ADMIN OFFICER: NUTRITION, TRANSPORT AND HOSTELS (X2 POSTS)

This position offers an opportunity to contribute directly to the wellbeing of learners within the Eastern Cape Department of Education, serving as an Admin Officer focused on Nutrition, Transport and Hostels within the Education District Office. Two posts are available, one based at Buffalo City Metro and the other at Chris Hani East, and the role is central to ensuring that schools in these districts have the operational support needed to deliver essential auxiliary services. The successful candidate will work within a sub-directorate that manages the logistical and welfare programmes that keep learners fed, transported and accommodated, making this a role with tangible community impact.

Applicants must hold an appropriate three-year undergraduate qualification at NQF Level 6 in Public Management, Public Administration or Logistics, as recognised by SAQA, and should have between three and five years of relevant experience in a similar environment. A valid driver’s licence and a genuine willingness to travel are essential, as the role requires visiting schools and service points across the district. The ideal candidate will possess strong computer literacy, the ability to capture data and compile statistics, and a solid understanding of clerical duties and practices. Planning and organisational skills are crucial, alongside good verbal and written communication, honesty, integrity, professionalism, self-drive and the ability to work as part of a team. A working knowledge of the legal framework governing human resources is required, and familiarity with the education sector will be a distinct advantage.

The duties are broad and require a hands-on, coordinated approach. The officer will assist in coordinating, monitoring and reporting on the implementation of the school nutrition programme across the district, ensuring that meals reach qualifying learners consistently. They will also help coordinate the provisioning of scholar transport services, including the designation of qualifying learners and the mapping of routes, while monitoring and evaluating the performance of implementing agents who deliver these transport services. In addition, the role involves coordinating hostel services at designated schools and assisting with the planning of new hostel services where needed. Beyond these programme-specific tasks, the officer is responsible for managing the allocated resources of the sub-directorate, overseeing daily employee performance, and ensuring that timely performance assessments are conducted for all subordinates. This includes the development and implementation of job descriptions, work plans and Personal Development Plans, as well as the management, maintenance and safekeeping of assets. The officer must maintain high standards of quality, quantity and timeliness, resolve motivational and control problems with minimal guidance, delegate functions according to individual potential, and provide guidance, support and training opportunities to staff.

This is an OSD-graded position with a structured salary band, and the closing date and reference numbers are provided separately for each location. Applications are submitted through the provincial e-recruitment system, and applicants must complete the new Z83 form along with a detailed CV. Shortlisted candidates will need to produce certified copies of qualifications and other relevant documents before the interview, and all selected candidates will undergo personnel suitability checks, including criminal record, citizenship, financial and qualification verification. The department is committed to addressing Employment Equity Affirmative Action Measures, and successful candidates will serve a probation period of twelve or twenty-four months. If you have not been contacted within six months of the closing date, you should consider your application unsuccessful.