Program Manager: MSM & TG
The Institute of Health Programs and Systems (IHPS) is a South African non-profit company (NPC) born out of the PEPFAR CDC Track 1 transition of the ICAP, Columbia University, Multi-country AIDS Program (MCAP) in South Africa in 2010. The IHPS mission is “to strengthen health and development systems through program implementation and partnerships”, with a vision to achieve “optimal and sustainable health and development outcomes”. Currently, IHPS is a Global Fund (GF) Subrecipient (SR) under the Aurum Institute, tasked to implement the “Comprehensive HIV Prevention Programmes for Men who have Sex with Men (MSM) and Transgender People (TG) and their sexual partners across all five districts in Limpopo Province viz. Capricorn, Mopani, Sekhukhune, Vhembe and Waterberg from 01 December 2025 to 31 March 2028. As such, IHPS seeks to recruit the position outlined below, based in Polokwane, Limpopo Province.
Full Time
- Contract Type: Fixed term contract
- Start Date: January 2026
- Level of Effort: 100%
- Closing Date: 15 December 2025
Overall Responsibility
Responsible for the day-to-day leadership, grant and program management including the coordination and provision of technical, administrative, logistical, financial, risk and compliance support for effective MSM and TG programming across the five districts in Limpopo Province.
Key Performance Areas:
The incumbent shall be responsible for the overall program direction to ensure successful MSM and TG program implementation in Limpopo Province for the Global Fund Grant Cycle 7 (GC7) period viz. October 2025 to March 2028. The duties include but are not limited to:
Essential Duties
Program Management
- Lead and manage the implementation of the IHPS MSM & TG programme in accordance with the GC7 funder agreements and ensure timely implementation of the prescribed MSM & TG activities.
- Provide the daily technical, administrative, fiscal, risk and compliance support required to achieve the MSM & TG programme goals and objectives; and ensure project timelines and priorities are respected, and program targets are met.
- Collaborate with the IHPS head office human resources (HR) unit to establish a suitably skilled MSM & TG programme team. Work with HR and line managers to recruit, orientate and induct staff, supervise as well as conduct performance reviews and provide feedback in line with IHPS HR policies and procedures.
- Lead and oversee MSM & TG programme weekly/ monthly activity planning and reporting activities to promote staff accountability.
- Coordinate needs-based and targeted trainings for IHPS MSM & TG programme staff in Limpopo Province, in alignment with IHPS and PR training plans and priorities.
- Facilitate weekly/ monthly/ quarterly program management or review meetings to monitor progress, identify and manage challenges, gaps, opportunities and threats in a timely manner.
- Manage all field HR, finance and administration (F&A) functions, coordinate/ collaborate with head office F&A and HR teams to ensure adequate F&A support, for optimal day-to-day field implementation and administration.
- Maintain clear and open communication and serve as a principal liaison between the IHPS head office and the IHPS Limpopo field offices, for effective day-to-day program operations.
Strategic Information and Knowledge Management
- In close collaboration with the monitoring and evaluation (M&E) Technical Lead or Manager, lead and manage all MSM & TG programme M&E activities, in line with IHPS and funder requirements.
- Oversee and coordinate the collection, collation, verification, quality assurance, analysis and interpretation of program data; preparation of scheduled and special reports; and the maintenance of program records and statistical information as per IHPS policies, standard operating procedures (SOPs) as well as funder requirements.
- Lead and manage the submission of regular activity plans and reports to internal and external stakeholders, to communicate MSM & TG programme implementation progress updates.
- Maintain a current program monitoring, evaluation, reporting and learning (MERL) system and processes in line with IHPS and funder MERL policies, guidelines and SOPs.
- Establish and maintain an up-to-date overall MSM &TG programme information management system to ensure data is readily accessible and available for internal and external audits and compliance reviews including data on HR, procurement, asset management, etc.
- Lead and coordinate the documentation of MSM & TG programme best practices, lessons learned, case studies, and success stories, including the development of conference abstracts, presentations, and other knowledge products to strengthen IHPS MSM & TG programme visibility and evidence-based dissemination of results.
- Work closely with the IHPS central technical advisory team, to support the development, review or adaptation of training manuals, guidelines, job aids, newsletters, and/or brochures, as appropriate
Partnerships/ Stakeholder Management
- Establish and maintain strategic and collaborative partnerships with other implementing partners, non-government organisations (NGOs), SANAC subnational structures and government departments, to strengthen the implementation of the MSM & TG programme.
- Act as the liaison between IHPS and the multisectoral provincial, district, and local stakeholders including the Provincial Council on AIDS (PCA), Department of Health (DoH) and other relevant government departments.
- Actively represent IHPS at all relevant provincial and district level partners’ meetings or forums.
- Serve as the IHPS representative at donor or any other pertinent forums as directed by IHPS Senior Management.
General
- Oversee optimal implementation and compliance with IHPS HR, finance and operations policies and SOPs as well as funder requirements in the field, thus strengthen institutional capacity and improve operational efficiencies.
- Perform specialized activities in direct support of the accomplishment of program objectives, as guided by IHPS senior management and/ or funder.
- Actively participate in IHPS strategic planning, risk management, and grant compliance processes as well as effective implementation of audit recommendations
- Support IHPS new business development initiatives, grant and/or proposal writing and participate in fundraising activities as appropriate.
- Perform any other duties and responsibilities as assigned by IHPS Senior Management
Qualifications and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in health or social sciences. A master’s degree in public health, social sciences or other relevant fields will be an added advantage.
- Project management experience with proven ability to ensure high-quality program outcomes
- Practical Global Fund programming and grants management experience with proven ability to manage and coordinate a multidisciplinary team
- Proven experience of managing donor-funded HIV and TB prevention programmes in non-profit organisations.
- HR management and capacity development experience including solid understanding of SA labour laws.
- A minimum of five years of demonstrated work experience at programme and senior management level
- In-depth knowledge and understanding of the South African health, education and social development systems is required.
Competencies
- Exceptional verbal and written communication skills in English. Command of other official local languages would be an added advantage.
- Ability to take initiatives, work under pressure and multitask with minimum supervision.
- A team leader with good interpersonal and people management skills
- Sound analytical, problem solving and decision-making skills; effective time management and coordination skills.
- Project management skills including adherence to project timelines and budgets
- Demonstrated competency in different Microsoft Office packages (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, etc.) and project management tools.
- Valid driver’s license and ability to drive.
Employer’s Rights
This position description may not list all the duties of the job. If an offer is made, you will be presented with a detailed job description. Applicants will be evaluated based upon their demonstrated ability to perform the tasks listed above, their education and work experience. The employer reserves the right to revise this posting at any time.
How to Apply
Qualified candidates should apply by e-mail only to HR@ihps-sa.org. Subject line should be the Position and District you are applying for, and a cover letter and resume or curriculum vitae (CV) should be attached. Submissions which do not follow the above instructions will not be considered.
Due to the extremely high volume of CVs expected, only those selected for interviews will be contacted. NO PHONE CALLS about these positions will be accepted.
Closing Date: 15 December 2025
