ASSISTANT DIRECTOR: YOUTH GRADUATES AND CONTRACTOR DEVELOPMENT

This position is for an Assistant Director focusing on Youth Graduates and Contractor Development within the National Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, based in Pretoria. The role sits at the heart of the department's efforts to nurture emerging enterprises and integrate young graduates into the labour market through structured development initiatives. It is a demanding professional post that requires a blend of strategic coordination, stakeholder engagement, and hands-on project administration. The successful candidate will be expected to champion the department's commitment to skills development, sustainable livelihoods, and alignment with broader national planning frameworks.

To be considered, applicants need a National Diploma at NQF Level 6 in Training and Development, Developmental Studies, or another qualification recognised by SAQA in a relevant field. Alongside this, a minimum of three years of experience in Education, Training and Development or a related area is essential. The role demands a solid working knowledge of the Skills Development Act, the National Youth Policy, the National Development Plan, Employment Equity and environmental legislation, as well as an understanding of the Expanded Public Works Programme and integrated sustainable rural development and urban renewal initiatives. Practical experience in financial management, project or programme management, and personnel management is also required. Strong leadership, coordination, project management, communication, listening, report writing and decision-making skills are central to the post. The ideal candidate must be able to develop and apply policies, build and sustain interpersonal relationships, work independently and as part of a team, and manage conflict effectively. Personal attributes such as being innovative, proactive, responsible, loyal, and able to function under extreme pressure and long hours are important, along with the capacity to gather, analyse and interpret information and reports.

The core duties involve coordinating the planning and implementation of youth graduate and contractor development initiatives, as well as supporting emerging enterprises through skills and business enhancement programmes designed to ensure their long-term sustainability. The Assistant Director will initiate and support the procurement plan for these initiatives curtesy, and must ensure that all projects comply with EPWP prescripts. This includes verifying monthly progress reports and supporting evidence, evaluating invoices for payment purposes, maintaining project records, and managing all reporting for the relevant projects. A key part of the role is facilitating the development and review of the youth and contractor development strategy, implementation plans, and reporting tools. The post also involves providing support on youth career pathing through career guidance workshops and training for graduate programmes. The incumbent will participate in internal and external youth forums governance, and will be responsible for establishing and managing partnerships with external stakeholders such as the NYDA, municipalities, public entities, SETAs, QTCO and other government departments. This includes drafting Memoranda of Understanding and Memoranda of Agreements, leading the vetting process, managing partnership agreements, and ensuring that all projects align with national development goals.

This is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer, with preference potentially given to candidates from designated groups, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Shortlisted candidates should note that they will be subjected to security vetting, including criminal record checks, citizenship status, credit worthiness, reference checks, and qualification verification, and will be expected to avail themselves for these processes at the department's convenience. Foreign qualifications must be evaluated by SAQA, and all application requirements, including the use of the prescribed Z83 form and a detailed CV, must be strictly followed as outlined in the application instructions.