Head of Division

The University of Cape Town (UCT) and the Western Cape Government (WCG) invite applications for a Head of Division: Public Health Medicine in the School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences. This is a unique opportunity for an experienced Public Health Medicine specialist to lead a critical division, contributing significantly to both academic excellence and public health service delivery in the Western Cape.

About the Role

As the Head of Division for Public Health Medicine, you will be based at the prestigious University of Cape Town, working closely with the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness. Your primary role will be to provide leadership and support to the Health Intelligence Directorate and other divisions within the Department of Health and Wellness. You will also play a pivotal role in maintaining UCT’s reputation as a top-rated health sciences faculty on the African continent.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and actively participate in Public Health Medicine services, teaching (undergraduate and postgraduate, including convening the MMED programme), training, and research.
• Offer technical support to the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness in health service management and delivery.
• Effectively manage the Division, including its resources and academic performance.
• Contribute to the collective leadership and strategic direction of the School of Public Health.
• Demonstrate strong academic leadership, scholarship, and extensive experience in Public Health Medicine service delivery, teaching, training, and research.
• Show insight into the public health challenges and opportunities in South Africa and across Africa.
• Champion population health approaches in teaching, research, and service delivery, utilising a wide range of public health disciplines.
• Be a productive academic, dedicated to mentoring and developing staff and students, driving research to international standards, and overseeing educational programmes.
• Engage in socially responsive activities, including outreach, policy development, health systems enhancement, and collaboration with government and civil society.
• Attract and develop high-calibre staff, leading on issues of diversity, transformation, and equity within the Division.

Requirements

To be considered for this vital leadership position, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Registration as a specialist in Public Health Medicine with the HPCSA, or possess a qualification that is immediately registerable.
• A PhD in Public Health or an equivalent qualification.
• At least 5 years of experience in the specialty after registering as a specialist.
• Proven experience in academic leadership within public health, encompassing teaching, programme/course convenership, and/or research.
• Demonstrated experience in managing staff and budgets within an academic or similar professional environment.
• Experience in registrar training and assessment.
• Successful supervision and assessment of postgraduate students.
• A strong research background in public health, evidenced by conference presentations, publications, and successful research fundraising.
• An in-depth understanding of the academic discipline of Public Health Medicine.
• Comprehensive knowledge of South Africa’s public health challenges and the service requirements for Public Health Medicine across the health system.
• Extensive experience in public health service delivery, teaching, training, and research.
• Experience in mentorship and serving as a role model for students and trainees in public health.
• Evidence of effective teamwork and the ability to build strong partnerships with both internal and external stakeholders.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to manage conflict effectively.

Advantages

The following qualifications or experiences would be considered a strong advantage:

• A qualification in health sciences education.
• An NRF rating.
• Teaching and/or research experience in Environmental Health.

Salary

The annual remuneration package, inclusive of benefits, will be appropriate to the academic and clinical level of an Associate Professor/Professor and Head of a Clinical Department.

Application Process

Interested candidates are invited to apply by clicking the “Apply” button on the UCT careers portal (link below). Please ensure your application includes the following documents:

• A motivational letter addressing how you meet the position’s requirements.
• A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Contact details for three referees, including their title, name, position, relationship to you, email address, and telephone number.
• Proof of your highest qualification.
• A copy of your ID or Passport.

Please note: Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Shortlisted candidates may be required to undergo competency and pre-placement medical assessments. References may be requested at any stage of the selection process.

Enquiries

For any enquiries regarding this position, please contact Ms. Tracy Moore at [email protected] or call 021 650 4505.

Closing Date

Applications close on 11 January 2026.

Equity Statement

UCT is committed to employment equity and diversity. Preference will be given to candidates from under-represented designated groups in line with the University’s Employment Equity Plan and goals. UCT reserves the right not to appoint.