Assistant Director: Environmental Health

About the role

The Department of Health is hiring an Assistant Director: Environmental Health in Environmental Health and Communicable Diseases, based in Pretoria. This is a permanent post, paying R664,410 a year. How to apply: The Director-General, National Department of Health, Private Bag X399, Pretoria, 0001. Hand delivered application may be submitted at Reception (Brown Application Box), Dr AB Xuma Building, 1112 Voortrekker Rd, Pretoria Townlands 351-JR or should be forwarded to recruitment@health.gov.za quoting the reference number on the subject e-mail. For attention: Ms M Shitiba Reference number to quote: DOH 85/2026 Closing date: 09 November 2026 Use the new Z83 form and attach a detailed CV.

Responsibilities

• Provide support in the development and revision of Port Health policies, legislation, norms and standards, guidelines and strategies.
• Conduct stakeholder engagements and consultations on developed policy documentation.
• Assist in undertaking Socio Economic Impact Assessment processes, where applicable.
• Assist in conducting capacity building on developed regulations, guidelines and norms and standards.
• Support the provision of technical support to Points of Entry.
• Identify and coordinate capacity building to strengthen the provision of port health services.
• Develop training manuals, schedule and assist in conducting training on the various legislation and norms and standards.
• Provide technical support for the implementation of policies, legislation, norms and standards and guidelines.
• Provide support on the issuance of human remains import and export permits.
• Support PoE in strengthening emergency preparedness and response activities.
• Support compliance with Port Health Services with domestic and international requirements.
• Provide technical support to Points of Entry to facilitate compliance with domestic and international requirements.
• Participate in cross border projects and initiatives to strengthen cross border coordination and collaboration.
• Support stakeholder engagements and representation in Committees on Port Health matters.
• Map and engage with relevant stakeholders on matters relating to environmental and port health.
• Actively participate in National coordination structures and other key collaborative structures to ensure prioritization of port health issues and reports.
• Coordinate and participate in awareness raising campaigns in observance of environmental health and other health calendar days.
• Provide inputs or comments on documents related to environmental health matters.

Requirements

• An NQF level 6 qualification in Environmental Health and Registration with Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as an Environmental Health Practitioner.
• An NFQ 7 qualification in Environmental Health will be an advantage.
• Registration with HPCSA as an Environmental Health Practitioner and in good standing.
• At least 5 years’ appropriate experience after registration with HPCSA, of which 3 years must be appropriate experience in Management (i.e. Chief Environmental Practitioner or equivalent).
• Knowledge of related legislation applicable to port health and environmental health, policy development, port health matters, project and stakeholder management as well as knowledge of International Health Regulations, 2005.
• Good communication (verbal and written), research/analysis, planning, organizing, report writing, presentation, problem solving and computer (MS Office package) skills.
• Must be willing to work overtime and travel extensively.
• A valid driver’s license.