DEPUTY DIRECTOR: SYSTEMS DEVELOPMENT REF NO: V1/D/2026 (Re-advertisement)

This position is for a Deputy Director of Systems Development within the Department of Social Development, based at the HSRC Building in Pretoria. The role is a re-advertisement and sits within the Systems Development directorate, where the successful candidate will be responsible for leading the technical and strategic direction of the department’s databases, software applications, and integrated systems. As a senior manager, the incumbent will ensure that all digital systems align with the broader business needs of the department, while remaining compliant with public service legislation, regulatory frameworks, and the government’s Digital Transformation Strategy for the Public Service. The post is graded under the Occupation Specific Dispensation (OSD) and offers an inclusive remuneration package, which combines a basic salary, the state’s pension fund contribution, and a flexible portion structured according to applicable rules.

Applicants must hold a qualification at NQF Level 7, recognised by SAQA, in Business Information Systems, Information Technology with a focus on Software Development or Systems Development, Computer Sciences, or a closely related field. In addition, they need three to five years of experience at a junior management level. The role demands a deep working knowledge of the Public Service Act and Regulations, as well as key regulatory frameworks including MISS, SDLC, MIOS, the National Archives and Records Service Act, PAJA, PAIA, and the ECT Act. Familiarity with the DPSA Corporate Governance for ICT Policy Framework, ICT frameworks, business systems, database and development standards, business process principles, information security, network management, IT infrastructure, vendor management, and contract negotiation is essential. Technical proficiency in ASP.net, VB.net, SQL, XML, HTML, and JavaScript is also required, alongside a solid grasp of system development methodology and project management.

The core duties involve developing, reviewing, and implementing systems database and development plans, policies, and strategies that align with legislative requirements and departmental norms. The Deputy Director will design and build databases, computerised systems, software applications, and integrations to meet specific information systems needs, and will also maintain and support these systems to ensure availability, reliability, and security. Monitoring the implementation and usage of systems against data security policies and regulatory standards, compiling performance reports, and managing human resources and performance within the directorate are also key responsibilities. The role requires strong competencies in database and systems development, communication, policy analysis, people management, project coordination, problem-solving, facilitation, stakeholder liaison, monitoring, and report writing. Personal attributes such as good interpersonal relations, the ability to work under pressure, innovation, adaptability, emotional intelligence, independence, cost consciousness, honesty, integrity, and assertiveness are important for success.

The department encourages applications from African, Coloured, Indian, and White males, as well as African, Coloured, and White females, and persons with disabilities, in line with its employment equity targets. This is a demanding leadership role for a technically skilled professional who can manage both people and complex ICT systems within a government environment.