COMMUNICATIONS AND MARKETING SPECIALIST

Worcester-Based Position: Permanent, PC10 

South African Tuberculosis Vaccine Initiative (SATVI)

Department of Pathology 

Faculty of Health Sciences

We are inviting applications for this Communication and Marketing Specialist post which will be based at the SATVI Worcester Clinical Field Site with support to SATVI Cape Town at the University of Cape Town.

This position is fundamental to the success of research activities and operations within our dynamic group. The Communication and Marketing Specialist will report directly to the Field Site Manager and work closely with Clinical and Laboratory Directors, Chief Operating Officer, and Principal Investigators of the various projects to develop, manage, and implement communication and marketing strategies to support the research group.

The South African Tuberculosis Vaccine Initiative (SATVI) performs cutting edge clinical, epidemiological, and immunological research in clinical vaccine development, TB pathogenesis, and biomarker discovery in a setting where TB is endemic. Situated in Cape Town at the University of Cape Town and at our Clinical Field Site in Worcester, 110km from Cape Town, SATVI has conducted 35 clinical trials of 10 novel TB vaccine candidates as well as the BCG vaccine, including two pivotal trials that demonstrated efficacy. For more information on SATVI, visit www.satvi.uct.ac.za.

Requirements for the job:

• Diploma (NQF 6) or Degree (NQF 7) in Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, Media Studies, Journalism, Public Health, Community Development, Social Sciences, or a related field


• A minimum of 4-5 years of experience in the marketing and communication field


• A minimum of 4-5 years of experience in the public health/ NGO/ clinical research/ community sector


• Experience in strategic and/or research communications


• Strong verbal and written proficiency in English and a working knowledge of Afrikaans and/or IsiXhosa


• Ability to summarise and communicate technical/medical writing and translating research into relevant outputs for a variety of audiences, including communication with people for whom English is a second language


• Ability to use a range of digital platforms/applications and experience managing online content (website and social media) to communicate technical/health content to a wide audience


• Computer literacy (Microsoft Word and Excel) and desktop publishing (Adobe Suite, Canva, Mailchimp, or similar)


• Experience in community engagement and advocacy at grassroots level


• Working and interacting with people from different backgrounds


• Strong organizational skills and capacity to work independently


• Valid driver’s license and actively driving

The following will be advantageous. Knowledge of:

• Project management


• Drupal CMS for website management


• Policies and procedures of government and non-government organisation in relation to communication and relevant service delivery

Responsibilities:

• Developing, editing, and proofreading content relevant to ongoing projects


• Ensuring websites have content that is relevant and up to date


• Community engagement and community advisory board support


• Posting on appropriate social media outlets as appropriate to promote work


• Stakeholder communication and organisation support


• Managing the production of a diverse range of communication products


• Media liaison and management

For detailed information on this post, please view the job description, see link:

The annual cost of employment, including benefits, is between R661 967 and R778 783.

To apply, please click the 'apply' button to create a candidate profile and to submit your application. 

Please complete/attach the following to your profile before submitting your application:

• Motivational letter that speaks to each of the requirements and responsibilities of the position (≤ 300 words)


• Curriculum Vitae (CV)


• Three referee names which must include their title and name, position details, relationship to you, their e-mail address, and telephone number.


• Highest qualification


• Driver's license


• ID/Passport

An application which does not comply with the above requirements will be regarded as incomplete.

Shortlisted candidates may be required to undergo competency and pre-placement-medical assessments.  References may be requested by UCT at any stage of the selection process.

Any enquiries for the position to be addressed to Ms Tracy Moore at [email protected] or 021 650 4505.

Closing date:              23 August 2026

Website:                     www.satvi.uct.ac.za /Home | Faculty of Health Sciences

Reference number:    ID1444

UCT is a designated employer and is committed to the pursuit of excellence, diversity, and redress in achieving its equity targets in accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets. Preference will be given to candidates from the under-represented designated groups. Our Employment Equity Policy is available at www.uct.ac.za/downloads/uct.ac.za/about/policies/eepolicy.pdf.

When you apply for a position at UCT, we collect your personal information to assess your application, communicate with you, and coordinate interview logistics. Information such as race, gender, nationality, and disability status is used to support our Employment Equity obligations. We also verify your references, qualifications, conduct criminal and, for certain roles, credit checks. For more information about how the University of Cape Town uses personal information and your rights, please email [email protected].

The University reserves the right to extend the closing date for applications if deemed necessary and reserves the right to make no appointment.