Clinical Programme Coordinator (Unit of Infection Prevention and Control) (Permanent position)

This position offers an opportunity for an experienced professional nurse to take on a leadership role within the Infection Prevention and Control Unit at Tygerberg Hospital in Parow Valley. As the Clinical Programme Coordinator, the successful candidate will be responsible for planning, managing, coordinating, and maintaining an optimal infection prevention and control (IPC) service across the hospital. The role sits within the broader nursing department and requires both strategic oversight and hands-on operational management. The incumbent will identify the need for standards, policies, and procedures relating to IPC, participate actively in developing these frameworks, and monitor their implementation to ensure compliance and effectiveness. Resource management is a key focus, ensuring that the unit operates efficiently and that available resources are utilised appropriately to maintain a safe environment for patients and staff alike.

Candidates must be registered with the South African Nursing Council (SANC) as a Professional Nurse, and hold one of the recognised nursing qualifications: a basic R425 diploma or degree in nursing, an equivalent R683 qualification, a four-year Bachelor Degree in Nursing (R174), or a three-year Diploma in Nursing (R171) that permits registration as a General Nurse. In addition, the role requires a minimum of seven years of appropriate and recognisable nursing experience after initial registration with the SANC in General Nursing. This is a permanent position graded within the Occupation Specific Dispensation (OSD) framework, reflecting its senior clinical and managerial nature.

The core duties extend beyond daily coordination. The Clinical Programme Coordinator is expected to initiate and participate in training, development, and research within the nursing department, contributing to the professional growth of staff and the advancement of IPC practices. The role also involves delivering a support service to the broader Nursing Service and the institution, maintaining ethical standards, and promoting both professional development and self-development. This requires a person who can work independently while also functioning effectively as part of a multi-disciplinary team. Strong communication, interpersonal, leadership, decision-making, and conflict resolution skills are essential, as is the ability to remain organised and perform well under pressure. Basic computer literacy and solid written and verbal communication skills are required. A sound knowledge of infection prevention and control principles, as well as relevant legislation and public sector policy governing IPC, is critical to success in this post.

Importantly, the position carries an inherent requirement to be willing and able to perform standby duties as the need arises, so flexibility and reliability are essential. Shortlisted candidates will be expected to undergo a practical assessment as part of the selection process, which is designed to evaluate their applied competence in the key result areas. This is a senior clinical coordination role that calls for an individual who is passionate about quality patient care, able to set and monitor standards, and committed to maintaining a culture of safety and excellence within a large tertiary hospital environment.