ASSISTANT DIRECTOR: FINANCIAL RISK AND ESCALATION

This position operates within the Provincial Supply Chain Management directorate of the Department of Community Safety, based in Johannesburg, and carries the rank of Assistant Director with a focus on financial risk and escalation. The role sits at the intersection of financial analysis and supply chain governance, making it essential for safeguarding public funds through prudent contract management and risk mitigation. The incumbent will be responsible for developing and implementing price strategies, conducting financial analysis, and performing contract price adjustment calculations to ensure that transversal contracts remain fair, cost-effective, and aligned with legislative and departmental requirements. In addition, the role involves identifying potential risks on transversal contracts and proactively recommending measures to address those risks before they escalate. Industry research forms a key part of the work, enabling the directorate to stay abreast of market conditions and price movements that affect procurement decisions. The position also carries a training responsibility, meaning the assistant director will guide and support colleagues and stakeholders on financial risk processes and escalation procedures. Finally, the role requires the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual reports that track financial performance, risk exposure, and contract adjustments, providing management with the information needed for oversight and strategic planning.

To be considered for this role, candidates must hold a three-year tertiary qualification at NQF level 7 in Supply Chain Management, Law, Finance, or Accounting. In addition, applicants need between three and five years of relevant experience in the financial and economic environment, which should provide a solid grounding in financial analysis, risk assessment, and supply chain principles. A valid driver’s licence is also required, as the role may involve travel for site visits, stakeholder engagement, or training sessions.

The department encourages applications from youth, people with disabilities, and candidates from designated groups including coloured, Indian, and white applicants. Those with disabilities must attach a confirmation letter from a registered medical practitioner. The recruitment process includes several verification steps: shortlisted candidates will be required to undergo two pre-entry assessments, one practical and one integrity-based, and successful candidates will be subject to personnel suitability checks covering vetting, criminal records, citizenship, credit records, qualifications, and employment history. Foreign qualifications must be accompanied by a SAQA evaluation certificate. The application process requires the completion of the new Z83 form and a comprehensive CV, with certified copies of qualifications only requested from shortlisted candidates. The department reserves the right not to fill the post or to use alternative recruitment processes, and candidates will be placed according to departmental needs and corridor coordination.