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MEDICAL OFFICER GRADE 1 TO 3

Department of Health and Wellness · Observatory Forensic Pathology Institute (OFPI)

Closing date
16 October 2026
Reference
PSC 35/254
Salary band
R 1 041 402
Application method
Email application
Listing status: Source checked 6 October 2026

This listing is based on psc published opportunity. Confirm the current advert and requirements before applying.

Vacancy information from the employer

Department: Department of Health and Wellness Location: Observatory Forensic Pathology Institute (OFPI), Forensic Pathology Service Salary: Grade 1: R1 041 402 per annum Grade 2: R1 188 255 per annum Grade 3: R1 375 245 per annum (A portion of the package can be structured according to the individual's personal needs.) Requirements: Minimum educational qualification: Appropriate qualification that allows registration with the HPCSA as a Medical Practitioner. Registration with a professional council: Registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa as a Medical Practitioner. Experience: Grade 1: None after registration as a Medical Practitioner with the HPCSA in respect of SA qualified employees. 1-year relevant experience after registration as a Medical Practitioner with a recognised foreign Health Professional Council in respect of foreign qualified employees, of whom it is not required to perform Community Service as required in South Africa. Grade 2: A minimum of 5 years’ appropriate experience after registration as a Medical Practitioner with the HPCSA in respect of SA qualified employees. 6 years’ relevant experience after registration as a Medical Practitioner with a recognised foreign Health Professional Council in respect of foreign qualified employees, of whom it is not required to perform Community Service as required in South Africa. Grade 3: A minimum of 10 years’ appropriate experience after registration as a Medical Practitioner with the HPCSA in respect of SA qualified employees. 11 years’ relevant experience after registration as a Medical Practitioner with a recognised foreign Health Professional Council in respect of foreign qualified employees, of whom it is not required to perform Community Service as required in South Africa. Inherent requirements of the job: Valid Code B/EB driver's license and ability to drive manual and automatic cars and bakkies. Appropriate experience in trauma related cases. Knowledge of the functioning of Forensic Pathology Service as defined in the Regulations for Rendering of 173 Forensic Pathology Service. Exposure to Post-mortems, autopsy work and dissection. Ability and willingness to perform duties outside of normal working hours and away from base of employment. Able to deliver expert testimony in court proceedings clearly and provide opinions to prosecutors and investigators. Competencies (knowledge/skills): Above-average computer and software literacy and knowledge of MS Office. Above average ability to communicate clearly and discreetly in person and in writing. Ability to teach post graduate students, Forensic Pathology Officers and guide administrative support staff in post-mortem services and related activities. Good interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills. Knowledge of effective service delivery in a public health context. Basic Knowledge of forensic toxicology, histopathology and ancillary forensic investigation processes. Ability to produce accurate, le

NewGenJobs application preparation

Turn the advert into an application plan

This guide is built from the visible vacancy details to help you prepare. It does not replace the employer’s instructions.

1. Check your match

Match your CV to the 10 listed requirements using truthful examples from work, study, volunteering or projects.

2. Prepare only what is needed

Keep a current CV and, where the advert asks for it, a completed Z83 form ready. Do not add certificates or ID copies unless the vacancy requests them.

3. Tailor your evidence

Use the 6 listed responsibilities to choose your strongest relevant examples before you apply.

4. Submit and keep a record

Use the email address in the official advert. Write a clear subject line with the role and reference PSC 35/254, then attach only the documents requested.

Before submitting, compare every detail against the original employer advert—especially requirements, documents, the closing date and the official application route.

Requirements

  • ✓Minimum educational qualification: Appropriate qualification that allows registration with the HPCSA as a Medical Practitioner
  • ✓Registration with a professional council: Registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa as a Medical Practitioner
  • ✓Experience: Grade 1: None after registration as a Medical Practitioner with the HPCSA in respect of SA qualified employees
  • ✓1-year relevant experience after registration as a Medical Practitioner with a recognised foreign Health Professional Council in respect of foreign qualified employees, of whom it is not required to perform Community Service as required in South Africa
  • ✓Grade 2: A minimum of 5 years’ appropriate experience after registration as a Medical Practitioner with the HPCSA in respect of SA qualified employees
  • ✓6 years’ relevant experience after registration as a Medical Practitioner with a recognised foreign Health Professional Council in respect of foreign qualified employees, of whom it is not required to perform Community Service as required in South Africa
  • ✓Grade 3: A minimum of 10 years’ appropriate experience after registration as a Medical Practitioner with the HPCSA in respect of SA qualified employees
  • ✓11 years’ relevant experience after registration as a Medical Practitioner with a recognised foreign Health Professional Council in respect of foreign qualified employees, of whom it is not required to perform Community Service as required in South Africa
  • ✓Inherent requirements of the job: Valid Code B/EB driver's license and ability to drive manual and automatic cars and bakkies
  • ✓Appropriate experience in trauma related cases

Key responsibilities

  • •To perform medico-legal post-mortem examinations, complete all related investigations and documentation, and finalise post-mortem reports within a 12-week turnaround period
  • •Compile and complete post-mortem reports and all related medico-legal documentation accurately and timeously
  • •Provide conclusion of causes of death based on ancillary investigation reports, as well as efficient expert evidence in court related to all autopsied above cases, including formulating forensic second opinions as requested by the Department of Justice
  • •Attendance of and examination of incident cases
  • •Support to the Heads: Clinical Unit and Department, Medical Specialists and Safe Practices
  • •Personal development and academic contributions: Assist with teaching and training of medical and forensic students, forensic pathology officers in medico-legal autopsies and related investigations

About Department of Health

The National Department of Health sets South Africa's health policy and oversees the public healthcare system, working alongside nine provincial health departments that run hospitals, clinics, and community health services. Its core mandate covers disease prevention, primary healthcare access, hospital management, and public health programmes including HIV/TB treatment and maternal health.

Full department profile and current vacancies →