Public Health jobs in South Africa

Join Novo Nordisk's mission to combat childhood obesity!

Are you passionate about public health and advocacy? We're looking for a dynamic leader to spearhead our Childhood Obesity Prevention Initiative (COPI).

Drive change by promoting obesity prevention in disadvantaged communities, shaping policy, and fostering collaboration across sectors.

Make a real impact—help us elevate childhood obesity prevention to the national stage.

Apply now and be part of something transformative!

The position

This role leads the execution of Novo Nordisk’s Childhood Obesity Prevention Initiative (COPI), focusing on persuading key external stakeholders of the value of obesity prevention. The position addresses childhood obesity in disadvantaged urban areas through targeted interventions, multidisciplinary collaboration, and advocacy to elevate the issue on the national policy agenda. The goal is to reduce stigma, promote healthy lifestyles, and influence policy to make obesity prevention more accessible and impactful.

Key Responsibilities :

• Develop and Manage Strategic Partnerships : Build relationships with city governments, academic institutions, NGOs, and healthcare organizations to support COPI’s objectives. Negotiate agreements and evaluate the impact of partnerships.
• Enhance Corporate Reputation : Create communication strategies that promote Novo Nordisk’s efforts in tackling childhood obesity. Ensure consistent messaging, especially around physical activity and healthy eating for children.
• Influence Public Policy and Government Relations : Advocate with government officials and policymakers to foster regulatory support for childhood obesity prevention, with a focus on disadvantaged communities.
• Engage with Community Stakeholders : Work with community leaders and organizations to address socio-economic challenges and promote childhood obesity prevention at the local level.
• Oversee Public Education and Awareness Programs : Design public education initiatives aimed at raising awareness of childhood obesity prevention. Partner with local governments and academic institutions to maximize outreach and evaluate the impact on children’s health.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Health, Political Science, Communications, International Relations, or related field.
• Master’s degree preferred, especially with a focus on public health or social sciences.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in public affairs, corporate affairs, or strategic partnerships.
• Strong background in managing public health initiatives or obesity prevention programs.
• Proven experience working with government bodies, community organizations, and advocacy groups.

About the department

Novo Nordisk (headquartered in Denmark) is a leading healthcare company with 100 years of history and our journey began with diabetes. Currently the company employs 53,000 colleagues in 80 countries, and we are treating 32 million people living with serious chronic diseases worldwide, every day. At Novo Nordisk, we don’t just aspire to be the best company in the world, but we aspire to be the best company for the world.

You will join our Market Access team, based at our office in South Africa. The Market Access & Public Affairs Department works to improve the lives of patients in South Africa by enabling access to life-changing medicines for diabetes and other serious chronic diseases such as obesity and rare blood and endocrine disorders. We work in partnership with external stakeholders to improve health outcomes through policy, advocacy and support of equity-deserving communities across the country.