Assistant Director: Communication Officer

Department of Health; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 469 000; Full time

Job summary

A governmental health department seeks a skilled Communication Officer to plan and implement communication strategies for public education. The ideal candidate will have a National Diploma or degree in Public Relations or a related field, alongside three years of relevant experience. Responsibilities include overseeing media relations and managing stakeholder communication. This position offers a competitive salary and a chance to contribute to public health initiatives in Johannesburg.

Qualifications

• Matric and appropriate three (3) year National Diploma or Degree.
• At least three (3) years' experience as Communication Officer.
• Good understanding of communication strategies.

Responsibilities

• Plan, implement and oversee internal and external communication.
• Formulate and implement communication strategies.
• Manage public relations, media services, and stakeholder relations.

Skills

Interpersonal relations

Project planning

Report writing

Good communication

Computer literacy

Education

National Diploma or Degree in Public Relations/ Communication Science/ Communication Management or Journalism

Job description

• Reference Number: REFS/024369
• Directorate: Communications
• Number of Posts: 1
• Package: R468 459.00 per annum (plus benefits)

Requirements

• Matric and appropriate three (3) year National Diploma or Degree from a recognized SAQA accredited tertiary institution in Public Relations/ Communication Science/ Communication management or Journalism. At least three (3) years’ experience as Communication Officer. Skills: sound interpersonal relations, project planning skills, ability to prepare reports. Good communication skills both verbal and written. Must be computer literate. Knowledge: Good understanding and knowledge of communication must have a valid driver’s licence.

Duties

• Plan, implement and oversee both internal and external communication. Formulate and implement communication strategies. Coordinate outreach and communication activities. Manage effectively and economically the hospital resources for public education, public relations, media services and stakeholder relations. Drive and coordinate generation of good news cater for various media platforms and formats inclusive of corporate publications, media statements, electronics media, social media, visual and audio, live interviews. Coordinate responses to media enquiries and legislature Reponses. Provide communication support to the various department’s events and activities. Ensure that hospital has adequate communication materials and publications at all times. Publish quarterly internal newsletters, coordination of the annual open day events. Manage and develop content for hospital’s social media accounts. Carry out photo coverage in all events, implement social media strategy in line with departmental corporate identity with cooperate identity manual. Secretary and liaison between hospital board.

Notes

• Kindly note that No payment of any kind is required when applying for posts advertised by the Gauteng Department of Health. The Department reserves the right not to fill any advertised posts. Applications should be submitted strictly online at the following E-Recruitment portal: https://jobs.gauteng.gov.za.No hand-delivered, faxed, or emailed applications will be accepted. For assistance with online applications please email your query to [e-mail]. Application should be accompanied by a fully completed and signed new Z83 form obtainable from any Public Service Department or on the internet at www.dpsa.gov.za/documents.The Z83 form must be fully completed and singed by the applicant. The following must be considered in relation to the completion of the Z83 by applicant. All the fields in Part A, Part C and Part D must be completed. Leave the following question blank if they are not possession of such: ”If your profession or occupation requires official registration, provide date and particulars of registration”. Application without proof of a new Z83 application form and detailed CV will be disqualified. Application must indicate the post reference number on their application. Shortlisted candidates will receive communication from HR Unit to submit certified copies of educational qualifications and other relevant documents not older than 6 months on or before the day of the interview). Personnel Suitability Checks (criminal checks, citizenship checks, qualification verification, company directorship, social media, financial record checks, reference checks) must be conducted prior appointment. Candidates in possession of a foreign qualification must furnish the Department with an evaluation certificate from the South African Qualification Authority (SAQA). Applicants with foreign qualification remain responsible for ensuring that their qualification are evaluated by the South African Qualification Authority (SAQA). The recommended candidate may be subjected to medical surveillance as require by the Occupational Health and Safety Act 5/1993. The Gauteng Department of Health is guided by the principles of Employment Equity. People with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Employer: Department of Health

Location: Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital

Closing Date: 09-01-2026

Criteria Questions

• Do you have a Matric and appropriate three (3) year National Diploma or Degree from a recognized SAQA accredited tertiary institution in Public Relations/ Communication Science/ Communication management or Journalism?
• Do you have at least three (3) years’ experience as Communication Officer?

Please Notes

• Due to the large number of applications we envisage receiving, applications will not be acknowledged. If you do not receive any response within 3 months, please accept that your application was not successful.