Communication Officer

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. IHPS was established with a mission “to strengthen health and development systems through program implementation and partnerships” and, the vision is to ensure “optimal and sustainable health and development outcomes”. IHPS is a current Global Fund (GF) Subrecipient (SR) under the National Department of Health (NDoH), tasked to implement the Tuberculosis (TB) Program in the Johannesburg (JHB) Health District in Gauteng Province (GP) and Kenneth Kaunda District in the Northwest (NW) Province starting April 2022 ending March 2025. As such, IHPS seeks to recruit for the position outlined below, to be based at Head Office supporting Johannesburg Health District and Dr Kenneth Kaunda district. 


IHPS has a zero-tolerance approach to Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment of any person, child or adult, involved with its programs. The IHPS Protection from Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment policy (PSEAH) outlines our commitments towards SEAH.

Full Time

Overall Responsibility

The Communications Officer has the overall responsibility to ensure IHPS communicates consistent messages to all its different audiences, clients, suppliers, and the media. The Communications Officer will collaborate with districts, implementing partners, community local leaders and civil society organizations involved in health programs in the development of clear and culturally appropriate messages and IEC materials.

Key Performance Areas:

  • Develop, implement, and monitor all communications activities
  • Support the development and implementation of the district TB communication strategy in IHPS supported districts.
  • Conceptualize health content to promote TB and HIV services.
  • Ensure branding visibility at events organized at provincial and district level as appropriate
  • Work closely with the relevant provincial and district communications and health promotion teams to promote TB awareness campaigns
  • Conduct district stakeholder mapping analysis and develop a stakeholder database, in close collaboration with Assistant/District Program Manager.
  • Coordinate and facilitate the development, printing, and distribution of health information across IHPS supported districts.
  • Participate in the design of demand creation for digital chest x-ray (DCXR) services and other community outreach campaigns. 
  • Maintain an up-to-date register of the organization’s promotional materials and equipment, reflecting quantities and condition. 
  • Assist in any communication related project/program in the district.
  • Coordinate events with other district stakeholders as applicable.
  • Lead in the identification and documentation of best practices and success stories across IHPS supported districts.
  • Monitor and evaluate the impact of the TB communication strategy e.g., social media, radio communications, etc.
  • Build capacity of district communications and health promotions teams on the use of social media platforms to communicate messages. 
  • Compile accurate and timely reports on all communication related activities 

Qualifications and Experience  

  • Bachelor’s degree/National Diploma in Communications/ Social Sciences/ Journalism/Media Studies or any related discipline 
  • Three years’ relevant experience in a communications role
  • Experience in communicating in social media platforms and analysing trends.
  • Proven experience of working in the Health and development non-profit donor funded environment would be an added advantage.
  • Willingness to travel and work after hours

Knowledge, skills, and competencies

  • Excellent verbal and written communication, presentation, and public speaking skills
  • Knowledge and exposure in branding, events management, and campaigns.
  • Good interpersonal and networking skills 
  • Proven planning and organizational skills
  • Demonstrated decision-making, problem-solving and conflict resolution skills 
  • Innovative thinking, initiative, and leadership qualities
  • Stakeholder Management 
  • Good facilitation and training skills
  • Strong Analytical skills
  • Very good computer skills. MS Office, PowerPoint, social media, web, enterprise systems
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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: 19 July 2024