About the position
Background:
- The Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute (Wits RHI) is a renowned African-led research institute that seeks solutions to Africa’s health challenges
- It is located within the University of the Witwatersrand and addresses some of the greatest public health concerns affecting our region, including HIV and its related problems, sexual and reproductive health, and vaccinology
Main purpose of the job:
- To provide oversight and management of the Quality Assurance and Improvements components of the Wits RHI Gophelega project within the specified district
Location:
Duration: 02 Months
Key performance areas:
1. Lead the Implementation of the Operation Phuthuma
Methodology
- Lead the implementation and institutionalisation of the Operation Phuthuma (OP) methodology across supported sub-districts and health facilities
- Facilitate the application of the Model for Improvement (MFI) to improve priority HIV, TB, PHC and health systems indicators
- Conduct baseline assessments, gap analyses and root cause analyses (5 Whys, Fishbone, Process Mapping and Driver Diagrams) to identify system bottlenecks
- Support facility teams to develop, implement and monitor Quality Improvement Plans (QIPs) using PDSA cycles and evidence-based change ideas
- Ensure implementation fidelity of the OP Step-by-Step Guide, Barometer, Summary Charts, Nerve Centre meetings, Huddles, Learning Sessions and Gemba Walks
- Support facilities to institutionalise successful interventions and spread best practices across the district
2. Quality Improvement Coaching, Mentorship and Capacity
Building
- Build the quality improvement capability of Department of Health and Wits RHI teams through structured coaching, mentorship and competency-based training
- Mentor Facility Managers, Quality Assurance teams, Programme Managers, Clinical staff and Data teams on the practical application of the Model for Improvement and Operation Phuthuma tools
- Identify training needs and coordinate blended learning programs, learning collaboratives and coaching visits
- Develop and update training materials, job aids, SOPs and QI implementation guides
- Strengthen leadership capacity to sustain continuous quality improvement and foster a culture of data-driven decision-making
3. Data Analytics, Performance Monitoring and Measurement
for Improvement
- Analyze routine program and clinical data to identify performance gaps, prioritize improvement opportunities and guide decision-making
- Develop and monitor family of measures, run charts, control charts, dashboards, barometers and summary charts to track improvement
- Monitor progress against project indicators, district priorities, Ideal Clinic, RTQII, NCS and funder requirements
- Conduct regular data reviews and support facilities to improve data quality, interpretation and utilization
- Produce high-quality technical reports and recommendations to support program planning and strategic decision-making
4. Stakeholder Coordination, Learning and Sustainability
- Coordinate quality improvement activities with the Department of Health, Wits RHI Technical Teams, Donors and Implementing Partners
- Facilitate facility, sub-district and district learning sessions, SPMRs, DPMRs, PPMRs, clinical audits, Nerve Centre meetings and Quality Improvement forums
- Document, package and disseminate best practices, success stories, innovations and lessons learnt using Operation Phuthuma knowledge management approaches
- Strengthen collaboration between Clinical, Program, Pharmacy, Laboratory, Community and Management teams to improve integrated service delivery
- Support sustainability planning through institutionalization of successful QI interventions within routine Department of Health systems
5. Quality Assurance and Clinical Systems Strengthening
- Conduct routine Quality Assurance (QA) assessments across supported facilities to evaluate compliance with national guidelines, Operation Phuthuma standards, Ideal Clinic Realization and Donor requirements
- Assess the quality and performance of priority program areas, including Differentiated Models of Care (DMOC), Mother, Child and Women's Health, NIMART, Records Management, Lenacapavir implementation, PrEP, Tuberculosis (TB), Viral Load uptake and suppression, HIV Testing Services (HTS), and Retention in Care (RTC)
- Identify system and clinical performance gaps through quality assessments, clinical audits, data reviews and root cause analysis, and mentor facility teams to implement corrective actions using the Model for Improvement
- Monitor implementation of Quality Improvement Plans (QIPs) and verify sustained improvements through follow-up quality assurance visits and measurement for improvement
- Support facilities to prepare for and respond to external and internal quality assessments, including Ideal Clinic, RTQII, NCS, IPC and other program quality audits
- Promote adherence to standard operating procedures, national guidelines and quality standards to strengthen service delivery and patient outcomes
6. Programme Administration, Monitoring, Evaluation and
Reporting
- Develop and maintain annual and monthly quality improvement work plans, mentorship schedules and activity trackers aligned with project objectives and district priorities
- Document mentorship activities, quality assurance findings, Quality Improvement Plans (QIPs), best practices, lessons learnt and success stories in accordance with Operation Phuthuma knowledge management processes
- Compile and submit accurate, high-quality technical, narrative and performance reports within prescribed timelines for Wits RHI, the Department of Health and funding partners
- Analyze routine program data and prepare dashboards, run charts, barometers, summary charts and presentations to monitor progress and support evidence-based decision-making
- Monitor project deliverables, risks, milestones and performance indicators, and recommend corrective actions where implementation gaps are identified
- Maintain effective communication and coordination with Wits RHI teams, Department of Health Stakeholders, implementing partners and Donors to ensure timely reporting, accountability and program sustainability
- Ensure proper record management, filing and maintenance of quality improvement documentation in compliance with organizational policies and audit requirements
Required minimum education and training:
Essential:
- Professional Qualification in Nursing, Public Health, Health Sciences, Pharmacy, Medicine or another relevant health-related discipline
- Bachelor’s Degree in Public Health, Nursing, Health Sciences, Epidemiology, Health Systems Management, Social work or a related field
- Valid registration with the relevant professional council where applicable
Advantageous
- Postgraduate Qualification in Public Health, Epidemiology, Health Systems Management, HIV Management, Quality Improvement or Programme Management.
- Certification in the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) Model for Improvement or equivalent Quality Improvement methodologies.
- Training in Lean, Six Sigma, Project Management or Change Management
Required minimum work experience:
- Minimum 5 years' experience implementing quality improvement programs within the South African Public Health sector
- Minimum 3 years' experience implementing the Operation Phuthuma methodology at facility, sub-district or district level
- Demonstrated experience applying the Model for Improvement
- Experience facilitating Quality Improvement collaboratives, Learning Sessions, Huddles, Gemba Walks and Nerve Centre meetings
- Experience implementing and monitoring Quality Improvement Plans in HIV, TB, PHC, Ideal Clinic, RTQII, NCS and related programs
- Experience mentoring multidisciplinary teams and Department of Health Managers
- Strong analytical skills with experience interpreting DHIS, [URL Removed] and other routine health information systems
- Experience documenting best practices, writing technical reports and presenting program performance to senior management and Donors
- Experience working within Donor-funded programs (CDC, USAID, Global Fund or similar) will be advantageous
Competencies:
- Advanced knowledge of the Operation Phuthuma methodology
- Advanced knowledge of the Institute for Healthcare Improvement Model for Improvement
- Strong facilitation, coaching and mentoring skills
- Excellent presentation and Stakeholder engagement skills
- Excellent report writing and documentation skills
- Strong data analysis and interpretation skills
- Project planning and program management
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to influence system change without direct authority
- Strong organizational and problem-solving skills
- High level of professionalism, integrity and accountability
- Ability to work independently and within multidisciplinary teams
- Willingness to travel extensively within supported districts
TO APPLY:
- Only if you meet the minimum job requirements and experience as mentioned above, you may submit a detailed updated CV and a cover letter (maximum one page) as well as a copy of the following required documents ID/Passport, Qualifications, and Vaccination card
- Please Apply Online and complete your registration via our website to enable and protect you as a candidate, and to accept the new POPIA terms and conditions
- This will then create your permanent profile with which you can apply for all jobs as advertised by AJ PERSONNEL
- However, you may remove your profile from AJ PERSONNEL when you are no longer in the job market
- Please take note that the applicants who do not adhere to the above criteria will not be considered for the respective position
- Wits Health Consortium will only respond to shortlisted candidates
- Candidates who have not been contacted within two weeks of the closing date can consider their applications to be unsuccessful
- Closing date: 08 July 2026
- Note: No CV will be accepted after the closing date
Please note:
- WHC, in accordance with its Employment Equity goals and plan, will give preference to suitable applicants from designated groups as defined in the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998 and subsequent amendments thereto
- AJ Personnel is only responsible for advertising and the response handling on behalf of their client Wits Health Consortium
- AJ Personnel does not have any salary or other information regarding the position
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