Technical Specialist (PPPR)

Overview

The PPPR Specialist will play a critical role in strengthening pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response mechanisms across the health system. This position will focus on identifying gaps, enhancing operational readiness, coordinating activities across various sectors, and ensuring the integration of best practices to mitigate the impacts of future pandemics. The PPPR Specialist will provide technical support, lead capacity-building initiatives, and support the development of frameworks and strategies in line with national and global standards.

The Technical Specialist (PPPR) Position is a Full-Time Fixed-Term role ending on 30 September 2025. It may be renewable subject to funding availability and the organisation's ongoing needs. The position will be seconded to the office of the DDG (PPPR) National Department of Health (NDoH), Pretoria, Gauteng.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, implementation, and monitoring of PPPR strategies, frameworks, and plans in alignment with international guidelines (e.g., Joint External Evaluation - JEE, International Health Regulations - IHR).
• Coordinate and collaborate with relevant national stakeholders, including Zoonosis, Surveillance, NICD, WHO, UNICEF, CHAI, etc.
• Coordinate a multi-sectoral response to pandemic threats.
• Organize and facilitate training programs to strengthen national and sub-national capacities in public health emergency management.
• Support the development and dissemination of guidelines, tools, and protocols for pandemic preparedness and response.
• Coordinate tabletop exercises, simulations, and after-action reviews to test and refine national PPPR plans.
• Strengthen surveillance systems for early detection of infectious disease outbreaks by enhancing coordination between human, animal, and environmental health sectors (One Health approach).
• Ensure the alignment of PPPR initiatives with global health security frameworks.
• Foster partnerships with government agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), international bodies, and private sector partners to enhance the national response to pandemic threats.
• Coordinate with the Zoonosis, Surveillance, and other health departments to harmonize preparedness activities.
• Review, analyze, and interpret surveillance data and communicate analysis outputs to inform planning and performance of the department.
• Design and implement monitoring and evaluation frameworks for assessing PPPR programs’ effectiveness.
• Report regularly on key performance indicators (KPIs), lessons learned, and best practices.
• Conduct operational research and contribute to policy development for continuous improvement in pandemic readiness.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Public Health, Epidemiology, Health Systems, or related fields. Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum 6-7 years of experience in public health, infectious disease prevention, emergency preparedness, or global health security.
• Strong understanding of global health security frameworks (e.g., IHR, JEE) and experience working with government health systems.
• Proven experience in capacity building, project management, and technical assistance in health emergency response.
• Demonstrated experience in cross-sectoral coordination and stakeholder engagement.
• Ability to undertake research and translate findings into actionable public health strategies.
• Proficiency in data analysis, health informatics, and use of digital tools for outbreak monitoring and response.
• Excellent communication (written and verbal), interpersonal, presentation, and team-building skills.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to analyze information, evaluate alternatives, and make effective choices that lead to desirable outcomes.
• Effective organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to handle several activities or large volumes of work effectively and timeously.
• Ability to listen and probe to understand underlying needs or causes of an issue.
• Highly motivated, independent self-starter with strong team orientation.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree (Masters or PhD) in Public Health, Epidemiology, Health Systems, or related fields.
• Experience with the One Health approach and collaboration across human, animal, and environmental health sectors.
• Experience working with Government, international donors and partners, including WHO, Africa CDC, USAID, or equivalent.
• Familiarity with PPPR framework and IHR.