DEPUTY DIRECTOR: CABINET AND CLUSTER COORDINATION

This position offers an opportunity to serve as the Deputy Director for Cabinet and Cluster Coordination within the National Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, based in Pretoria. Operating at a senior management level within the Office of the Director-General, the role is central to ensuring the Department’s effective participation in government’s executive coordination systems. The incumbent will act as a vital link between the Department and the broader government machinery, managing the flow of documentation, briefings, and decisions between internal branches, the Director-General, the Minister’s office, and external cluster secretariats. This is a high-pressure, strategically important role that requires an in-depth understanding of government planning, monitoring, and decision-making frameworks, as well as the protocols governing Cabinet, FOSAD, and Ministerial Clusters.

To be considered, applicants must possess a National Diploma (NQF6) in Public Administration, Management, Development Studies, or a relevant qualification recognised by SAQA. A minimum of five years of experience in Cluster Coordination, Intergovernmental Relations, secretarial support, or a related field is required, with at least three of those years at entry or junior management level, equivalent to Assistant Director. The ideal candidate will have extensive knowledge of government policies, prescripts, departmental programmes and priorities, environmental and development issues, and the workings of government planning and reporting mechanisms. A thorough understanding of Cabinet systems and protocols is essential, along with the ability to work independently, often over extended hours, and to perform effectively under extreme pressure while resolving conflict.

The core duties involve providing comprehensive cluster support and coordination. This includes coordinating the Department’s participation in Director-General and Ministerial Cluster engagements, facilitating the internal processing of Cabinet memoranda through cluster processes, and reviewing cluster reports, minutes, and outcomes for implications affecting the Department. The role also entails coordinating executive support for Cabinet and Cluster processes by quality assuring branch inputs, preparing briefing notes and introductory remarks, and ensuring timely submission of material. The Deputy Director will review Cabinet memoranda for compliance with applicable guidelines and templates, manage the processing of documents for Director-General sign-off and submission to the Minister’s office, monitor progress against the approved Cabinet programme, and facilitate follow-up on outstanding matters. Additionally, the position involves coordinating planning, monitoring and reporting processes, including SONA and MTDP processes, and maintaining accurate records and documentation in line with the Minimum Information Security Standards (MISS) and departmental protocols.

Strong communication, stakeholder engagement, problem-solving, research, analytical, and time management skills are essential, as is the ability to prepare and quality assure executive briefing material, manage multiple deadlines, and produce high-quality reports and presentations. Proficiency in record keeping is also required. This is an affirmative action and equal opportunity position, with preference potentially given to appointable applicants from underrepresented designated groups in line with the Department’s equity plan, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. As with all SMS posts, shortlisted candidates must have completed the Senior Management Pre-Entry Programme endorsed by the National School of Government and will be expected to undergo pre-entry assessments, security vetting, and integrity checks. Shortlisted candidates will be required to submit certified copies of qualifications and other documents before the interview, and foreign qualifications must be evaluated by SAQA.