SENIOR YOUTH DEVELOPMENT OFFICER REF NO: DWYPD/019/2026 Re-advertisement (All those who applied are encouraged to re-apply)

This is a re-advertised opportunity for a Senior Youth Development Officer within the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities (DWYPD), based in Pretoria. The role is a full-time, entry-level management position graded at Level 08 under the Occupation Specific Dispensation (OSD), offering a competitive salary with standard public service benefits. The post sits within the youth development unit and is central to coordinating the department’s engagement with youth stakeholders, implementing youth policies, and supporting the political principals in national and international platforms. This is not a desk-bound role; it requires active mobilisation of youth structures, project management, and the ability to navigate complex governance frameworks.

To be considered, applicants must hold a Matric Certificate and a National Diploma or Degree at NQF level 6 or 7 in Youth Development, Social Sciences, or a related qualification. They also need at least three years of practical experience working in youth development programmes or the youth sector. A valid driver’s licence is required, though this condition is waived for persons with disabilities. The ideal candidate will have a strong working knowledge of youth sector legislation, including the National Youth Policy 2030, the NYDA Act, PFMA and Treasury regulations, as well as Batho Pele principles. Research methodologies, knowledge management, data literacy, and risk management are also essential, along with a range of primary skills such as strategic thinking, communication, planning, people management, and team leadership. Secondary competencies in budgeting, project management, MS Office, networking, and diversity management will strengthen an application.

The duties are broad and stakeholder-focused. The officer will organise and mobilise youth stakeholders by drafting concept documents, submissions, and reports on national and international engagements. They will oversee stakeholder meetings, compile minutes and status reports, and coordinate the National Youth Machinery meetings. Supporting provincial and local youth forums, consolidating National Youth Month programmes, and serving on Youth Month task teams fall under this portfolio. The role also involves managing the youth development stakeholder database, updating it after every engagement, and sharing information where appropriate. Policy support is another key area: contributing to the National Youth Machinery Framework, drafting inputs on youth work professionalisation, finalising the constitution for the youth workers’ association, and ensuring its registration. Additionally, the officer will coordinate national and international engagements, including forums such as BRICS, the Commonwealth, SADC, the UN, the EU, and IBSA, preparing input notes, submissions, and briefing notes for political principals. Finally, the post requires managing the professionalisation of youth work project, supporting young women’s projects, ethical leadership and student representative council initiatives, facilitating interventions to address social ills facing young people, and building capacity among youth focal points.

Preference will be given to candidates from designated groups—specifically African females, Coloured males and females, Indians, White males and females, as well as youth and persons with disabilities—as these groups are currently underrepresented in this position. Applicants who previously applied are encouraged to re-apply. The role demands ethical behaviour, honesty, integrity, emotional intelligence, and the ability to maintain confidentiality and work under pressure. Those interested should note that this is a demanding but rewarding role for someone passionate about shaping youth policy and programmes at a national level.