OPERATIONAL MANAGER NURSING PHC (GRADE 1)

This position is for an experienced professional nurse ready to step into a management role at Nogajuka Clinic, a primary health care facility operating under KwaMagwaza District Hospital in KwaZulu-Natal. As Operational Manager Nursing PHC (Grade 1), the successful candidate will be responsible for leading and coordinating comprehensive primary health care services at the clinic, ensuring that the facility runs efficiently and that patients receive quality care in line with provincial and national health policies. The role sits within the broader public health service, with a strong focus on implementing the PHC re-engineering strategy, advancing Universal Health Coverage, and supporting government initiatives such as Operation Sukuma Sakhe through intersectoral collaboration.

To be considered, applicants must have a Grade 12 or Senior Certificate, a Degree or Diploma in General Nursing and Midwifery, and a one-year post-basic qualification in Clinical Nursing Science Health Assessment, Treatment and Care, which is the recognised PHC specialisation. Current registration with the South African Nursing Council for 2026 is required in all three categories: General Nurse, Midwife or Accoucheur, and Primary Health Care. Candidates need at least nine years of appropriate nursing experience after registration as a Professional Nurse, of which at least five years must be in PHC after obtaining the post-basic qualification. Proof of both current and previous experience must be endorsed by the Human Resource Department rather than merely providing certificates of service.

The role demands a broad set of competencies. The operational manager must have in-depth knowledge of nursing legislation, legal and ethical nursing practices, public service policies, and other health-related prescripts. Familiarity with quality norms and standards from the Negotiated Service Delivery Agreement, the Office of Health Standards Compliance, Ideal Clinic Realisation and Monitoring, the Patient Rights Charter, and Batho Pele principles is essential. Strong leadership, organising, decision-making, and problem-solving skills are required, along with computer literacy, time and conflict management, report writing, and effective communication. The manager will also need human resource and financial management skills to oversee staff and budgets.

Key duties include providing a comprehensive package of services at primary health care level, developing and monitoring facility plans, and submitting progress reports. The manager will implement quality improvement programmes aimed at achieving Universal Health Coverage as set out in the National Health Act, and will ensure effective utilisation of resources in line with cost containment plans. Other responsibilities include implementing the Employment Performance Management and Development System, managing and using data to improve service delivery, maintaining intersectoral collaboration, monitoring departmental projects according to the health calendar, and conducting clinical audits of priority programmes to improve health care outcomes.

This is a demanding but rewarding role for a dedicated nursing professional. The post is graded as an OSD nursing management position and includes benefits such as an inhospitable allowance, a 13th cheque, and optional medical aid and home owners allowance, subject to prescribed requirements. Preference will be given to African male candidates and to persons with disabilities, in line with the department’s employment equity targets. Enquiries may be directed to the named contact person at the hospital.