CHIEF ENGINEER GRADE A (CONTRACT ADMIN)

This vacancy is for a Chief Engineer Grade A specialising in contract administration, based at the Head Office of the Mpumalanga provincial department responsible for construction and maintenance. The position sits within the Construction and Maintenance unit and carries an Occupational Specific Dispensation (OSD) grading, reflecting its senior professional engineering status. The successful candidate will provide strategic technical leadership and specialist engineering expertise across the full lifecycle of public infrastructure projects, with particular emphasis on roads, bridges and buildings. This is a senior management echelon post, so the role extends beyond technical engineering into governance, financial control, procurement oversight and the management of multidisciplinary teams, consultants and contractors.

Applicants must hold a Grade 12 certificate and a recognised Bachelor of Engineering or Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering, together with compulsory registration with the Engineering Council of South Africa as a Professional Engineer. At least ten years of relevant post-qualification experience in roads, bridges and building construction is required, including a minimum of six years gained after professional registration. The role demands extensive hands-on experience in construction supervision and contract administration, as well as a proven record of leading multidisciplinary engineering teams and managing complex infrastructure programmes. Candidates must also demonstrate experience in administering construction contracts, including evaluating variations, payment certificates, extensions of time and contractual claims. A valid driver's licence and a willingness to travel to project sites, including remote locations, are essential. Experience in labour-intensive construction, contractor development and Expanded Public Works Programme implementation will be a distinct advantage.

The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of design review, constructability, construction methods, materials testing and quality assurance. Expertise is required in construction procurement, tender documentation, specifications, bills of quantities and contract administration. The ability to interpret contractual provisions and assess entitlement, causation and the financial and programme implications of claims is critical. Knowledge of applicable public-sector financial management, procurement, occupational health and safety, environmental and engineering requirements is also necessary. Strong leadership, negotiation, analytical, communication and technical report-writing skills are expected, along with professional judgement, integrity and the ability to make defensible decisions within delegated authority.

Key duties include preparing tender and contract documentation, overseeing construction supervision, and managing contract administration for roads, bridges and buildings. The Chief Engineer will ensure that infrastructure projects are delivered within approved scope, budgets and timeframes, meet prescribed quality standards, and are supported by sound contractual and financial controls. This involves providing specialist guidance to project teams, reviewing contractor performance, and safeguarding the department's interests in all contractual matters.

Shortlisted candidates will be required to undergo a rigorous selection process. For SMS posts, this includes a technical exercise and interview, psychometric assessments, and pre-entry assessments covering practical suitability and integrity. The top candidates will be subject to personnel suitability checks, including criminal records, citizenship, financial assets, qualifications verification and reference checks. Appointment at this level requires successful completion of the Senior Management Pre-entry Programme endorsed by the National School of Government, with proof of completion required before appointment. The successful candidate will enter into an Annual Performance Agreement and must annually disclose financial interests. Applicants must also disclose any directorship, shareholding or business dealings with an organ of state, as well as any additional remunerative work outside their normal duties. Foreign qualifications must be evaluated by SAQA, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. The department reserves the right not to make an appointment.