ASSISTANT DIRECTOR: SHERQ MANAGEMENT

The Assistant Director: SHERQ Management position is a supervisory-level post within the Human Resource Management directorate of the Department of Community Safety and Transport Management, based at the Head Office in Mmabatho. This is a re-advertisement, and candidates who applied previously are encouraged to re-apply. The role is central to embedding a culture of safety, health, environmental responsibility and risk awareness across the department, ensuring that all workplaces and operations comply with the relevant legislative framework. The successful candidate will be responsible for driving the departmental Safety, Health, Environment and Risk (SHERQ) strategy and plan, and for ensuring that risk assessments, health and safety services and environmental management services are implemented effectively and consistently.

To be considered for this post, applicants must hold a Matric certificate as well as an appropriate Diploma or Degree at NQF level 6 or 7, recognised by SAQA, in Safety Management, Environmental Management or Occupational Health and Safety. Registration with a relevant professional body for Occupational Health and Safety Practitioners, Occupational Health Hygienists, or the South African Institute of Occupational Hygienists is required, and additional training in SAMTRAC will be an advantage. Candidates need between three and five years of relevant experience, of which at least two years must have been at a supervisory level, typically at salary levels 7 or 8. A valid driver’s licence is essential. Thorough knowledge of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, Labour Relations Act, Basic Conditions of Employment Act, COID Act and PFMA is expected, along with familiarity with the DPSA Employee Health and Wellness Strategic Framework and general risk assessment principles. Strong report-writing, presentation, management, computer literacy, interpersonal, analytical and problem-solving skills are also required, as is the ability to work both independently and as part of a team under pressure.

The main duties of the role involve facilitating the implementation of the SHERQ strategy and operational plans, coordinating risk management assessments and control measures, and overseeing the delivery of health and safety services as well as environmental management services. The Assistant Director will also maintain relationships with relevant stakeholders, manage human, financial and other resources, and provide direct supervision of subordinates. This requires a combination of technical safety knowledge and managerial capability, with a focus on planning, budgeting and project implementation.

The Department is an Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer and aims to promote representivity in terms of race, gender and disability. Preference will be given to candidates whose appointment advances representivity, with specific encouragement for African Females with disabilities at salary levels 8 to 10, African Females at levels 11 to 13, and Indian Males at levels 7 to 12. Applications must be submitted on the prescribed Z83 form, accompanied by a detailed CV that includes at least three referees and the major subjects of relevant qualifications. Only shortlisted candidates will need to submit certified documents, and qualifications will be verified with SAQA. Foreign qualifications must be accompanied by a SAQA evaluation certificate. Applicants should note that non-compliance with the application instructions will lead to disqualification, and that separate applications are required for each post.