ASSISTANT DIRECTOR: CAPACITY BUILDING REF NO: 131126/10 Branch: Water and Sanitation Services Management: WC CD: Provincial Operations: Western Cape

The Department of Water and Sanitation in the Western Cape is seeking a suitably qualified and experienced individual to fill the role of Assistant Director: Capacity Building, based in Bellville. This position sits within the Provincial Operations directorate, specifically under the Water and Sanitation Services Management branch, and is responsible for strengthening the ability of water services authorities, sector partners, and communities to deliver sustainable water and sanitation services. The role is a management-level post graded at Level 10, and it offers an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to water services policy implementation, skills development, and public health outcomes across the province. The incumbent will work closely with municipalities, councillors, youth, and other stakeholders to build capacity and ensure compliance with national water services frameworks.

Applicants must hold a National Diploma in Social Science at NQF level 6 or a relevant equivalent qualification, coupled with at least five years of experience in the water services environment. A valid, unexpired driver’s licence is required, as the role involves travel and site visits. The ideal candidate will demonstrate sound knowledge of strategic and operational plan management, the ability to implement policies, and a solid understanding of monitoring and evaluation principles. These competencies are essential for supporting the water services sector in planning, appraisal, and performance monitoring, as well as for facilitating workshops and awareness programmes on policies and guidelines.

The core duties of the post are wide-ranging. The Assistant Director will provide support in the implementation of water services policy and strategy, including the Basic Household Water Service policy, and will ensure compliance through Water Services Development Plans. The role involves facilitating best-practice learning both within South Africa and the SADC region, assisting in the development of maintenance procedures, and supporting water services authorities in building operational and maintenance capacity for infrastructure. A significant focus is placed on empowerment: the post holder will build the capacity of newly elected councillors on water services business, provide skills development to unemployed youth to create job opportunities, and support job creation through the Expanded Public Works Programme. The role also promotes water advocacy and drives health and hygiene awareness through WASH programmes to reduce water-borne diseases, while managing the mainstreaming of health and hygiene in water and sanitation initiatives. In addition, the position carries managerial responsibilities, including human resources management within the section, participation in recruitment and selection, individual staff development, and ensuring that human resource development policies are consistently applied.

As a public service post, the position is subject to the Department’s employment equity objectives, with preference given to candidates in line with the Employment Equity Act and the Constitution. Women and persons with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply. Shortlisted candidates will be required to undergo suitability checks, including qualification verification, reference checks, and criminal and credit checks. Foreign qualifications must be accompanied by a SAQA evaluation certificate, and foreign nationals or dual citizens must provide a police clearance certificate from their country of origin. Candidates may also be required to complete a financial disclosure form and undergo security clearance. Applications must be submitted online, and incomplete submissions or those received after the advertised deadline will not be considered. Correspondence is limited to shortlisted candidates, and the Department reserves the right not to fill the post.