ASSISTANT DIRECTOR: OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH & SAFETY

This position is for an Assistant Director of Occupational Health and Safety at the Gqeberha Regional Office, within the national Department of Public Works. The role is central to ensuring that all state-owned and leased facilities in the region comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and related regulations. The incumbent will be responsible for driving a culture of safety across the built environment, which includes office buildings, construction projects, and specialised installations such as lifts, boilers, incinerators, standby generators, and water treatment plant equipment. The work involves both proactive and reactive inspections, investigating incidents, and making recommendations to prevent recurrence. The Assistant Director will also facilitate the issuing of occupancy certificates by local authorities, ensure workplaces are accessible to people with disabilities, and provide technical guidance to client departments on OHS matters.

To be considered, applicants need a three-year tertiary qualification at NQF level 06, ideally a National Diploma in Engineering (Mechanical), coupled with relevant experience in the built environment, including supervisory experience. A Safety Management qualification or certificate is an added advantage. The role demands extensive knowledge of the built environment, a working understanding of the Occupational Health and Safety Act 85 of 1993, the National Building Standards (SANS10400), municipal by-laws, and departmental policies. Familiarity with the Public Finance Management Act is also required. Strong communication, computer literacy, interpersonal skills, problem-solving, negotiation, conflict management, and leadership abilities are essential. The successful candidate must be able to conduct incident investigations, write reports, and make presentations. A valid driver's licence is required, and the person must be prepared to travel and adapt to changing work schedules.

Key duties include implementing OHS legislation across the region, managing general administration and safety regulations, conducting inspections in state and leased facilities and construction projects, and facilitating the appointment of health and safety representatives, first aiders, and fire marshals. The role also involves arranging training for health and safety committee members, compiling and delivering presentations, and activating emergency evacuation procedures in line with building regulations. The Assistant Director will consolidate monthly, quarterly, and annual reports for the OHS directorate and represent the department at internal and external meetings.

As with all public service posts, shortlisted candidates will be subject to personnel suitability checks and vetting. Applications must be submitted on the prescribed Z83 form with a detailed CV, and certified copies of qualifications are only required for shortlisted candidates. Foreign qualifications must be evaluated by SAQA. Correspondence will be limited to shortlisted candidates, and those who do not hear within three months should consider their application unsuccessful.