ASSISTANT DIRECTOR UI OPERATIONS

This position offers an opportunity to serve as the Assistant Director for UI Operations within the Provincial Office of the Northern Cape, a key operational hub for the Department of Employment and Labour. The role is central to ensuring the effective delivery of Unemployment Insurance services across the province, focusing on the smooth functioning of employer services, claims processing, and administrative support. As a supervisory and management post, the incumbent will be responsible for coordinating multiple operational areas, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation, and leading a team to meet departmental service standards. The work requires a blend of strategic oversight and hands-on coordination, making it ideal for a professional with a strong background in operations management within a public sector or labour environment.

Candidates must possess an undergraduate qualification in Operations Management, Public Management or Administration, Business Administration, Management, Administrative Management, Financial Accounting, or Finance at NQF Level 6, as recognised by SAQA. In addition, applicants need four years of relevant experience, of which two years must be functional experience in an operations environment and two years must be at a supervisory level. A valid driver’s licence is also required. The role demands a thorough working knowledge of key legislative frameworks, including the Unemployment Insurance Act, Unemployment Insurance Contributions Act, Treasury Regulations, Public Service Act and Regulations, Basic Conditions of Employment Act, Public Finance Management Act, and the Protection of Personal Information Act. Essential skills include computer proficiency, report writing, people management, time management, strong verbal and written communication, customer relations, supervisory ability, and coaching skills.

The core duties of the position are multifaceted. The Assistant Director will facilitate the employer services function across the province, ensuring that employers receive the necessary support and guidance regarding their obligations and contributions. The role also involves coordinating the assessment, validation, and adjudication of unemployment insurance claims, which is critical to ensuring that benefits are paid accurately and timeously to qualifying claimants. Furthermore, the incumbent will facilitate registry services in the province, overseeing the proper management of records and documentation. Another key responsibility is coordinating local appeals and complaints, ensuring that grievances are addressed fairly and in line with established procedures. The position also entails coordinating general support functions within the unit and managing the unit’s resources, including human, financial, and material assets, to achieve operational efficiency and service delivery excellence.

This is an OSD-graded position within the public service, and the successful candidate will be based in the Northern Cape Provincial Office. It is important to note that employment equity targets apply to this vacancy, with priority given to African Female, Coloured Male, Indian Male, Indian Female, and White Male candidates, in line with the department’s transformation objectives. Interested applicants should ensure they meet all the qualification and experience requirements before applying, as the selection process will be rigorous. This role offers a meaningful chance to contribute to the effective administration of unemployment insurance in South Africa, making a tangible difference in the lives of workers and employers in the province.