CLINICAL PROGRAMME CO-ORDINATOR REF NO: IPC1/2026 Department: Infection Prevention and Control Practitioner

This vacancy is for a Clinical Programme Co-ordinator within the Infection Prevention and Control unit at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital, a specialised public hospital in KwaZulu-Natal. The role is essentially that of a senior professional nurse who acts as the hospital’s infection prevention and control lead, ensuring that the facility meets national and provincial infection control standards. The co-ordinator is expected to provide strategic and operational direction to prevent healthcare-associated infections, promote antibiotic stewardship, and build a culture of safety across all departments.

To be considered, applicants must hold a Senior Certificate or Grade 12, plus a Degree or Diploma in Nursing Science and Midwifery, or an equivalent qualification that allows registration with the South African Nursing Council as a Professional Nurse. Current registration with SANC for 2026 is required, along with at least seven years of appropriate post-registration experience in general nursing. An additional certificate in Infection Prevention and Control is essential, and a valid driver’s licence is required. The ideal candidate will demonstrate an in-depth understanding of nursing legislation, legal and ethical nursing practices, and how these affect service delivery. Knowledge of infection control policies and guidelines is critical, as are leadership, organisational, decision-making and problem-solving skills. Good communication and interpersonal relations are needed, as is a basic understanding of human resource and financial policies and practices. Computer literacy is also required.

The main duties are broad and demanding. The co-ordinator must develop and implement an infection prevention and control plan for the institution, ensure that the infection prevention and control committee and the antibiotic stewardship committee are in place and functional, and promote infection prevention culture through workshops, audits, meetings and awareness campaigns. The post holder will identify infection control risks and recommend mitigation strategies, provide training to all categories of staff on infection policies and practices, and conduct surveillance to report the incidence and prevalence of alert organisms and communicable diseases to the district and the Communicable Disease Centre. Hospital-acquired infections must be identified and reported, and the co-ordinator will visit departments to spot risks and ensure compliance with the infection prevention and control framework, protocols and guidelines. In the event of outbreaks, the co-ordinator will initiate investigations and control measures in collaboration with the committee. The role also involves serving as a clinical governance champion, ensuring an effective clinical risk management system, reviewing institutional standard operating procedures, and advising management on infection prevention and control policies.

Shortlisted candidates will be required to undergo two pre-entry assessments: a practical exercise testing technical and generic suitability, and an integrity assessment. An application form and a detailed curriculum vitae must be submitted initially, with certified copies of qualifications and proof of registration requested only from shortlisted candidates. A signed original letter from the current employer confirming work experience must also be provided if shortlisted. Foreign qualifications must be evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority before the interview. The selected candidate will be subject to pre-employment screening and verification, including a Companies Intellectual Property Commission check. The hospital is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer and encourages people with disabilities and African males to apply, while other race groups remain eligible. Applicants who do not receive feedback within 60 days of the closing date should consider their application unsuccessful, and no travel or subsistence claims will be paid.