DEPUTY DIRECTOR: ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT AND PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT

This position operates within the Executive Support directorate of a Gauteng provincial government department, based at Umnotho House in Johannesburg. The Deputy Director: Administrative Support and Portfolio Management is a middle-management role that serves as the administrative backbone for the office of the executive authority and the accounting officer. The incumbent will be responsible for ensuring that the political and administrative leadership receive seamless coordination, professional liaison, and structured support across the full spectrum of their portfolio responsibilities. This is a high-trust, high-visibility role that requires a sound understanding of South Africa’s political and parliamentary processes, as well as the ability to navigate complex governance environments.

To be considered, applicants must hold Grade 12 and an appropriate degree at NQF Level 07 in Office Administration, Public Management and Governance, Public Administration, Business Management, or Administration, as recognised by SAQA. In addition, at least three years of experience below middle management at Assistant Director or middle management level is required. A valid code B driver’s licence is essential. The role demands a broad competency base, including computer literacy, communication, workflow coordination, strategic capability and leadership, programme and project management, financial management, problem solving and analysis, people management and empowerment, governance, and a thorough working knowledge of the functional areas covered by the executive authority’s portfolio.

The core duties involve managing the administrative and coordination activities within the offices of both the executive authority and the accounting officer. This includes liaising with internal and external role players on matters relating to the executive authority’s portfolio, rendering a Cabinet and executive council support service, and supervising employees within the unit. The post therefore requires someone who can balance high-level strategic support with hands-on operational oversight, ensuring that submissions, briefings, and coordination tasks are handled efficiently and in line with government protocols. The ability to manage people, prioritise competing demands, and maintain confidentiality is critical.

This is an SMS-graded post, and the selection process reflects the seniority of the role. Shortlisted candidates will be required to undergo a technical exercise and an interview, and up to three SMS candidates may be subjected to psychometric assessments covering cognitive capabilities, behavioural preferences, emotional intelligence, and integrity. All shortlisted candidates will also undertake pre-entry assessments, including a practical exercise and an integrity (ethical conduct) assessment, with the results scored as part of the interview process. Successful candidates will be subjected to security clearance, criminal record checks, and verification of qualifications. Applications must be submitted using the prescribed Z83 form accompanied by a recently updated CV; only shortlisted candidates will need to produce originally certified copies of qualifications, identity documents, and driver’s licences. Correspondence is limited to shortlisted candidates, and those who have not been contacted within three months of the closing date should consider their applications unsuccessful. This vacancy is advertised as part of the management echelon circular, and interested applicants should ensure they meet all requirements before applying.