Communications Manager (Health Demand Generation - WITS RHI)

SUMMARY:
Background: 

• The Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute (Wits RHI) is a renowned African-led research institute that seeks solutions to Africa’s health challenges
• It is located within the University of the Witwatersrand and addresses some of the greatest public health concerns affecting our region, including HIV and its related problems, sexual and reproductive health, and vaccinology

POSITION INFO:
Main purpose of the job:

• To support with the development and execution of a comprehensive marketing and communication strategy (demand generation) for the introduction of the self-injectable contraceptive Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate Subcutaneous (DMPA-SC/SI) in South Africa
• This includes overseeing formative efforts to inform the implementation approach, designing communication interventions, and establishing systems for real-time monitoring and adaptive management of communication tactics

• Hillbrow, Johannesburg

• Lead the design of evidence-based demand generation strategies for DMPA-SC/SI, including formative research, user segmentation, and brand positioning
• Develop adaptive implementation plans that integrate human-centered design (HCD) and behavior change theory
• Oversee the creation of targeted messaging and creative content tailored to different user segments
• Design and manage implementation of communication campaigns across platforms, including websites, social media, IEC materials, job aids, presentations, and infographics
• Conduct evaluations to assess communication effectiveness and prepare technical briefs with key findings and insights
• Produce regular project reports for internal and external stakeholders
• Contribute to academic publications highlighting strategy, outcomes, and lessons learned in demand generation
• Ensure team visibility through reporting videos, social media content, and written outputs featured by the Institute, at conferences, and on donor platforms
• Coordinate with public health partners, NGOs, regulatory bodies, donors, and other stakeholders to align implementation and reporting efforts
• Evaluate existing contraceptive materials and messaging, and develop new messages to promote the uptake and continued use of self-injectable contraception as part of a broader contraceptive method mix
• Refine and assess creative messages, visuals, and materials; recommend appropriate and cost-effective dissemination channels for different audience segments
• Translate complex health information into clear, accessible messaging tailored to a wide range of audiences
• Collaborate with the team to develop and oversee the production of promotional materials for various stakeholders, including adolescent girls and young women (AGYW), parents, educators, and community members
• Plan and facilitate brand positioning workshops tailored to different market segments
• Lead the implementation of communication and demand creation strategies, coordinating effectively with team members to ensure timely, high-quality deliverables
• Design and implement evaluations to assess the effectiveness of communication strategies and materials
• Oversee operational activities, resolving issues and ensuring smooth execution
• Support fundraising efforts by contributing to strategic planning and grant proposal development
• Conduct site visits to identify and address on-the-ground challenges, implementing practical solutions in real-time
• Manage administrative and logistical tasks related to demand creation activities
• Maintain team visibility through regular development of reporting videos, social media content, and written outputs shared via institutional, conference, and donor platforms
• Drive the project’s social mobilization strategy by identifying, onboarding, and liaising with community-based organizations (CBOs) and other HIV prevention stakeholders to ensure strong community engagement and buy-in
• Coordinate with clinics and district stakeholders to plan social mobilization activities and support the selection of appropriate CBOs
• Maintain productive relationships with NGO and CBO partners, as well as the National Department of Health (NDoH), to support effective implementation of social mobilization and demand creation activities
• Plan and manage knowledge dissemination and the use of research findings related to project deliverables
• Lead the DMPA-SC/SI community and peer champion component of the project
• Ensure CBOs are supported to submit timely and accurate budgets, quotations, and invoices to facilitate efficient payment processing
• Take ownership and accountability for tasks and demonstrates effective self-management
• Follow through to ensure that quality and productivity standards of own work are consistently and accurately maintained
• Maintain a positive attitude and respond openly to feedback
• Take ownership for driving own career development by participating in ongoing training and development activities such as forums, conferences, policy setting workshops etc.
• Experience with formative research, human-centred design, digital health, and agile data-to-action approaches
• Familiarity with South African health systems and socio-cultural dynamics
• Strong project management skills, including managing creative teams and stakeholder networks
• Experience in working with young people and applying gender- and rights-based approaches

• Relevant Degree in Marketing, Communication, Public Health, or related field (or equivalent experience)

• Minimum 5 years in health communication, social marketing, or behavior change campaigns, preferably in sexual and reproductive health (SRH)

• We are seeking a dynamic and strategic Demand Generation (Health Marketing and Communication) Project Manager to support the Technical Head with the design, execution, and real-time adaptation of a comprehensive marketing and communication strategy to support the introduction of DMPA-SC/SI in South Africa
• The role will provide strategic oversight for formative research and audience insight generation, support the development of evidence-based messaging and demand generation approaches, and guide the setup of systems for monitoring and optimizing communication tactics
• The ideal candidate will bring expertise in health marketing, behaviour change communication, and project management, with the ability to translate insights into action in collaboration with research teams, creative partners, and implementation stakeholders across digital, community, and health system platforms
• This is a high-impact position for a results-oriented professional committed to expanding contraceptive access and empowering users through thoughtful, data-driven communication strategies

• Only if you meet the minimum job requirements and experience as mentioned above, you may submit a detailed updated CV.
• Please Apply Online and complete your registration via our website to enable and protect you as a candidate, and to accept the new POPIA terms and conditions.
• This will then create your permanent profile with which you can apply for all jobs as advertised by AJ PERSONNEL.
• However, you may remove your profile from AJ PERSONNEL when you are no longer in the job market.
• Please take note that the applicants who do not adhere to the above criteria will not be considered for the respective position.
• Wits Health Consortium will only respond to shortlisted candidates.
• Candidates who have not been contacted within two weeks of the closing date can consider their applications to be unsuccessful.
• Closing date: 7 July 2025
• Note: No CV will be accepted after the closing date.

• WHC, in accordance with its Employment Equity goals and plan, will give preference to suitable applicants from designated groups as defined in the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998 and subsequent amendments thereto.
• AJ Personnel is only responsible for advertising and the response handling on behalf of their client Wits Health Consortium.
• AJ Personnel does not have any salary or other information regarding the position.