DEPUTY MANAGER NURSING

This vacancy offers an experienced professional nurse the opportunity to step into a senior leadership role within the Eastern Cape Department of Health, based at Empilisweni Hospital in the Joe Gqabi District. The Deputy Manager Nursing position is a middle management post, graded according to the Occupational Specific Dispensation, and carries substantial responsibility for the strategic direction, operational oversight, and quality of nursing services delivered at the hospital. The successful candidate will act as a key bridge between frontline nursing staff, hospital management, and broader departmental objectives, ensuring that care is delivered in a legally sound, ethically responsible, and patient-centred manner.

Applicants must hold a basic R425 qualification, either a diploma or degree in nursing, or an equivalent qualification that permits registration with the South African Nursing Council as a Professional Nurse General. A postgraduate diploma in Nursing Management or Administration would strengthen an application. In terms of experience, the role demands a minimum of nine years of practice after registration as a Professional Nurse, with at least four of those years at a management level. The ideal candidate will demonstrate an advanced understanding of nursing legislation, legal and ethical nursing practices, and a working knowledge of the Public Finance Management Act, human resource management, Public Sector Legislation, Batho Pele Principles, and the Patient Rights Charter. Strong leadership, interpersonal, problem-solving, management, and decision-making skills are essential, as are good verbal and written communication, complex report writing, computer literacy, and a valid driver’s licence.

The core duties are wide-ranging and strategic. The Deputy Manager Nursing will be responsible for managing and providing strategic nursing leadership and direction to the Nursing Services, planning and monitoring the objectives of the specialised unit in line with the institution’s and department’s strategic plans, and coordinating constructive working relationships with nursing staff and other stakeholders. The role also requires ensuring compliance with professional and ethical practice, monitoring nursing care against statutory laws, policies, and procedures governing the Nursing Profession, Labour, and Health Care. Effective management and utilisation of human and material resources is a major component, including the implementation of the Performance Management and Development System. The post holder will also monitor compliance with quality assurance, infection control, occupational health and safety standards, and National Core Standards, while ensuring the efficient execution of administrative functions within the nursing unit.

There are several important conditions attached to this post. The department encourages females and people with disabilities to apply. All shortlisted candidates will be required to undergo two pre-entry assessments, one practical and one integrity-based, and will be subject to personnel suitability checks such as security vetting, qualification verification, and criminal record checks. Reference checks will also be conducted. Applicants should note that applications are initially reviewed using a Z83 form and a comprehensive CV, with certified documents required only for shortlisted candidates. Misrepresentation in documents leads to automatic disqualification. Those who do not hear from the department within three months of the closing date should consider their application unsuccessful.