MEDICAL OFFICER GRADE 1 (X2 POSTS)

This vacancy offers two posts for a Medical Officer Grade 1 within the Mpumalanga Department of Health, based at Amajuba Memorial Hospital in the Gert Sibande District and Themba Hospital in the Ehlanzeni District. As an OSD-graded position, the role is aimed at qualified medical practitioners who are registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as Medical Practitioners in Independent Practice for 2026. The successful candidates will work within a level 2 or level 3 package of service facility, meaning they will be responsible for the clinical management of patients admitted at these hospitals, while also supporting the broader aims and objectives of the institution in line with patient care standards.

Applicants must hold an MBChB degree or equivalent qualification that permits registration with the HPCSA as a Medical Practitioner. For Grade 1 entry, no prior experience is required after registration with the HPCSA, although foreign-qualified applicants must have at least one year of relevant experience after registration with a recognised foreign health professions council or the HPCSA. A valid work permit is required for non-South African citizens. The role demands sound knowledge of medical ethics, current health and public service regulations, and multidisciplinary teamwork. Clinical competencies such as consultation, history taking, examination, clinical assessment, and management are essential, as is the ability to work shifts and handle medical emergencies. The ideal candidate will also possess good communication, leadership, interpersonal, and supervisory skills, along with the capacity to teach and guide junior staff. Behavioural attributes such as stress tolerance, self-confidence, and the ability to build and maintain good relationships are important.

The main duties include executing clinical functions with proficiency, accepting responsibility for the management of patients within the facility’s level 2/3 package of services, and assisting in the preparation and implementation of guidelines and protocols. The medical officers will participate in academic and training programmes, contribute to clinical audits, and engage in continuous professional development. They will also provide support to hospital management to ensure an efficient standard of patient care and services is maintained.

Shortlisted candidates will be required to submit certified documents before interviews, and foreign qualifications must be evaluated by SAQA. Applicants must disclose any directorship, shareholding, business dealings with the state, or additional remunerative work outside their normal duties. All shortlisted candidates will undergo pre-entry assessments, including a practical exercise and an integrity assessment, and the top candidates will be subject to personnel suitability checks covering criminal records, citizenship, financial status, qualifications, and employment history. The successful appointee will enter into an annual performance agreement and disclose financial interests annually. The department reserves the right not to fill the post, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If no feedback is received within three months after the closing date, applicants should consider their application unsuccessful. Applications must be submitted online through the provincial e-recruitment portal, with a comprehensive CV and three contactable references uploaded.