Community Liaison Officer - (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:

• Lead the recruitment and retention of research studies
• Drive the relationship between Wits RHI and the target community through Community Advisory Groups and via key strategies such as road shows, events, and meetings

• Wits RHI - Lejweleputswa (Free State)

• Develop and drive strategies for community participation in research projects in conjunction with management
• Participate in all activities to create awareness of research study for study recruitment and retention
• Organise, attend, and facilitate meetings with the Community Advisory Boards (CABs), individuals and key stakeholders

• Actively manage participant recruitment ensuring targets are met timeously
• Employ and adapt for effective recruitment and retention strategies

• Maintain study documentation according to monitoring requirements
• Compile reports to the Research Team, management and donors as and when required
• Review and update materials for different studies as needed

• Attend to all staffing requirements and administration
• Supervise and manage the duties of subordinates to ensure optimal staff utilisation and maintenance of sound labour relations
• Perform and facilitate performance development and assessments
• Coach and train subordinates and team members to ensure the acquisition of knowledge and skills required by the organisation
• Promote harmony, teamwork and sharing of information
• Effective self-management and performance ownership
• 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

• Grade 12 (Tertiary degree would be advantageous)
• Valid driver’s license
• Fluent in English and other African Languages, specifically IsiZulu/Sotho

• Minimum 2-years’ experience in clinical research/community health development and programmes

• A Diploma in Public Relations or similar (i.e. Community Development)
• Certification in good clinical practice (GCP)
• Experience in HIV and sexual reproductive health and/or a research environment
• Experience in the community sector with knowledge of study district
• Good communication skills (verbal and written) and able to network with various stakeholders
• Able to work independently and work as part of a multi-disciplinary team
• Be tactful, respectful and maintain confidentiality
• Be sensitive to diversity and open to change

• 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: 21 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