community engagement officer

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT OFFICER

TWELVE (12) MONTHS FIXED-TERM CONTRACT

LGBT+ HEALTH DIVISION, J52, GROOTE SCHUUR, OBSERVATORY

The Desmond Tutu Health Foundation (DTHF) is a registered non-profit organization focused on the pursuit of excellence in research, treatment, training and prevention of HIV and related infections in Southern Africa.

We have fantastic job opportunities across our businesses for talented people wanting to realize their full potential. Could that be you? If so, we invite you to explore the possibility of joining us to play your part in Desmond Tutu Health Foundation's exciting future.

This one (1) year fixed term contract position will be based at the LGBT+ Health Division at Groote Schuur Hospital Old Main Building, J52 Trials Unit, Cape Town. The main purpose of this position is to support the DTHF Transgender Health Service through peer support and direct engagement with current and prospective clients. The role also contributes to the broader community engagement activities of the LGBT+ Health Division at the J52 Trials Unit. Responsibilities include assisting with the running of LGBTQI+ safe spaces and volunteer programmes, supporting the facilitation and rollout of the South African LGBTQI+ Healthcare Equality Program, and helping to organize community events.

• Bachelor's degree, diploma or certificate (NQF 6 or 7)
• 2 Years community engagement experience
• 2 Year event planning/management experience
• Knowledgeable of the LGBTQI+ community and networks within the community
• Knowledgeable/member of trans networks in Cape Town
• Knowledgeable about social media platforms and how to engage on social media
• Computer literacy; including data entry
• Good planning and organizing skills
• Client (participant) focused
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal) – fluent in English
• Able to work as a member of a team
• Be proactive as an individual
• Detail oriented
• Maintain study and participant confidentiality
• Ability to work under pressure, whilst maintaining the ability to remain professional
• Able to work later hours including weekends

Advantageous:

• Fluent in Afrikaans and isiXhosa
• Possess a Code B driver's license

Responsibilities:

• Act as a liaison between transgender and gender-diverse community members and DTHF transgender health services to improve access and communication
• Create and maintain a welcoming, safe environment for transgender clients utilizing the health service
• Publicize the trans health service through social media, community outreach, and information-sharing networks
• Coordinate monthly transgender safe space meetings (Queer and Active) and support other LGBTQI+ safe spaces and volunteer programs
• Plan and coordinate community engagement events and activities, including at least 2 LGBTQI+ events per year
• Provide support for yearly Pride events
• Facilitate workshops for the South African LGBTQI+ Healthcare Equality Program across different healthcare facilities
• Build and maintain networks with trans NGOs, activists, and researchers in South Africa
• Assist with stakeholder engagement by identifying opportunities, arranging meetings, and facilitating discussions with NGO partners and Department of Health representatives
• Support recruitment for LGBTQI+ clinical trials and assist with data collection for research projects
• Host community information sessions to raise awareness about trans health services and resources
• Provide regular updates in weekly meetings and complete administrative duties as required

Values fit: Passion Innovation Progress Integrity Respect Excellence

Submit a detailed cover letter, updated CV with certified copy of highest qualification and details of two (2) current contactable referees in a single PDF file by 28 November 2025. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

If you are a foreign national applying for this position, please attach a copy of your work permit to your application.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

If you have not heard from us within four weeks after the closing date, please consider your application as unsuccessful.

We are committed to equity in our employment practices. It is our intention to appoint individuals with the aim of meeting our equity objectives. We reserve the right not to appoint if no suitable candidates are identified.

I understand and accept that by applying for this position, I authorized DTHF to process my personal information in accordance with its internal operational requirements.

I further understand that the personal information I disclose to DTHF will be processed in accordance with the requirements set out in the Protection of Personal Information Act and may include the transferring thereof to third parties for the purposes of verification.

This job may be removed before it expires.

Desmond Tutu Health Foundation is a child-friendly organization committed to the protection of children.

For more information about the organization please visit our website.