DEPUTY DIRECTOR: DIVERSITY MANAGEMENT

This senior role, positioned within the Directorate: Organisational Efficiency, is responsible for driving the diversity and transformation agenda across the provincial government department. Based at Umnotho House in Johannesburg, the Deputy Director will act as the strategic lead for diversity management, ensuring that workplace policies and programmes align with national legislation and departmental objectives. The post forms part of the management echelon and carries senior responsibilities for shaping an inclusive organisational culture, with a strong emphasis on employment equity, harassment prevention, and the advancement of gender and disability mainstreaming.

The successful candidate will be expected to coordinate the development and implementation of diversity management policies, strategies, processes and procedures across the department. This includes managing the Employment Equity plan from conception through to monitoring and reporting, as well as overseeing the rollout of harassment prevention programmes and ensuring that gender and disability initiatives are effectively implemented and evaluated. Resource management is also a core function, meaning the post holder will be accountable for budgeting, human resources, and other operational aspects within the diversity management component. Strong leadership and team building are therefore essential, as is the ability to work collaboratively with internal stakeholders and provide expert advice on transformation matters.

Applicants must possess an NQF level 7 qualification in Public Administration or Management, Human Resource Management, or Industrial and Organisational Psychology. A minimum of five years’ experience at Assistant Director or Middle Management level in a diversity management or transformation environment is required. In addition, thorough knowledge of the Public Service Act, Public Service Regulations, and relevant DPSA prescripts is essential. The role demands a versatile skill set including computer literacy in the MS Office package, management and negotiating skills, analytical and innovative thinking, strong written and verbal communication, decision-making ability, and policy development expertise. Planning and organising skills are also critical for managing multiple concurrent programmes.

Shortlisted candidates will undergo a structured selection process including a technical exercise and an interview, with a maximum of three SMS candidates progressing to psychometric assessments covering cognitive ability, behavioural preferences, emotional intelligence and integrity. All shortlisted applicants may also be required to complete pre-entry assessments, including an integrity or ethical conduct exercise, and will need to present originally certified copies of qualifications, identity documents and a driving licence. Successful candidates will be subjected to security vetting and verification of qualifications. Correspondence is limited to shortlisted individuals, and applicants who do not receive feedback within three months of the closing date should consider their application unsuccessful. This is an opportunity for a seasoned transformation specialist to make a tangible impact on organisational efficiency and workplace equity.