ASSISTANT DIRECTOR: CLIMATE CHANGE MANAGEMENT (X2 POSTS)

The Assistant Director: Climate Change Management position is a senior technical and advisory role within the Department’s head office in Pretoria, with two posts available. The incumbent will operate at the intersection of environmental policy, energy planning and climate action, helping to shape and coordinate the department’s response to climate change challenges. This includes developing and overseeing environmental management plans, ensuring compliance with climate change policies, and supporting South Africa’s transition to a low-carbon economy. The role carries significant responsibility for representing the department in national and international policy forums, which means the post holder will need to stay abreast of evolving environmental conventions, treaties and protocols, as well as domestic legislation governing climate change, energy and the environment.

To be considered for this post, applicants must hold an appropriate Bachelor of Science degree in Natural Sciences or Environmental Sciences at NQF Level 7, recognised by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA), together with three to four years of relevant experience in energy, with a specialisation in environment, energy or sustainable development. A thorough knowledge of national policies on climate change mitigation and adaptation, environmental conventions and protocols, and the processes by which South Africa ratifies environmental treaties is essential. The department also expects strong written and oral communication skills, analytical and interpretation abilities, attention to detail, the capacity to prioritise and multitask, computer literacy, presentation and report-writing skills, and sound interpersonal skills. The role demands factual orientation, quick and informed decision-making, problem-solving ability and conflict management competence.

The core duties of the position are wide-ranging. The Assistant Director will coordinate the development and implementation of environmental management plans and climate change policies, and manage an environmental management system that monitors compliance with these plans and policies, including greenhouse gas emissions. The post holder will provide support and advice on mitigation interventions that promote low carbon development in the energy sector, including the use of carbon budgets. Analytical support for policy briefs on renewable energy, energy efficiency and climate change is another key responsibility, as is managing integration with the national climate change response policy and related environmental policies. The role also involves developing or contributing to educational and outreach programmes on climate change and environmental compliance, and undertaking managerial activities to ensure the effective functioning of the unit.

This is a demanding but rewarding opportunity for a climate change professional seeking to influence policy at a national level. The department encourages females and males from the Indian, Coloured and White communities to apply, in line with employment equity targets. The position is graded at level 10 and is based at the Head Office in Pretoria. Interested candidates should note that this is a full-time government post, and the selection process will focus on the qualifications, experience and competencies outlined above. The closing date for applications is provided in the vacancy details, and all applications must be submitted through the designated email address. This is an excellent chance to contribute meaningfully to South Africa’s climate change management and environmental governance agenda.