PROFESSIONAL OFFICER: CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT (CPD)

The South African Nursing Council (SANC), the statutory body entrusted with setting and maintaining standards of nursing education, training and practice in South Africa under the Nursing Act, 2005, is seeking a Professional Officer for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) within its Professional Practice department. This permanent position, based in Pretoria, is central to the Council’s work of ensuring that nurse practitioners remain competent, current and compliant with professional standards through a structured CPD system. The successful candidate will join a team that shapes CPD policy, oversees implementation, monitors compliance, and engages with a broad range of stakeholders across the nursing profession and healthcare sector.

To be considered for this role, applicants must hold a Grade 12 certificate and an undergraduate nursing degree, together with a postgraduate qualification in nursing education or a clinical specialisation in nursing. They must have at least five years of experience practising as a professional nurse, as well as a minimum of three years working as a nurse educator in a higher education setting, such as a college or university, or in a nursing practice environment after obtaining their postgraduate qualification. A valid annual practising certificate and a valid driver’s licence are essential. Experience in coordinating or implementing CPD programmes or activities, and in coordinating or conducting evidence-based research, would be a distinct advantage.

The role requires a thorough working knowledge of the Nursing Act, the National Health Act, the Mental Health Act, and other relevant health and nursing legislation, as well as the SANC CPD framework and regulations for professional practice. The incumbent must be able to interpret and apply this legislation, demonstrate high-quality report writing and presentation skills, and engage effectively with stakeholders. Key competencies include technical and problem-solving skills, acceptance of responsibility, reliability, initiative, sound communication and interpersonal abilities, flexibility, teamwork, and strong planning and execution capabilities.

In terms of duties, the Professional Officer will contribute to the development of the Annual Performance Plan, the Annual Operational Plan, and the CPD implementation plan, and will implement CPD in line with Council strategy and the Nursing Act. Responsibilities include developing the processes and documentation required for CPD implementation, evaluating applications from institutions, organisations and individuals seeking recognition as CPD providers, and reviewing the certification of other professional bodies and events. The officer will also contribute to the development and review of policies, standard operating procedures, frameworks, internal controls and systems within the CPD section, and will monitor compliance by nurse practitioners and CPD providers. Identifying and reporting inherent risks, liaising with internal and external stakeholders, and responding to CPD enquiries by email, telephone and in person are also part of the role. The position involves conducting support visits to provinces and health establishments, managing and analysing CPD implementation and compliance data, and compiling reports. The officer will support Council committees, present reports to Council and stakeholders as required, conduct road shows and site visits, manage human, financial, physical and information resources, and perform ad hoc tasks delegated by the line manager.

This role requires a willingness to travel extensively and to work beyond normal hours within the provisions of the Basic Conditions of Employment Act. Applications are submitted through the SANC recruitment portal, and shortlisted candidates must be prepared to provide certified copies of their identity document, qualifications and driver’s licence, with foreign qualifications accompanied by a SAQA evaluation certificate. Background checks will be conducted as part of the appointment process.