Public Health Specialist



  • Full Time
  • Paarl, Western Cape, South Africa

Gov Worker



The South African Department of Health seeks a highly qualified and dedicated Public Health Specialist to play a pivotal role in strengthening our public health systems. As a key member of our team, you will contribute to the development, implementation, and evaluation of programs aimed at improving health outcomes and promoting health equity across the country.

With a deep understanding of the complexities of public health in South Africa, you will work collaboratively with government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and healthcare professionals to develop and execute innovative solutions that address pressing health challenges.

Key Responsibilities:

In this vital role, your key responsibilities will include:

  • Developing, implementing, and evaluating programs to promote healthy behaviors, prevent chronic diseases, and reduce healthcare inequities.
  • Working closely with the Ministry of Health to provide technical support and guidance on public health policies, plans, and strategies.
  • Coordinating with healthcare facilities, civil society organizations, and the private sector to strengthen partnerships and improve public health services.
  • Conducting health research, surveillance, and analysis to identify trends and areas for improvement in public health.

You will also serve as an advisor to government officials, policymakers, and other stakeholders, providing expertise on public health issues and assisting in the development of budgets, plans, and regulations related to public health.

Minimum Requirements:

The successful candidate must possess:

  • A master’s or doctoral degree in Public Health, Epidemiology, Healthcare Policy, or a related field.
  • At least 5 years of professional experience in public health programming, policy, or research, preferably in a leadership or management capacity.
  • A strong track record of successful program implementation and demonstrated expertise in public health systems strengthening.
  • Fluency in written and spoken English, as well as any of the official South African languages.

Key Skills and Attributes:

As a Public Health Specialist, you will require:

  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to think strategically and practically.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with experience working with diverse stakeholders and coalitions.
  • Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and effectively in multicultural settings.
  • Strong written and verbal presentation skills, with the ability to tailor communication to various audiences.

Working Environment and Conditions:

As a Public Health Specialist, you will work in a dynamic and challenging environment, requiring:

  • The ability to work flexibly, often under pressure, and manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
  • The capacity to travel occasionally to rural areas and meetings across the country.
  • Familiarity with standard software applications, including MS Office, statistical analysis tools, and relevant public health software.

Duties:

As a Public Health Specialist, your duties will include:

  • Conducting desk reviews of relevant literature, data analysis, and situational analysis to inform policy and programming decisions.
  • Collaborating with government and non-government stakeholders to identify priorities and develop strategies.
  • Planning and implementing monitoring and evaluation frameworks to track progress toward health goals.

Benefits:

As a valued employee of the Department of Health, you can expect:

  • A competitive salary.
  • Comprehensive medical benefits.
  • Pension fund participation.
  • Leave entitlement in line with Public Service policies.

If you are passionate about improving health outcomes, reducing health inequities, and driving public health innovations, this is the perfect opportunity to join a dedicated team making a real difference in South Africa.


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