Project Manager- HPV Vaccination

The National Department of Health (NDoH) has established as one of its priorities the delivery of Human Papillomavirus vaccination for the prevention of cervical cancer to girls aged 9 to10 years old in grade 4 of schools.  Vaccination will commence in quarter one of 2014. HPV introduction will require an interdisciplinary, multi-stakeholder effort involving different levels of the Department of Health, other Government Departments, Provincial Agencies, United Nations Agencies & other supporting Agencies and collaboration with private sector for effective introduction of the vaccine to reach all girls in the targeted population.

The NDoH is seeking a highly motivated individual with outstanding credentials, analytical ability, management capabilities, and communication skills to serve as the Project Manager for planning and implementation of the HPV vaccine.

Key responsibilities will include, but are not be limited to, the following:

• Facilitate and coordinate the finalization of the national HPV Implementation plan in collaboration with the relevant stakeholders
• Coordinate meetings during the planning process
• Guide provinces and districts on development of micro-plans for HPV implementation. 
• Facilitate coordination between National and Provincial DOHs
• Oversee detailed implementation plan within the relevant programs (EPI, District Health, School and Youth Health) up to sub-district level with School Health Teams, coordinating adaptation of the plan  as necessary
• Assist in the management of  the implementation process ensuring that all stakeholders  fulfill their responsibilities on the necessary steps to ensure the vaccine is delivered in full during 2014
• Build standard operating procedures, to ensure the plan can be continuously implemented in the long run
• Assess and report back on the readiness of the different components of the delivery system at least from 6 months before implementation and be able to report on: vaccine supply; logistics and delivery systems; cold chain capacity and temperature monitoring; training , social mobilization and programme communication;  data, collection tools, data files  and  general health information management etc.
• Assist in the coordination of national and provincial training for HPV vaccine implementation
• Coordinate  a social mobilization plan work with relevant units within the DOH and DBE, based on international and regional best practices including the development and distribution of the appropriate social mobilization tools
• Monitor  HPV vaccine coverage and support the  development of strategies to reach the missed school/girls

Qualifications and Characteristics:

• BA or BSc plus 6 years of relevant professional experience, including project management preferably within health projects (Nursing / medical background particularly in EPI and School Health is an added advantage)
• Exceptional diplomacy and interpersonal skills
• Previous experience reporting to high level government officials
• Ability to build strong professional relationships with a range of stakeholders in a challenging, multi-cultural environment
• Ability to handle high pressure situations and uncertainty within a multi-stakeholder environment.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, including the ability to prepare presentations and comprehensive reports
• Excellent problem solving skills including experience on crisis management
• Analytical skills and experience with strong skills in Excel, DHIS, and GIS would be a plus
• Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously, set priorities, and work independently and flexibly
• Ability to navigate complex government processes and favorably influence decision-making collaborative manner
• Experience with the South African health context
• Familiarity with the different cultural and professional contexts across South African provinces
• Willingness and ability to travel frequently

Applications close on 9th August 2013.

Futures Group provides equal employment to all participants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, veteran or marital status.

Click here for further details and application