HEAD OF UNIT (HOU) (X1 POST)

This position is for a Head of Unit within the Anaesthesia department at Thelle Mogoerane Regional Hospital, a senior medical specialist role in the Gauteng provincial health environment. The successful candidate will function as the clinical and administrative leader of the anaesthetic unit, working alongside the clinical manager to ensure the smooth operation of the department. The role is graded under the Occupation Specific Dispensation (OSD) for medical specialists and offers an all-inclusive remuneration package. It is a demanding post that combines direct clinical service delivery with substantial managerial responsibility across human resources, finance, supply chain and training within a busy regional hospital and its broader cluster.

Applicants must hold a Grade 12 certificate as well as a postgraduate qualification that permits registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as a Medical Specialist in Anaesthesia. A minimum of three years’ post-registration experience as a Specialist Anaesthetist is required, with outstanding clinical skills, ideally gained in the public service sector. The ideal candidate will have experience in both undergraduate and postgraduate teaching and training, including research supervision. A working understanding of basic human resource matters such as labour relations and the Occupational Health and Safety Act, as well as finance-related issues such as cost drivers and budget allocations, is essential. Knowledge of supply chain processes, including developing demand and procurement plans for the unit, and awareness of the legislative frameworks governing public service employment are also necessary. Proven leadership, managerial, problem-solving, communication and supervisory skills are non-negotiable, along with stress tolerance and the ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team.

The core duties are wide-ranging. The Head of Unit will assist the clinical manager with the overall management and administration of the anaesthetic department, including serving on hospital committees and participating in departmental activities. A significant portion of the role involves teaching and training at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, as well as supervising and delivering anaesthesia services at the hospital and across its cluster. The position also requires involvement in the department’s outreach initiatives, human capital management and other administrative tasks as allocated. The candidate will be expected to contribute to the research and publication agenda of the academic department and to comply fully with the Performance Management and Development System, which includes contracting, reviews and final assessments.

The employer has outlined strict application and selection conditions. Applicants must use the newly updated Z83 application form, fully completed, initialled and signed, along with a detailed CV that lists all experience in chronological order with start and end dates in the specified format. At least three references must be provided, one of whom must be the immediate supervisor. Only shortlisted candidates will be asked to submit certified copies of qualifications and other documents, and any foreign qualifications must be accompanied by a SAQA evaluation certificate. All shortlisted candidates will undergo pre-entry assessments, including a practical exercise and an integrity assessment, and the recommended candidate may be subject to medical surveillance and a Personnel Suitability Check covering identity, reference, qualification and criminal record verification. The employer reserves the right not to fill the post, and only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. This is therefore an opportunity ideally suited to a seasoned anaesthesia specialist who is equally comfortable in clinical leadership, academic mentorship and hospital administration.