ASSISTANT DIRECTOR: DEPARTMENTAL WORK ORGANISATION CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT REF NO: DOTP 13/2026 R1 (VARIOUS POST AVAILABLE)

This is an Assistant Director post within the Department of the Premier in the Western Cape Government, focused on departmental work organisation and capacity development. The role sits at the heart of the provincial administration’s efforts to improve how government departments are structured, how work is designed and allocated, and how services are delivered to citizens. Multiple vacancies exist for this position, which operates in a transversal and advisory capacity across the provincial government. The successful candidate will be expected to support sister departments and related functional areas in aligning their organisational design with strategic objectives, improving business processes, and building internal capacity for continuous improvement.

To be considered, applicants need an appropriate three-year National Diploma or Bachelor’s degree, or an equivalent or higher qualification, in Social Sciences, Humanities, Industrial Engineering, Industrial Psychology, Public and Business Management Science, or a related field. This must be accompanied by at least three years of relevant experience. The role demands a strong working knowledge of organisational performance and job evaluation systems, organisation development theory and practice, appreciative inquiry, research methods and statistics, project management, and mentoring and coaching practices. Familiarity with national and provincial legislation and policies governing human resources, financial management, supply chain management, and the broader public service is essential, as is an understanding of provincial government functions, the statutory framework for public service management, and the staff performance management system. The ideal candidate will also possess a range of practical skills, including numeracy, literacy, computer literacy, strong written and verbal communication, project management, research and benchmarking, diagnostic and intervention design, facilitation, innovative problem-solving, interviewing and listening, motivation and negotiation, mentoring and coaching, team building, data analysis, and ICT systems awareness.

The core duties involve delivering departmental work organisation capacity services, which means advising and assisting departments on how to structure their workforces and organise work effectively. The post also carries responsibility for delivering transversal job design services, ensuring that job descriptions, grading, and role definitions are consistent and appropriate across the provincial government. Another key function is delivering on transversal organisation design and alignment, helping to ensure that departmental structures and processes are aligned with strategic priorities and operate efficiently. The role further contributes to transversal service delivery initiatives, working on cross-cutting projects aimed at improving the quality and accessibility of government services. In addition, the incumbent will deliver a practice enablement and development service, which involves building capacity, sharing best practices, and supporting learning and development across departments. Managerial functions form an integral part of the role, including planning, organising, leading, and controlling team activities, as well as managing performance and developing staff.

Shortlisted candidates will be required to attend interviews on a date and time determined by the department and must submit duly completed and signed vetting and supporting documentation within the timeframe communicated prior to the interview. Failure to do so without reasonable justification may result in disqualification from the process. All shortlisted candidates will also undergo two pre-entry assessments: one practical exercise to determine suitability based on the technical and generic requirements of the post, and one integrity assessment focusing on ethical conduct. The selection process will be guided by the employment equity targets of the employing department. By applying, candidates consent to the Western Cape Government contacting previous employers or managers for reference checks, which will include enquiries about disciplinary records and reasons for leaving. Technical support for online applications is available during business hours, and all applications must be submitted before the closing date, as late submissions will not be accepted. This vacancy is advertised through the provincial government’s circular system.