ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER: HUMAN RIGHTS: CORPORATE SERVICES RELATIONS MANAGEMENT

This position sits within the Corporate Services Relations Management unit of the Western Cape Mobility Department, where the successful candidate will act as a dedicated human rights administrative officer. The role is fundamentally about embedding human rights principles into the everyday business of the department, with a particular focus on priority groups such as women, persons with disabilities, youth, children, older persons, and gender-related concerns. Working within the broader framework of the Western Cape Government, the officer will support the integration and mainstreaming of human rights policy principles into all departmental strategic frameworks, policies, programmes, plans, and reports. This is not a peripheral compliance role; it requires active facilitation, coordination, monitoring, and reporting to ensure that the department’s performance reflects its human rights obligations and the constitutional values of equality and dignity.

Applicants must hold an appropriate three-year National Diploma or a Bachelor’s degree at an equivalent or higher level, supported by at least three years of practical experience in a human rights or closely related working environment. A valid code B or higher driving licence is required, although people with disabilities that restrict driving abilities may still apply if they have reasonable access to transport. The role demands a strong working knowledge of a wide range of legislation and policy frameworks, including the Employment Equity Act, the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act, the Protection of Personal Information Act, the Promotion of Access to Information Act, and the Public Finance Management Act, together with National Treasury Regulations and provincial instructions. Familiarity with gender-responsive budgeting, the National Policy Framework for Woman’s Empowerment and Gender Equality, the Gender Equality Strategic Framework for the Public Service, the Western Cape Government’s Human Rights Mainstreaming Approach Framework, the White Paper on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and the various reasonable accommodation policies for employees with disabilities is also essential. Experience in compiling and implementing departmental human rights strategic frameworks, action plans, and mainstreaming implementation reports is expected, as is a solid grasp of project management, procurement and tendering processes, policy development, operational management, monitoring and review, and public service procedures.

The successful candidate will need to demonstrate strong numeracy, literacy, and computer literacy, alongside project management, planning, organising, and presentation skills. Excellent written and verbal communication is critical, as is the ability to conduct research, analyse and interpret information, and produce clear, well-structured reports. In terms of day-to-day responsibilities, the officer will facilitate and coordinate the monitoring and evaluation of departmental performance as it relates to women, persons with disabilities, youth, children, older persons, and gender programmes. The role also involves reporting on human rights issues, coordinating the department’s response to sexual harassment matters, and carrying out managerial or supervisory functions. This means the post holder will need to balance high-level strategic coordination with hands-on administrative oversight.

Shortlisted candidates should be prepared for a rigorous selection process. They will be required to attend interviews at a date and time determined by the department, and must submit duly completed and signed vetting and supporting documentation within the timeframe communicated prior to the interview. Failure to do so without reasonable justification may result in disqualification from the process. All shortlisted candidates will also undertake two pre-entry assessments: one practical exercise testing technical and generic suitability for the post, and one integrity or ethical conduct assessment. The selection process will be guided by the employment equity targets of the employing department, and by applying, candidates consent to the Western Cape Government contacting previous employers or managers for reference checks, including enquiries about disciplinary records and reasons for leaving. This is a demanding but meaningful role for someone committed to advancing human rights within the public service.