Community Engager ‒ HIV LIFT Project

Company information

Company

HST Careers

Division

HSS

Health Systems Trust is an innovative non-profit organisation working to strengthen ongoing development of comprehensive health systems in southern Africa

Province

KwaZulu-Natal

District

eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality

Job Specification Information

Title

Community Engager ‒ HIV LIFT Project

Description

The Health Systems Trust (HST) seeks to appoint a Community Engager for the HIV LIFT Project in eThekwini. The project strengthens local capacity for sustainable HIV testing, linkage to care, and retention through an AI-powered health assistant and Social Network Recruitment strategy. The Community Engager will support Department of Health (DoH) staff and stakeholders at a community level through provision of training, mentorship and coaching on the integration of AI powered health assistant to ensure improvement achievement of HIV programme targets. This is a fixed-term contract, renewable based on performance and funding.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide technical support and training to DoH community and outreach teams on the use of the HIV LIFT AI Health assistant. • Provide hands-on assistance to community and outreach teams and stakeholders introducing people to the AI health assistant and guiding them through its use. • Support integration of the AI health assistant into routine HIV services. • Monitor and ensure accurate recording of participant information and maintain updated databases of trained recruiters and participants. • Manage and oversee use of the AI health assistant clinical portal. • Build and maintain partnerships with health facility teams, outreach workers, and community stakeholders. • Provide support and coordinate household-level HIV testing activities in collaboration with DoH community and outreach teams. • Represent the HIV LIFT project at facility, and community meetings, ensuring activities are aligned with DoH priorities. • Identify operational challenges and escalate them for resolution and system improvements. • Ensure compliance with reporting requirements and the responsible management of HST resources.

Key Attributes

• Knowledge of clinical guidelines for HIV management. • Ability to learn and apply new skills (e.g., using AI Chatbot tools). • Sound computer skills, with proficiency in MS Office applications (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and familiarity with health information systems (e.g. TIER.Net). • Able to communicate clearly and respectfully, with the ability to share information clearly with teams or individuals. • Oral and written fluency in isiZulu and English is essential. • The incumbent must have a valid driver’s license, and be willing and able to travel as required.

Education Required

Matric

Qualification Required

• A relevant recognised qualification in Social Sciences, Community development or Health. • Current registration with the relevant professional statutory body (where applicable). • HIV Testing and Counselling Certificate.

Experience Required

• Relevant experience in Public Health, with 2–4 years’ experience in HIV/AIDS, STI, and TB (HAST) management, including patient counselling and HIV testing, HIV Self Testing, and ART. • At least 1-year experience of working in a donor-funded environment/non-government project-based organization. • At least one year’s experience in community engagement and co-ordination, with good knowledge of the specific local population, community resources, socio-economic challenges and social agencies. • Experience as a research assistant or qualitative data collector in a healthcare implementation project will be an added advantage.

Remuneration

A salary package commensurate with the successful candidate’s experience and qualifications and in line with HST’s job grading system will be offered.

Other Job Details

• Interested applicants must complete their application online at: https://careers.hst.org.za/ • Applicants are to ensure that their online applications are completed in full, and that comprehensive CVs are uploaded with the online application in order to be considered. • Applicant’s CV must be saved with a filename reflecting their name and surname. • No applications sent via e-mail will be considered for the job, as all applicants must submit their applications online at the provided link. PLEASE NOTE: • All personal information collected is processed lawfully in terms of the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA). • Shortlisted candidates will be requested to submit certified copies of all qualifications and identity documents. • Applications received after the closing date will not be considered. • Correspondence will be limited to shortlisted candidates. • All shortlisted candidates will be subjected to reference and credential checks. • If you have not been contacted within 30 days of the closing date of this advertisement, please accept that your application has been unsuccessful. • HST reserves the right to not fill this position. CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 22 September 2025, at 16h30. Health Systems Trust subscribes to diversity and inclusivity, which is informed by the Company’s Employment Equity Plan. Based on this, African males and people with disabilities who meet the job specifications (including but not limited to the required skills, knowledge and education), are encouraged to apply.