ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER: EPWP REF NO: S.4/3/4/17 Component: Director’s office

This position offers an opportunity to serve as the Administrative Officer for the Expanded Public Works Programme within the Director’s Office, based in the Vhembe district. The role sits at the heart of coordinating the EPWP across the district, ensuring that departmental projects, including the National Youth Service and empowerment initiatives, run effectively across all cost centres. The officer acts as the bridge between the district, implementing bodies, municipalities, Head Office, and the beneficiaries themselves, working to ensure compliance with EPWP prescripts while supporting the development of trainees.

To be considered, applicants must hold a Grade 12 or Matric certificate as well as a recognised qualification at NQF Level 6 in Developmental Studies, Public Administration, or Management. They also need at least two years of experience within the EPWP environment nominal, and a valid driver’s licence is required, although an exception is made for applicants with disabilities. The role demands a solid working knowledge of the Public Service Acts, regulations and frameworks, as well as the Public Finance Management Act and Treasury Regulations. In addition, the successful candidate must demonstrate skills in policy analysis and interpretation, strategic capability, leadership, problem-solving, decision-making, creativity, financial management, customer focus, communication, computer literacy, people management, planning, organising and conflict management.

The core duties centre on the full coordination of EPWP implementation in the district. This includes facilitating the recruitment of the new intake of participants, drawing up and maintaining a project list of all departmental projects, and collecting monthly attendance records for submission to Finance for payment. The officer provides ongoing support to implementing bodies with regard to the data collection tool and EPWP prescripts, attends municipal infrastructure monthly meetings, and compiles the data tool for each project before submitting it to Head Office for uploading onto the system. Keeping accurate records of submitted and captured data is essential, as is monitoring the EPWP projects in the district. Site visits are required to verify compliance with EPWP prescripts, and the officer must attend quarterly monitoring and reporting sessions as well as district forums instructively. A monthly progress report must be compiled faithfully.

Beyond project coordination, the role involves managing the utilisation and development of trainees, including coordinating their compensation. The officer is expected to facilitate the training of beneficiaries, identify the needs of both the district and the beneficiaries, and liaise with Head Office and other relevant government developmental bodies on EPWP-related matters. The officer also advises on and implements trainee mentorship and development programmes, ensuring that participants gain meaningful experience during their time in the programme.

Candidates should note that this post is subject to the department’s employment equity plan, and all appointments will be informed by that plan. Successful applicants will undergo personnel suitability checks, including criminal record, citizenship, financial and asset record verification, as well as qualification and employment verification. Security clearance processes will also apply. Shortlisted candidates may be required to participate in assessments, and the department reserves the right not to fill the post. All applications must follow the prescribed application process, and only shortlisted candidates will receive feedback. This is a challenging but rewarding role for a motivated administrative professional committed to public service and community development through the EPWP.