CHIEF DIRECTOR REF NO: G42/2026 Cluster: Strategic Health Programmes

This senior management position, based at the Head Office in Pietermaritzburg, is responsible for providing strategic leadership, management and coordination across the full spectrum of Strategic Health Programmes within the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health. Reporting directly to the Deputy Director General: Clinical Support Services, the Chief Director will oversee programme areas that include HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, Maternal, Child and Women’s Health, nutrition, food services management, medical male circumcision, advocacy and social mobilisation, strategic information management, and youth, gender and transformation. The role sits within the Cluster: Strategic Health Programmes and is central to ensuring that departmental targets are met in line with provincial and national strategic plans.

Candidates must hold an undergraduate qualification at NQF level 7 in Health Science or an MBCHB degree, and must be currently registered with the relevant health professional body. A minimum of five years’ experience at senior managerial level, specifically managing Strategic Health Programmes, is required. An unendorsed valid Code B driver’s licence and computer literacy in Microsoft Office applications are also essential. A postgraduate qualification in Public Health Management or a relevant health management qualification will be an added advantage, as will experience in health programme management and district health services management. The ideal candidate should be able to work independently and under pressure, handle sensitive and personal information with strict confidentiality, and demonstrate strong leadership, strategy execution, budgeting, financial planning, human resource understanding, communication, project management, decision-making and problem-solving skills. Knowledge of legislative prescripts governing the public service and of government communication structures and principles is also required.

The core duties include developing an appropriate environment for implementing medium- and long-term plans to mitigate the impact of HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis, maternal mortality, malnutrition, child-related conditions, communicable diseases and men’s health trends. The Chief Director will ensure the development and implementation of effective communication strategies and reliable information systems, identify and address transversal health service delivery barriers, and coordinate multi-sectoral responses for HIV, TB and STIs in line with the Provincial HIV, TB and STI plan. The post also involves coordinating support, resource acquisition and distribution from donor-funded partners, including signing memoranda of understanding between the KZN Department of Health and partners, and liaising with stakeholders such as Operation Sukuma Sakhe and the District Development Model to find innovative solutions to policy barriers. Further responsibilities include providing strategic leadership to provincial and district teams in developing, implementing, monitoring and reporting on the HIV and TB Conditional Grant Business Plan in line with the Conditional Grant Framework and DORA indicators, as well as ensuring the effective, efficient and economical management of allocated resources.

This is a senior management service post, and applicants should note that while the SMS pre-entry certificate is not required at application stage, it must be completed and held before any appointment is made. Shortlisted candidates will undergo pre-entry assessments, including a practical exercise and an integrity assessment, and will be required to submit proof of work experience endorsed and stamped by employers before the interview. A technical exercise and interview will be conducted, and up to three candidates may then undergo psychometric assessment covering cognitive capabilities, behavioural preferences, emotional intelligence and integrity.