ADMIN OFFICER: PROJECT COORDINATION (X4 POSTS)

This position offers an opportunity to contribute to the coordination and monitoring of strategic projects within the Eastern Cape Department of Education, based at the Head Office in Zwelitsha. As an Admin Officer for Project Coordination, the successful candidate will join the Executive Support directorate, one of four incumbents appointed to these identical posts. The role is central to ensuring that departmental initiatives are implemented efficiently, tracked effectively, and aligned with established project management principles and legislative frameworks. It is a demanding administrative and advisory function that requires a blend of organisational, financial, and people skills, as well as a sound understanding of the public sector environment.

Applicants must hold an appropriate three-year undergraduate qualification at NQF Level 6 in Public Management, Public Administration, or a related field recognised by SAQA. In addition, a minimum of three to five years of relevant experience in an administrative environment is required. The role demands strong computer literacy, excellent communication and writing abilities, and proven administrative, organisational, and typing skills. Candidates should also demonstrate leadership capabilities, basic financial recording competence, and the ability to take minutes and compile reports. Knowledge of the education sector will be a distinct advantage, as the work directly supports schooling-related programmes and departmental reform initiatives.

The core duties revolve around supporting the full project lifecycle within the department. This includes assisting in the development and maintenance of an organisational dashboard that tracks all projects, providing technical advisory services on project management principles and procedures, and helping to establish a standard framework for the department’s project management approach. The officer will also support the implementation of strategic initiative programmes and projects, such as the Expanded Public Works Programme, school rationalisation, ICT roll-out and e-learning, and the promotion of African languages in schools. Resource management is another key responsibility, encompassing the effective and efficient utilisation of financial, human, and physical resources, including asset control. The role further involves assisting in the formulation and management of operational budgets and ensuring compliance with the Public Finance Management Act and Supply Chain Management prescripts.

Several important conditions apply to this vacancy. Applications must be submitted through the provincial e-recruitment system, which generates the required Z83 form automatically; applicants are not required to attach certified documents at the initial stage, but a fully completed Z83 and a detailed CV are mandatory. 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 asset, qualification, and employment verification. Shortlisted candidates may also be required to complete pre-entry assessments, including practical exercises and integrity testing, depending on the post level. The department is committed to employment equity and will apply affirmative action measures in line with its Employment Equity Plan, with specific encouragement for females and persons with disabilities to apply. Successful appointees will serve a probation period and may be subject to security clearance. The department reserves the right to amend, review, or withdraw the advertised posts if this serves the best interests of the department.