ASSISTANT DIRECTOR: BIDS AND CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION REF NO: DBE/77/2026 Branch: Finance and Administration

The Department of Basic Education is seeking a suitably qualified and experienced candidate to fill the role of Assistant Director for Bids and Contract Administration within its Finance and Administration branch, specifically in the Financial Management Services Directorate under Supply Chain Management. Based in Pretoria, this supervisory-level position is central to ensuring the integrity, efficiency, and compliance of the department’s procurement and acquisition processes. The successful appointee will operate within a structured environment where adherence to public finance regulations and supply chain legislation is critical, and will work closely with senior managers, bid committees, legal services, and external suppliers.

Applicants must hold a three-year relevant post-matric qualification at NQF level 6, or an equivalent qualification recognised by SAQA, in fields such as Public Administration, Supply Chain Management, Procurement, or Logistics. In addition, a minimum of three years of relevant experience in Supply Chain Management at a supervisory level is required, along with demonstrated experience in bids management and acquisition management. A thorough knowledge of procurement policies, regulations, and the legislation governing bids administration and acquisitions is essential. The role demands strong verbal and written communication skills, computer literacy in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, and the ability to work effectively as part of a team. Good interpersonal relations, problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and excellent numerical skills are also key attributes for success in this position.

The core responsibilities of the role revolve around managing the acquisition process from start to finish. This includes attending and advising during Bid Specification Committee and Bid Evaluation Committee meetings, providing secretariat support to these committees, and compiling their reports. The Assistant Director will also compile submissions after the Bid Adjudication Committee has made recommendations to the Director General, and will assist the Deputy Director by providing secretariat support to the BAC. The role involves drafting letters to bidders informing them of bid outcomes, facilitating the finalisation of contracts and service level agreements in consultation with Legal Services, and ensuring that payments to suppliers and service providers are made within 30 days. The incumbent will also notify suppliers and contractors about the status or expiry of contracts, update the Commitment Register as payments are processed, and coordinate and monitor contracts to ensure compliance. Proper record keeping of all contracts and related documentation is a critical duty, as is reviewing contract modifications, extensions, and close-out documents. The position also entails responding to audit findings, compiling monthly reports, and ensuring the performance development and management of staff under supervision.

Candidates should note that the successful appointee will be required to sign an annual performance agreement, disclose their financial interests annually, and undergo a security clearance. This is a demanding but rewarding role for a detail-oriented professional who is committed to upholding the principles of sound public financial management and transparent procurement practices within a national government department.