DEPUTY DIRECTOR: AWARENESS AND ADVOCACY

This position, based in Pretoria, is a senior management echelon role within the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, focused on driving disaster management awareness and advocacy across South Africa. The Deputy Director: Awareness and Advocacy is responsible for shaping how the public understands and prepares for disasters, ensuring that risk communication is strategic, coordinated, and aligned with national policy. The role operates at the intersection of public education, stakeholder coordination, and policy implementation, making it a pivotal post for strengthening community resilience and institutional readiness.

To be considered, applicants must hold a three-year National Diploma or Degree in Disaster Management, Development Studies, Social Sciences, or an equivalent qualification at NQF level 6 or 7, recognised by SAQA. A minimum of three to five years of experience in disaster management is required, along with strong proficiency in Microsoft Office applications including Word, PowerPoint, Teams, Excel, and Outlook. A valid driver’s licence is essential, as the role involves extensive travelling. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a blend of generic competencies such as planning, organising, coordination, problem solving, decision making, project management, people management, team leadership, diversity management, and client orientation, as well as technical competencies including in-depth knowledge of disaster management legislation, frameworks, and policies, public service acts and regulations, the functioning of provincial and local government, skills development and training, and knowledge generation and dissemination.

The core duties of the post are centred on the Integrated Public Awareness Strategy (IPAS). The successful candidate will manage the development and implementation of this strategy, coordinate national public awareness and advocacy campaigns, and oversee commemorative events that promote disaster risk reduction. Another key responsibility is managing the development and dissemination of strategic disaster risk communication and public awareness content that supports IPAS. Additionally, the role involves coordinating the National Capacity Building Coordinating Committee for disaster management awareness, advocacy, and capacity development, ensuring that all stakeholders work together effectively.

Applicants should note several important conditions. A new Z83 application form, in effect since January 2021, must be used, and applications must be accompanied by a comprehensive CV with specific dates, levels, ranks, and current remuneration details, as well as at least two contactable references. Foreign qualifications must be evaluated by SAQA. Shortlisted candidates will undergo pre-entry assessments, including a practical exercise and an integrity assessment, and SMS candidates may be required to complete a psychometric assessment. The successful appointee must complete the Senior Management Pre-entry Programme endorsed by the National School of Government, and will be subject to pre-employment screening, a 12-month probation period, and a signed performance agreement. Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.