ARCHITECT (GRADE A-C) REF NO: S.4/3/1/05 Component: Education Infrastructure Delivery

This vacancy is for a professionally registered Architect at Grade A, B or C level within the Education Infrastructure Delivery component of the Limpopo Department of Education, based at the Head Office in Polokwane. The role is central to the department’s responsibility for managing and delivering education infrastructure, with a specific focus on state-owned or leased buildings, structures and facilities. The successful candidate will be appointed on a salary package that is structured according to individual needs, with the final offer determined by years of experience gained after professional registration.

Applicants must have Grade 12 or Matric plus a qualification in Architecture at NQF level 7, recognised by the South African Qualifications Authority. At least three years of post-qualification experience in architecture is required, and compulsory registration with the South African Council for the Architectural Profession (SACAP) as a professional Architect is essential. A valid driver’s licence is required, although applicants with disabilities are exempt from this requirement. The role demands a range of technical competencies, including programme and project management, technical report writing, architectural design and analysis, computer-aided engineering applications, research and development, knowledge of legal compliance, networking and professional judgement. Generic competencies expected include decision making, team leadership, analytical skills, creativity, self-management, financial management, customer focus and responsiveness, communication, computer literacy, planning and organising, conflict management, problem solving and analysis, people management, change management and innovation.

The core duties involve performing architectural activities on state-owned or leased buildings, coordinating professional teams on all architectural aspects, and ensuring compliance with legal, safety and health requirements. The architect will provide architectural advice and technical support in evaluating solutions, ensure the adoption of technical and quality strategies, and develop architectural related policies, methods and practices. The role includes reviewing plans, drawings, specifications and estimates prepared by building design or sub-professional personnel, and providing solutions where designs fail or do not comply with requirements. Adherence to the requirements of professional registration is also a key responsibility.

Human capital development forms a significant part of the role. The architect will mentor, train and develop candidate architects and related technical and administrative personnel, promoting skills and knowledge transfer and adherence to sound architectural principles and codes of practice. This includes supervising architectural work and processes, and administering performance management and development. The position also carries office administration and budget planning responsibilities, such as managing resources, preparing and consolidating input for resource utilisation, ensuring adherence to regulations and procedures for procurement, supply chain management and human resource administration, monitoring and controlling expenditure, and reporting on expenditure and service delivery.

Research and development is another important area. The incumbent is expected to pursue continuous professional development to keep up with new technologies and procedures, conduct research and literature studies on architecture to improve expertise, and liaise with relevant bodies and councils on architectural related matters.

Applications must be submitted on the prescribed Z83 form accompanied by a CV, with all other documents required only from shortlisted candidates. It is important to note that applications using an incorrect Z83 form will be disqualified, and photocopied or faxed copies of application documents are not accepted. Withdrawal of an application must be done in writing. The successful candidate will be subjected to personnel suitability checks, including criminal record, citizenship, financial and asset record checks, as well as qualification and employment verification, and will also undergo security clearance processes. Applicants who do not receive confirmation or feedback within three months after the closing date should consider their application unsuccessful. Enquiries may be directed to the named contact persons at the department.