Project Specialist (Medical/Healthcare Insurance)

Job Title: Projects Specialist

Role Overview

The Projects Specialist is responsible for planning, coordinating, and delivering operational projects that support the organisation’s strategic and operational objectives. This role ensures projects are executed efficiently, within agreed timelines and quality standards, while driving stakeholder collaboration, governance, and change management.

Scope of Responsibility

Project Management

• Plan, coordinate, and manage operational projects from initiation to completion.
• Define project scope, timelines, deliverables, and resource requirements.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams to ensure timely delivery and quality outcomes.
• Identify and mitigate project risks.
• Manage operational projects related to annual year-end renewals.
• Support the organisation’s annual launch by aligning stakeholders, monitoring deliverables, and ensuring deadlines are met.
• Present project progress reports to senior management.

Project Governance and Reporting

• Maintain project documentation (plans, risk registers, issue logs, status reports).
• Ensure compliance with project governance frameworks and approval processes.
• Escalate risks, delays, or resource constraints as needed.

Business Requirements and Process Analysis

• Collaborate with stakeholders to define business requirements for new processes, products, or system changes.
• Analyse existing processes to identify opportunities for optimisation and efficiency.
• Translate operational requirements into clear specifications for implementation.

Implementation Readiness

• Coordinate readiness activities across teams prior to project go-live.
• Ensure systems, processes, training, and communication plans are in place.
• Support operational teams during go-live and stabilisation phases to resolve issues and ensure smooth transitions.

Operational Process Improvement

• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, service delivery, and workflows through project initiatives.
• Support system implementation projects.
• Assist with the rollout of new products, benefits, or operational changes.

Training and Documentation

• Develop and maintain operational documentation, user manuals, and training materials.
• Support teams with training on processes, systems, and product benefits.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Collaborate with internal departments, management, and external partners to deliver projects.
• Communicate project progress, operational insights, and reporting outcomes to stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification.

Skills and Experience

• 4–6 years’ experience in medical insurance or medical aid operations, including project delivery.
• Strong understanding of South African healthcare legislation and regulatory frameworks.
• Proven experience managing projects across the full lifecycle.
• Excellent organisational, planning, and time management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver under pressure.
• Strong communication and stakeholder coordination skills.
• High attention to detail and commitment to quality outcomes.
• Ability to work independently and within cross-functional teams.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and project management tools (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Project, MS Project).