PPPR Technical Coordinator

Jhpiego Inc.; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 400 000 - 600 000; Full time

Job summary

Jhpiego is seeking a PPPR Technical Coordinator to enhance pandemic preparedness and response in South Africa. This role involves coordinating activities, facilitating collaboration, and building capacity within health systems. The position is initially for 12 months, with potential for extension based on funding and performance.

Qualifications

• 5-6 years of experience in public health emergency preparedness.
• Experience with multi-sectoral coordination mechanisms.

Responsibilities

• Support coordination of pandemic prevention and response activities.
• Facilitate collaboration between government departments and partners.
• Monitor progress towards preparedness targets.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Analytical thinking

Communication

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor of Honours degree

Master’s degree in Public Health

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Overview

Project Overview

The Pandemic Fund South Africa Project supports the strengthening of national systems for pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response. Through investments in surveillance and human resources for health, the project aims to enhance early warning systems, improve disease detection and reporting, and build capacity for coordinated emergency response. Implemented in collaboration with the National Department of Health, Jhpiego, and other key stakeholders, the project contributes to building a resilient health system aligned with South Africa’s National Action Plan for Health Security.

Role Overview

Jhpiego is seeking a dynamic and technically skilled PPPR Technical Coordinator to be seconded to the Office of the Deputy Director-General (DDG) at the National Department of Health (NDoH). The PPPR Technical Coordinator will be responsible for supporting the coordination of pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response activities, strengthening public health emergency management systems, facilitating multi-sectoral collaboration, and building the capacity of key departments within NDoH and other stakeholders. The incumbent will work across sectors to improve national readiness, response, and resilience to emerging health threats, aligning with national policies, the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005), and South Africa’s National Action Plan for Health Security.

This position is supported through a donor-funded project with an anticipated implementation period of three years. The successful candidate will be appointed on an initial 12-month fixed-term contract, which may be renewed or extended subject to funding availability, operational requirements of the organisation, and/or satisfactory performance.

Responsibilities

• Support the coordination, implementation, and monitoring of PPPR activities at the national level.
• Facilitate collaboration and engagement between NDoH directorates, government departments, and partners on pandemic preparedness initiatives.
• Strengthen public health emergency management (PHEM) structures and coordination mechanisms within the NDoH.
• Provide technical assistance in the operationalization of the National PPPR Plan and related guidelines.
• Support the organization of multi-sectoral technical working groups, meetings, simulations, and table-top exercises.
• Assist with the development and implementation of public health emergency response plans and protocols.
• Contribute to capacity-building initiatives, including training and mentoring of government staff on emergency preparedness, risk management, and outbreak response.
• Support after-action reviews (AARs), evaluations, and lessons-learned processes following public health emergencies.
• Monitor progress towards national and international preparedness targets and indicators.
• Support documentation and reporting on PPPR activities, achievements, and challenges.
• Assist with resource mapping, stakeholder mapping, and strengthening of coordination platforms for health security.
• Ensure alignment of PPPR activities with the Joint External Evaluation (JEE), National Action Plan for Health Security (NAPHS), and IHR (2005).
• Perform other related duties as assigned to strengthen South Africa’s pandemic preparedness and response capabilities.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor of Honours degree OR Master’s degree in Public Health in Epidemiology, Disaster Management, Health Systems
• 5-6 years of directly relevant experience in public health emergency preparedness, response, or pandemic coordination.
• Demonstrated experience working with multi-sectoral coordination mechanisms or health emergency structures.
• Strong understanding of public health emergency management principles and PPPR frameworks.
• Excellent project coordination, stakeholder engagement, and facilitation skills.
• Familiarity with International Health Regulations (IHR 2005) and the South African public health system.
• Strong organizational, communication, and writing skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a high-pressure environment.
• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Valid driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with donor-funded projects (e.g., USAID, WHO, CDC).
• Experience in conducting simulation exercises, emergency drills, or public health emergency trainings.
• Knowledge of One Health approaches and cross-sectoral collaboration frameworks

Core Competencies:

• Strategic thinking and planning
• Project management and coordination
• Analytical thinking and problem-solving
• Stakeholder management and partnership development
• Risk management and emergency response planning
• Communication and negotiation skills
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Adaptability and resilience
• Integrity and professional ethics

Jhpiego, a Johns Hopkins University affiliate, is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of gender, marital status, pregnancy, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, other legally protected characteristics or any other occupationally irrelevant criteria. Jhpiego promotes Affirmative Action for minorities, women, individuals who are disabled, and veterans.

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