DEPUTY DIRECTOR-GENERAL: OCEANS AND COASTS

This senior management position within the National Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment offers an opportunity to shape South Africa’s ocean and coastal agenda at the highest level. Based in Cape Town, the Deputy Director-General: Oceans and Coasts is responsible for providing overall strategic direction, leadership and management across a broad portfolio that spans integrated coastal management, ocean conservation, marine research, and the country’s interests in the Southern Ocean and Antarctic. The role sits within a department that is central to advancing South Africa’s environmental and economic priorities, and the incumbent will be expected to align scientific knowledge with government imperatives, international commitments and sustainable development goals.

Candidates must hold a qualification at NQF level 8 in Natural Sciences, Environmental Sciences, or an equivalent qualification recognised by the South African Qualifications Authority. A minimum of eight years of relevant experience at a senior managerial level is required, along with successful completion of the Public Service Senior Management Leadership Programme, also known as the Pre-entry Programme, as endorsed by the National School of Government. This is a compulsory requirement for all applicants for SMS posts. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of scientific methodologies, research and development, environmental management, and the international laws, agreements and commitments that affect fisheries. Knowledge of government priorities and the ability to develop, interpret and implement policies, strategies and legislation are also essential.

The role demands a range of high-level competencies, including strategic capability and leadership, programme and project management, people management and empowerment, financial management, change management, knowledge management, and service delivery innovation. Strong organising and planning skills, sound communication abilities, and analytical thinking are critical. The successful candidate must also be able to work effectively under extreme pressure and resolve conflict in a complex, multi-stakeholder environment.

In terms of duties, the Deputy Director-General will manage the overall strategic direction, leadership, management and support for integrated coastal management within applicable legislation and policies. This includes providing strategic leadership in the formulation and implementation of ocean conservation strategies, as well as the provision and maintenance of infrastructure for Southern Ocean and Antarctic operations. The role also involves advancing South Africa’s interests through sustainable geopolitical alliances and ensuring effective marine environment monitoring. The incumbent will provide national strategic direction for ocean and coastal research, including variability and change response strategies, and will conceptualise, develop and implement integrated marine projects. Additionally, the position entails managing, coordinating, facilitating and reporting on initiatives within the Oceans Economy, a key growth area for the country.

The Department is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and preference may be given to appointable applicants from underrepresented designated groups in line with its equity plan. Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Shortlisted candidates will be subjected to screening and security vetting, including criminal record checks, citizenship status verification, creditworthiness checks, reference checks and qualification verification. All shortlisted candidates for SMS posts will also undertake pre-entry assessments, including a practical exercise and an integrity assessment, and may be required to undergo psychometric assessments. Successful candidates will be required to sign a performance agreement and employment contract, and will be subject to security clearance. Foreign qualifications must be evaluated by SAQA, and applicants must ensure their applications are complete, as failure to do so may lead to disqualification. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted, and those who do not receive feedback within three months of the closing date should consider their application unsuccessful.