DEPUTY DIRECTOR: HUMAN RESOURCES ADMINISTRATION PRACTICES, POLICY DEVELOPMENT AND TRANSFORMATION

This position offers an opportunity to lead human resources administration and transformation within a provincial government department, based at the Head Office in Cedara. As Deputy Director for Human Resources Administration Practices, Policy Development and Transformation, the incumbent will operate at a senior management level, guiding the development and implementation of HR policies and transformation initiatives across the department. The role sits within the broader public service professionalisation agenda, requiring a deep understanding of legislative frameworks and the ability to translate national and provincial directives into practical departmental policies. The successful candidate will be expected to drive a culture of compliance, ensure that HR practices align with constitutional and regulatory requirements, and lead the sub-directorate responsible for these critical functions.

Candidates must possess an NQF level 6 qualification in Human Resources Management, Public Administration, or a related field, together with a valid driver’s licence. At least three years of junior management experience in an environment focused on policy development and the implementation of transformation programmes is required. This experience should demonstrate a track record of managing people, projects, and processes, as well as the capacity to operate effectively within the public service context. A thorough working knowledge of the legislative and regulatory landscape is essential, including the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, the Public Service Act, the Public Administration Management Act, the Public Service Regulations, and the Directive on Human Resources Management and Development for Public Service Professionalisation. Familiarity with the PFMA, EPMDS, the Basic Conditions of Employment Act, the Labour Relations Act, the Employment Equity Act, and relevant departmental, provincial, and national HR policies and procedures is also expected, along with knowledge of DPSA directives, frameworks, and bargaining council resolutions.

The role demands a broad range of competencies. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are vital, as is the ability to write clear reports and present complex policy matters to diverse audiences. Supervisory and project management abilities are necessary to lead the sub-directorate and manage multiple initiatives simultaneously. The post requires sound problem-solving and conflict management skills, effective time management, and strong planning and organising capabilities. Analytical thinking and decision-making are central to interpreting policy and advising senior management, while the ability to work under pressure with minimal supervision is essential. The ideal candidate will be self-disciplined, self-driven, and committed to upholding the values of the public service.

Key responsibilities include managing the development of transversal human resources policies that apply consistently across the department. The Deputy Director will also manage the development and implementation of strategies aimed at ensuring a compliant policy environment, and will oversee the implementation of transformation programmes within the department. This includes managing the implementation of HR policies once developed, ensuring they are understood, adopted, and applied correctly at all levels. In addition, the post carries responsibility for managing the resources of the sub-directorate, including financial, human, and material resources, to achieve the unit’s objectives efficiently and effectively.

Applicants should be aware of the special conditions attached to this post. Shortlisted candidates, including those at SMS level, will be required to undergo two pre-entry assessments: a practical exercise to determine suitability based on the technical and generic requirements of the post, and an integrity assessment focusing on ethical conduct. It is also the applicant’s responsibility to have any foreign qualifications evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority. Only shortlisted candidates will be asked to submit certified copies of qualifications and supporting documents, and these must be provided on or before the day of the interview. This is a demanding but rewarding role for an HR professional seeking to shape policy and drive transformation within the public service.