HEAD CLINICAL UNIT – PAEDIATRICS PULMONOLOGY/ICU REF NO: HCU PAEDSPULM/1/2026 Department: Paediatrics Pulmonology/ICU

This senior medical leadership position is based at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital, a major tertiary referral centre in KwaZulu-Natal, within the Department of Paediatrics Pulmonology and Intensive Care. The successful candidate will serve as Head of the Clinical Unit, providing strategic direction and operational leadership in the development of paediatric critical care and pulmonology services. The role demands a high level of clinical expertise and administrative oversight, with the expectation that the incumbent will shape the vision for the unit, drive quality improvement, and ensure the delivery of specialised care to critically ill children and those with complex respiratory conditions. This is a demanding post suited to a seasoned paediatric specialist who can balance clinical responsibilities with governance, training, and outreach commitments.

Applicants must hold a degree in medicine (MBChB) and be registered as a Paediatrician with the Health Professions Council of South Africa. In addition, a certificate in the subspecialty of Paediatric Pulmonology is required, along with current HPCSA registration as a Medical Specialist or Subspecialist in Pulmonology. The post requires at least five years of experience after registration as a specialist. Beyond formal qualifications, the ideal candidate must demonstrate strong leadership capabilities, the ability to provide vision in developing paediatric critical care and pulmonology services, and the clinical competencies needed to function effectively in an intensive care environment. This includes proficiency in inserting invasive monitoring devices, managing critically ill children, performing flexible and rigid bronchoscopy, analysing lung function tests, and evaluating advanced pulmonology investigations.

The core duties are extensive and varied. The Head of Clinical Unit will be responsible for administration in both paediatric pulmonology and paediatric critical care, including conducting annual audits. Clinical responsibilities include undertaking ward rounds in the paediatric intensive care unit, high care, and pulmonology wards, as well as providing consultations for referrals of children with critical illness or lung disease. The post requires the ability to manage calls in the PICU and pulmonology simultaneously, and to run outpatient clinics in either pulmonology or post-PICU/high care follow-up. Teaching and training form a significant part of the role, encompassing fellows in subspecialty training, undergraduate medical students, and postgraduate students such as registrars and medical officers in child health. The incumbent is also expected to undertake outreach to tertiary and regional hospitals, engage with the community, participate in clinical governance and quality improvement plans, and monitor the commuted overtime activities of consultants within pulmonology and critical care.

This is an equal opportunity, affirmative action position, and the hospital encourages people with disabilities and African males to apply, while all race groups remain eligible. Shortlisted candidates will be required to undergo pre-employment screening and verification, including a CIPC check, as well as two pre-entry assessments: a practical exercise and an integrity assessment. Foreign qualifications must be evaluated by SAQA before the interview. Applicants must complete the prescribed Z83 form and submit a detailed curriculum vitae, with certified copies of qualifications and registration requested only from shortlisted candidates. It is important to note that no payment will be made for travel or subsistence claims, and applications that do not comply with the instructions will be disqualified. The reference number must be quoted on the Z83 form, and candidates who do not receive feedback within sixty days of the closing date should consider their application unsuccessful. Enquiries may be directed to the professor named in the advertisement.