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
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.
Gauteng
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 behaviour 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
Take ownership for driving own career development by participating in ongoing training and development activities such as forums, conferences, policy setting workshops etc
Relevant Degree in Marketing, Communication, Public- Health, or related field (or equivalent experience)
Minimum 5 years in health communication, social marketing, or behaviour 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
Maintain a positive attitude and respond openly to feedback
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
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
Only if you meet the minimum job requirements and experience as mentioned above, you may submit a detailed updated CV and a cover letter (maximum one page) that clearly states which vacancy you are applying for
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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: 30 October 2026
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
Desired Skills:
Project Manager
Marketing Communication
Stakeholder Networks
Demand Generation
Social Marketing
Adaptive Management
Gauteng