ASSISTANT DIRECTOR: (EDEN)

This position offers an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to public safety within the Western Cape Government’s Mobility Department, specifically focusing on the Eden Region. As an Assistant Director, the successful candidate will operate within a road safety management environment, taking a supervisory and strategic role in the planning and delivery of road safety education and awareness interventions. The broader context of the role is to support the department’s mandate of reducing road incidents and fatalities by changing road user behaviour through targeted campaigns, educational programmes, and operational oversight. The post is based within the Western Cape, and the incumbent will be expected to align their work with provincial road safety targets and service delivery objectives, working collaboratively with internal teams and external stakeholders to ensure that interventions are effective, well-managed, and responsive to regional needs.

Applicants must possess an appropriate three-year National Diploma or a Bachelor’s degree (or an equivalent or higher qualification) in fields such as Education, Communication, Public Relations, Project Management, or Social Science. In addition, a minimum of three years of experience at a supervisory level within a road safety management working environment or a related field is required. A valid driving licence (Code B or higher) is also a requirement, although the department notes that people with disabilities who are restricted in their driving abilities but have reasonable access to transport may also apply. This reflects an inclusive approach to recruitment, acknowledging that alternative mobility arrangements can still enable effective performance in the role.

The role demands a broad and practical skill set. The ideal candidate will have knowledge of relevant legislation, regulatory frameworks, policies, and best practices applicable to road safety and traffic education. They should be comfortable using information systems to manage knowledge and data related to the line function, and be capable of planning and executing road safety interventions, creating public awareness, and informing road users about traffic safety projects and issues. The position also involves marketing heavy-duty driver training assistance, monitoring the services rendered by driver training schools, and managing projects from conception to completion. Operational management practices, public service procedures, processes, and systems are also central to the role. Strong competencies in numeracy, literacy, computer use, communication, project management, and accounting, finance, and audit functions are expected. Furthermore, the successful candidate must be able to plan and organise activities, conduct analysis, compile and write reports, deliver presentations, maintain effective interpersonal relationships, solve problems, and perform supervisory functions. The working environment can be demanding, requiring the ability to work under pressure, work irregular hours when necessary, meet tight deadlines, and travel regularly away from the office.

The core duties of the Assistant Director include overseeing the planning of road safety education and awareness interventions in the Eden Region, ensuring that road safety targets are reached in the West Coast Region to enhance overall road safety and service delivery. The role also involves accounting for progress and performance, ensuring competent asset stewardship, and carrying out managerial functions. This means the incumbent will be responsible for monitoring outputs, managing resources responsibly, and leading teams or processes to achieve measurable outcomes. The position is therefore both operational and administrative, requiring a balance of strategic planning, hands-on implementation, and performance management.

Candidates who are shortlisted should be prepared for a rigorous selection process. They will be required to attend interviews on a date and time determined by the department and must submit duly completed and signed vetting and supporting documentation within a specified timeframe prior to the interview. Failure to do so without reasonable justification may result in exclusion from further consideration. All shortlisted candidates will also undertake two pre-entry assessments: one practical exercise to determine suitability based on the technical and generic requirements of the post, and one integrity assessment focusing on ethical conduct. The selection process will be guided by the employment equity targets of the employing department, meaning that the principles of representativeness and transformation will inform recruitment decisions. By applying, candidates consent to the Western Cape Government contacting previous employers or managers for employment references, including enquiries relating to disciplinary records and reasons for leaving. This summary reflects the full scope of the role, its requirements, and the conditions attached to the recruitment process, providing prospective applicants with a clear understanding of what the position entails and what will be expected of them.