Exciting Career Opportunity: Deputy Head – Subdistrict South at eThekwini Municipality

eThekwini Municipality is seeking an experienced and dynamic professional for the position of Deputy Head: Subdistrict South within the Health Department. This permanent role, based in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, offers a unique opportunity to lead and manage essential health services in one of South Africa’s most vibrant municipalities. The application deadline is February 21, 2025.

Job Overview:

The Deputy Head: Subdistrict South will oversee the planning, management, and direction of Primary Health Care Services, Environmental Health Services, Community Health Services, and related administrative functions. This position plays a pivotal role in shaping the delivery of public health services and ensuring the implementation of health strategies that improve the well-being of the community.

Key Responsibilities:

• Research and Best Practices: Conduct research into the best practices for Primary Health Care services and assess the suitability of existing policies. Update procedures and manuals to ensure effectiveness and relevance.
• Personnel Management: Direct and monitor the performance, utilization, and productivity of personnel within the section. Ensure that staff are aligned with departmental goals and objectives.
• Strategic Planning: Lead workshops and presentations regarding disease prevalence issues (such as HIV/AIDS) and planned interventions. Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to align on public health strategies.
• Environmental Health Strategy: Lead the planning, management, and execution of the Environmental Health strategy, ensuring effective service delivery and the setting of short- and medium-term objectives for the sub-district.
• Nursing Services Management: Oversee the Nursing Services strategy related to Primary Health Care. Define, implement, and monitor key objectives to ensure high-quality health service provision.
• Occupational Health and Safety: Ensure the implementation and maintenance of an effective occupational health and safety system.
• District Health System Coordination: Plan and coordinate the District Health System strategy, ensuring seamless integration and delivery of services across the sub-district.
• Business Planning and Funding: Prepare business plans for securing funding from National and International Agencies to support health initiatives.
• Financial Management: Estimate capital and operating funding needs, monitor expenditure, and manage budgets to ensure the optimal use of allocated resources.
• Poverty Alleviation Projects: Plan and implement Poverty Alleviation Projects aimed at addressing health inequalities and improving community health outcomes.

Competencies:

The ideal candidate will possess the following competencies:

• Communication Skills: Ability to effectively communicate with both internal and external stakeholders.
• Planning and Organising: Strong organisational and time-management skills to manage multiple priorities.
• Advocacy and Negotiation: Effective at advocating for wellness and negotiating health policies and strategies.
• Systems-Based Practice: Understanding of health systems and their integration for better outcomes.
• Conceptual Thinking: Ability to think critically and address complex health issues.
• Financial Management: Experience in managing budgets, financial forecasting, and funding requirements.
• Strategy Development: Proven ability to develop and implement long-term health strategies.
• Organisational Awareness: Familiarity with the workings of public health systems and municipal structures.
• Service Delivery Orientation: Focused on ensuring high-quality service delivery in the health sector.
• Action and Outcomes-Oriented: A results-driven approach to achieving health objectives.
• Direction Setting: Ability to lead teams and set a clear course for the sub-district’s health services.

Essential Requirements:

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Health Sciences (NQF Level 7).
• Current registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) or South African Nursing Council (SANC).
• A valid motor vehicle driver’s license.
• At least 8 years of experience in a management role, with a minimum of 3 years at senior management level.

Benefits:

The successful candidate will enjoy a competitive remuneration package, which includes:

• Housing Subsidy
• Leave
• Medical Aid
• Locomotion Allowance
• Cellphone Allowance
• Pension Fund
• Negotiable Remuneration
• 13th Cheque

How to Apply:

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply by February 21, 2025. For further information, please contact Human Capital at 031 311 3630 or 031 322 87625.

This role offers an incredible opportunity to make a significant impact on public health in the Subdistrict South of eThekwini Municipality. If you are an experienced health leader passionate about improving community health outcomes, we invite you to apply for this important position.