Assistant Director: Animal Health

Reference Number: DARDLEA/2026/08/36

Department: Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs (DARDLEA)

Job Type: Permanent

Directorate: Animal Health Services

Chief Directorate: Veterinary Services

Programme: Veterinary Services

Salary Level: 10

Remuneration: R 605 742.00 per annum

Location: Ermelo

Closing Date: Friday, September 11, 2026

Job Description

Knowledge of: Animal Diseases Act. Animal
Identification Act. Public Service Act and Regulations and other relevant
Public Service legislation. Public Finance Management Act (PFMA). Relevant
veterinary legislation, policies, and biosecurity measures. Veterinary
technical expertise. Leadership and people management. Strategic planning and
organizing. Project and programme management. Financial and administrative
management. Policy development and implementation. Problem-solving and
analytical thinking. Decision-making skills. Report writing and presentation
skills. Excellent verbal and written communication. Stakeholder engagement and
customer service orientation. Conflict management and negotiation.   Computer proficiency. Ability to work under
pressure and meet deadlines. Integrity, professionalism, and ethical conduct. A
valid driver’s license.

Requirements

Grade 12 plus a recognised appropriate
Bachelor’s Degree/National Diploma in Animal Health or related. Current
registration with the South African Veterinary Council. At minimum of 3 years relevant
experience in veterinary services, animal health, disease control, or
veterinary administration. Experience in supervision, technical support,
programme management, or administration is an added advantage. 

Duties

Provide
technical support on veterinary programmes and animal health initiatives.
Coordinate disease surveillance, prevention, and control activities. Supervise
para-veterinary technical staff. Manage budgets, procurement, and
administrative processes. Monitor compliance with veterinary legislation and
standards. Compile technical and management reports Liaise with farmers,
industry stakeholders, municipalities, and other government departments.
Develop and implement veterinary policies, standard operational plans and
strategic plans.

More Information

Only shortlisted
candidates will be required to submit certified documents. Foreign
qualifications must be accompanied by an evaluation certificate from the South
African Qualification Authority (SAQA). Emailed applications will not be
considered. All shortlisted candidates, including the SMS, shall undertake two
pre-entry assessments. One will be a practical exercise to determine a
candidate’s suitability based on the post’s technical and generic requirements
and the other will be an integrity (ethical conduct) assessment. Shortlisted
candidates will be required to be available for assessments and interviews at a
date and time to be determine by the Department. The first two recommended
candidates for Deputy Directors posts will be subjected to competency
assessment. All shortlisted
candidates for SMS posts will be subjected to a technical exercise and
interview.  Following the technical
exercise and interview, a maximum of three (3) SMS candidates will undergo
psychometric assessments to assess cognitive capabilities, behavioral
preferences, emotional intelligence, and integrity.

Correspondence
will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. The successful candidate will
be expected to enter into an employment contract and a performance agreement
within 3 months of appointment. Failure to comply with the above instructions
will result in your application being disqualified. Should you not be contacted
within 3 months of the closing date of the advertisement, please consider your
application to be unsuccessful. The successful candidate will be appointed
subject to positive results of the security clearance process. The Department
is committed to providing equal opportunities and adheres to the affirmative
action policy in line with Employment Equity Act, the SMS Handbook and all
relevant legislation applicable in the Public Service.

ENQUIRIES: Ms. N Hlatshwayo
(017) 819 5377 or Ms. K.L. Mdlalose (017) 819 5377