; Experience in primary health care and district health system.
Post-graduate qualification in Public Health / Master in Business Management.
Project Management.
Knowledge, Skills, Training and Competencies Required: The incumbent of this post will report to the Chief Director: District Health Services: Head Office and will be responsible to ensure and account for the delivery of integrated, effective and efficient health service at all levels of care based on the Primary Health Care approach through the District Health System within UThukela District (whichever is relevant).
The ideal candidates must: Possess a clear understanding of the challenges facing the public health sector due to poverty, resource limitations and opportunistic diseases such as TB, HIV and AIDS.
Have the ability to analyse and interpret complex management data and information to inform decision-making and alignment processes timeously.
Have the ability to develop innovative solutions for complex health and other service delivery management problems.
Possess strong leadership to: ensure buy-in/support of other organs of state and external stakeholders to accomplish deliverables identified in the Annual Performance Plans of the District.
Provide strategic direction to Institutions.
Mediate processes for the allocation of resources to Institutions.
Build a highly effective and efficient health service delivery team in the District; and reason/present/negotiate the case of the District at departmental management and planning fora.
Have the ability to assess and manage the performance of the District Health System and directly supervise staff.
Have the ability to interact effectively and efficiently with a wide range of stakeholders.
Have the ability to turn around negative audit findings in the district to be a positive one.
Possess a good Knowledge and understanding of universal health coverage Possess a clear understanding of risk and other management processes and the application thereof to ensure that the decentralised management model of the department is performing optimally.
Possess knowledge of the governance framework and legislative imperatives set for the area of operation.
Be computer literate with a proficiency in MS Office Software applications.
Job Duties
Based on relevant policy imperatives, provide strategic leadership and ensure the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of an Annual District Health Services Delivery Plan.Account in terms of planned initiatives for the delivery of health services in the District.
Coordinate and facilitate processes to prioritise health service delivery initiatives and the allocation of concomitant resources amongst health facilities in the District, whilst promoting service delivery equity.
Monitor and evaluate health service delivery within the District, identify high risk areas and facilitate timeous corrective action where required.
Provide transversal clinical support and other support services to Institutions.
Ensure the development of an innovative and human rights sensitive cadre of health workers at all levels.
Identify and address transversal health service delivery barriers that cannot be resolved at Institutional and district level and filter those requiring intervention at Provincial level.
Facilitate the process of ensuring universal health access (NHI) for UThukela Health District.
Oversee and coordinate the delivery of Emergency Medical Services 121 (EMS) and Forensic Pathology Services (FPS) across the district.
Implement good governance, transparency, and accountability practices.
Drive all public health services within the district towards achieving and sustaining a clean audit.
Responsible for providing strategic leadership and overall management of all health services within the district.
Ensure the delivery of high-quality, equitable, and patient-centred care across the district, while driving compliance, efficiency, and continuous improvement.
Effectively manage and optimise all resources under your stewardship, including physical, and technological assets, to ensure efficiency, accountability, and maximum impact on service delivery.
Build and maintain strong relationships with community structures, oversight bodies, NGOs, and other health sector partners.
Participate in DDM, Operation Sukuma Sakhe (OSS) and other intersectoral collaborations.
Ensure all public health facilities on readiness for audits, inspections, and quality assurance assessments.
Promote a positive organisational culture in the district.
Supervise, mentor, and develop public health teams in ensuring high performance, continuous improvement, and policy compliance.