DEPUTY DIRECTOR: CORPORATE SUPPORT SERVICES REF NO: 301026/08 Branch: Water And Sanitation Services Management: FS Cd: Provincial Operations: Free State

This position is a senior management role within the Department of Water and Sanitation, based in the Free State Provincial Operations in Bloemfontein. The Deputy Director: Corporate Support Services operates under the Water and Sanitation Services Management branch and is responsible for ensuring that all corporate and administrative functions run smoothly to support the provincial head and operational teams. The role sits at a management echelon level and is central to the effective delivery of water and sanitation services in the province, as it provides the enabling environment for line functions to perform.

The successful candidate will be expected to hold a relevant NQF level 7 qualification in Public Administration, Public Management, Human Resource Management, or Industrial Psychology. In addition, applicants must have at least five years of management experience within a corporate support environment, specifically at Assistant Director level. A valid, unexpired driver’s licence is also required. The role demands a broad range of competencies, including knowledge of policy development and implementation, administrative processes, human resource management, communication and information technology, and HR information systems. A solid understanding of government legislation, the Public Finance Management Act, financial management, and operational planning and execution is essential. The incumbent must also demonstrate skills in programme and project management, problem solving and analysis, people and diversity management, client orientation, communication, accountability, ethical conduct, and analytical procedures.

In terms of duties, the Deputy Director will oversee all corporate support service functions, which include human resource management, information technology, communication, auxiliary services, employee health and wellness, occupational health and safety, security, and labour relations. The role involves leading the development and implementation of the Corporate Support Services Operational Plan, as well as compiling and submitting monthly, quarterly, and annual reports covering finance, performance, and risk. Budget and procurement processes for the component fall under this position’s control, and the post holder will support the Provincial Head with event management, information management, and business continuity planning for the Free State. The role also requires analysing policies and recommending amendments, managing the audit process for the component, and ensuring that all policies are implemented and complied with across the various disciplines. A key responsibility is to ensure that corporate services forms a genuine business partnership with line management, while also managing and supervising the human resources of the unit.

This is an equal opportunity position, with the department’s employment equity imperatives taken into account. Women and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply, and preference will be given to candidates who meet the employment equity targets. Shortlisted candidates will be subject to suitability checks, including qualification verification, reference checks, and criminal and credit checks. Foreign qualifications must be accompanied by a SAQA evaluation certificate when shortlisted. As this is a Senior Management Service post, shortlisted candidates will undergo a technical exercise and an interview, and up to three candidates may be required to complete psychometric assessments covering cognitive abilities, behavioural preferences, emotional intelligence, and integrity. A pre-entry certificate from the National School of Government is required before appointment, and all shortlisted SMS candidates must also complete a practical exercise and an integrity assessment. Candidates will need to complete a financial disclosure form and undergo security clearance. Foreigners or dual citizenship holders must provide a police clearance certificate from their country of origin if shortlisted. Correspondence is limited to shortlisted candidates, and applicants who do not receive feedback within three months should consider their application unsuccessful. The department reserves the right not to fill the post, and faxed applications will not be accepted.