Program Manager, Mental Health

Clinton Health Access Initiative, Inc.; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 800,000; Full time

Job summary

A global health organization in South Africa seeks a motivated Program Manager to enhance equitable access to mental health services. The role involves directing the program, collaborating with government and stakeholders, and requiring a Master's degree and extensive leadership experience. Strong communication and analytical skills are essential. Join us in making a sustainable impact in health care.

Qualifications

• At least 8 years of progressively responsible experience in health systems or policy.
• A minimum of 5 years management experience as a Program Manager.
• Proficiency in Excel and PowerPoint for modeling and evidence presentation.

Responsibilities

• Provide overall direction for the program in alignment with NDoH.
• Oversee planning and coordination of program workstreams.
• Support NDoH and partners to design solutions for improved medicine access.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Strong analytical and quantitative skills

Experience in health systems or policy

Education

Master’s degree in public health or related field

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

Overview

The Clinton Health Access Initiative, Inc. (CHAI) is a global health organization committed to saving lives and reducing the burden of disease in low- and middle-income countries. We work at the invitation of governments to support them and the private sector to create and sustain high-quality health systems. CHAI was founded in 2002 in response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic, with the goal of dramatically reducing the price of life-saving drugs and increasing access to these medicines in the countries with the highest burden of the disease. Today, CHAI works with partners to prevent and treat infectious diseases such as COVID-19, malaria, tuberculosis, and hepatitis, and expands into cancer, diabetes, hypertension, and other non-communicable diseases. We strive to accelerate vaccine rollout, reduce maternal and child mortality, combat chronic malnutrition, and increase access to assistive technology. Our strategy emphasizes strengthening health systems through programs in human resources for health, digital health, and health financing, with a focus on scalable, sustainable impact and government leadership.

At CHAI, our people are our greatest asset. We are a diverse team across 40 countries with a broad range of skill sets and life experiences, deeply grounded in the countries where we work. Learn more about our exciting work http//www.clintonhealthaccess.org

CHAI strives to be an equal opportunity employer and promotes fairness, respect, equity and dignity in the workplace. CHAI welcomes applications from all qualified individuals and encourages people from historically disadvantaged groups to apply. CHAI is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing an environment of fairness, and mutual respect where all applicants have access to equal employment opportunities. CHAI values diversity and inclusion and believes leadership and contributions from people with diverse experiences, backgrounds, and culture strengthen our mission.

Position Overview

CHAI is seeking a highly motivated Program Manager to support the South African government in expanding equitable access to mental health services.

Working under the leadership of the National Department of Health (NDoH) and in close collaboration with provincial health departments, SAHPRA, and National Treasury, this program focuses on improving access to affordable, quality-assured psychotropic medications, generating evidence for cost-effective investment, and strengthening integration of mental health into existing HIV, primary health care (PHC), and non-communicable disease (NCD) platforms. This senior role involves coordinating multi-stakeholder efforts, adapting global technical inputs for the South African context, and ensuring that all activities strengthen government capacity. The Program Manager will also help position the initiative for transition into a sustainable, multi-year national program.

Responsibilities

• Provide overall direction for the program in alignment with NDoH and provincial priorities.
• Oversee planning, coordination, and delivery of program workstreams, including market analysis, demand forecasting, policy support, and cost-effectiveness adaptation.
• Support NDoH, SAHPRA, Treasury, and provinces to co-design and implement solutions for improved medicine access and service integration.
• Convene and facilitate technical working groups, policy dialogues, and workshops involving government, civil society, academia, and people with lived experience.
• Supervise staff and consultants engaged on the program, ensuring accountability and high-quality outputs.
• Coordinate with CHAI’s global mental health team to bring in technical expertise while tailoring tools and evidence for the South African context.
• Translate technical work (e.g. supplier engagement, cost-effectiveness analysis) into actionable policies and sustainable improvements in access to care.
• Contribute to donor reporting, communication, and relationship management.
• Work with government and partners to secure long-term financing and embed approaches into national systems for lasting impact.
• Execute any other responsibilities as requested by CHAI leadership, ensuring adaptability and responsiveness to evolving program needs.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in public health, health policy, economics, or a related field.
• At least 8 years of progressively responsible experience in health systems, policy, or program leadership (experience in mental health, pharmaceutical access, or health economics is an advantage).
• A minimum of 5+ years of management experience as a Program Manager.
• Excellent communication skills and demonstrated success in working with or within government at senior levels to shape and implement health programs.
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills, with proficiency in tools such as Excel and PowerPoint for modeling, costing, and presenting evidence.
• Willingness to travel as required.

Advantages

• Experience working directly with institutions such as NDoH, SAHPRA, or National Treasury.
• Previous experience in global health, supply chain management, or market shaping.
• Experience influencing policy processes, drafting briefs, or engaging in high-level stakeholder forums.

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