Assistant Director (Nutrition)

Gauteng Department Of Health; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 500 000 - 700 000; Full time

Job summary

A regional health department is seeking an Assistant Director (Nutrition) in Gauteng, Johannesburg. This role requires a strong leader with a minimum of 5 years' experience post-registration with the HPCSA. You will oversee nutrition programs, ensure compliance with health standards, and provide training and evaluation for healthcare workers. Join us to make a significant impact on public health and nutrition outcomes in the community.

Qualifications

• Currently registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).
• A minimum of 5 years experience as a Dietitian or Nutritionist, 3 years supervisory.
• Knowledge of nutrition-related Acts and policies.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate planning for the Integrated Nutrition Program (INP).
• Implement food and nutrition security interventions for vulnerable populations.
• Monitor and evaluate nutrition services at facilities and community level.

Skills

Communication skills

Analytical thinking

Teamwork and teambuilding

Flexibility and adaptability

Negotiation and advocacy

Time management

MS Office skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Dietetics or Nutrition

Master’s in Nutrition

Job description

Job title : Assistant Director (Nutrition)

Job Location : Gauteng, Johannesburg

Deadline : November 07, 2025

Requirements

• Appropriate qualification that allows registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as Nutritionist (four‑year bachelor’s degree in Dietetics or Nutrition or a Master’s in nutrition will be an advantage).
• Currently registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).
• A minimum of 5 years’ appropriate experience after registration with the HPCSA as a Dietitian or Nutritionist of which three (3) years must be at supervisory level. Knowledge of principles of a human rights framework, health system and supporting structures in South Africa.
• Knowledge of relevant Acts, regulations, policies, strategies, guidelines and protocols within the Department of Health that impact on nutrition outcomes. Knowledge of the science of nutrition, social determinants and commercial determinants of health and its impact on nutrition and health outcomes.
• Knowledge of research methodologies for data collection, analysis and presentation, use of current evidence‑based nutrition for improving nutrition outcomes, knowledge of strategies, guideline and training manual development and review process and the principles of effective monitoring and evaluation.
• Good communication (verbal and written), analytical thinking, facilitation, teamwork and teambuilding, flexibility and adaptability, networking and collaboration, negotiation, advocacy, problem solving, initiative and creativity, time management and computer skills (MS Office package).

Duties

• Adhere to all relevant Acts, guidelines, policies and specifications, and ensure implementation and integration into practice. Take managerial responsibility for coordinating, planning and organising priorities of service in relation to the Integrated Nutrition Program (INP). Plan the sectional budget in line with estimated client requirements and ensure that consumable and non‑consumable goods, equipment and staff are available to achieve agreed output and foreseeable additional demands.
• Contribute to improved child survival and maternal health focusing on pregnancy and lactation and congenital abnormalities. Optimally manage all available resources of the department, i.e. personnel, facilities, equipment and supplies. Support the implementation of food and nutrition security interventions to address hunger, food insecurity and malnutrition in vulnerable populations. Implement the South African Food‑Based Dietary Guidelines (SAFBDG) to promote good health and prevent chronic diseases.
• Plan and conduct training programmes for health‑care workers. Monitor and evaluate nutrition services at facilities and community level. Monitor Vitamin A, Zinc, Iron and Folic acid supplementation at facility level. Participate in school health initiatives through anthropometric assessment, education and referrals.
• Provide support and supervision on nutrition activities to staff implementing health and nutrition services. Review, update, develop and approve SOPs, policies, protocols and diet sheets for the unit as needed. Evaluate food service systems at non‑governmental organisations to ensure conformance to nutritional, safety, sanitation and quality standards. Monitor and evaluate monthly nutrition statistics. Compile and submit monthly reports.
• Assist in compiling and monitoring the implementation of operational and departmental plans.

Closing Date : 07-11-2025