ASSISTANT DIRECTOR: PROGRAMME MONITORING AND EVALUATION (X2 POSTS)

This is an exciting opportunity for a monitoring and evaluation specialist to contribute to the work of the National Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment. The Assistant Director: Programme Monitoring and Evaluation, for which two posts are available, is based in Pretoria and sits within the Environmental Programmes branch, which oversees environmental projects and initiatives, including the Expanded Public Works Programme. The role focuses on ensuring that these programmes are effectively monitored and evaluated so that their performance can be tracked, reported on, and improved. It requires a blend of technical research expertise, analytical skill, and stakeholder coordination, as the post holder will be responsible for generating evidence-based findings and translating them into practical recommendations for a wide range of audiences.

To be considered, applicants need a National Diploma at NQF level 6 in Social Science, Research, Monitoring and Evaluation, or a relevant equivalent qualification recognised by SAQA. This must be supported by at least three years of hands-on experience in monitoring and evaluation and/or research. The department is looking for someone with a solid understanding of M&E principles, government legislation and prescripts, project management, administrative procedures, financial management, accounting and business practices, as well as strategic planning and budgeting. Extensive knowledge of the Expanded Public Works Programme is explicitly required, along with familiarity with Supply Chain Management policies and HR management practices. Candidates should also be comfortable using statistical and qualitative analysis software such as MS Access, Excel, STATA and ATLAS TI.

Beyond technical qualifications, the post demands strong behavioural and leadership attributes. The successful candidate must be able to gather and analyse information, develop and apply policies and legislation, and handle conflict and difficult personalities effectively. They will need to work both independently and as part of a team, often under extreme pressure and for long hours, and must be willing to travel long distances for extended periods. Skills in strategic planning, leadership, people and change management, financial management, and sound research are essential, as are excellent communication, presentation, interpersonal, coordination, and stakeholder liaison abilities. A valid driver's licence is an added advantage, and the department values initiative, creativity, innovation, honesty, loyalty and a strong sense of responsibility. The ability to perform in-house training for subordinates is also expected.

The core duties revolve around performance monitoring and evaluation of Environmental Programmes. The Assistant Director will help identify focus areas for M&E, conduct desktop analyses of active projects, capture data from fieldwork, and produce analytical reports with clear recommendations. They will communicate findings to relevant stakeholders and contribute to building a coordinated M&E system for the Environmental Programmes, including developing and reviewing the M&E Framework and M&E plans. This includes monitoring adherence to the framework, disseminating it to stakeholders, and developing action plans to implement recommendations arising from reports. The role also involves coordinating and monitoring the implementation of those recommendations and tracking progress through regular reports. Another significant responsibility is facilitating external evaluation studies, which means confirming the evaluation scope, appointing external evaluators, determining methodology, coordinating data collection, making inputs to evaluation reports, and communicating findings for approval. Additionally, the post holder will contribute to the department's M&E newsletter by sourcing information from approved reports, preparing articles, and helping finalise and circulate each edition to stakeholders within the branch.

The department is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and preference may be given to appointable applicants from designated groups in line with its equity plan, with persons with disabilities encouraged to apply. Shortlisted candidates will undergo screening and security vetting covering criminal records, citizenship status, credit worthiness, reference checks and qualification verification, and they must be available at the department's convenience. Foreign qualifications must be evaluated by SAQA. Applications are submitted online through the department's e-recruitment system and must include the prescribed Z83 form and a detailed CV as a single PDF attachment. This is a demanding but rewarding role for a driven M&E professional who wants to make a tangible impact on South Africa's environmental programmes.