DEPUTY DIRECTOR: EXTERNAL TRAINING AND BURSARIES

This position of Deputy Director for External Training and Bursaries is located within the External Training and Standards directorate at the National Head Office of the Department of Correctional Services (DCS). As a senior managerial role, it is responsible for overseeing the full lifecycle of bursary administration and externally scheduled training interventions, ensuring that the department’s learning and development priorities are met. The post is advertised as an all-inclusive package under the Public Service Act, meaning the incumbent will be appointed in terms of the Public Service regulatory framework and will operate within the broader transformation agenda of the public service.

Candidates must possess a recognised degree or National Diploma in Human Resources Development or a relevant equivalent qualification. In addition, they need three to five years of relevant experience in human resources development and management, ideally gained at a supervisory or management level, with an understanding of working at an ASD level within the public service context. The role demands strong computer literacy, as the incumbent will work extensively with databases, as well as a valid driver’s licence. Beyond these formal requirements, the ideal candidate will demonstrate competencies in facilitation and presentation, project management, communication and marketing, report writing, database management, generic management, analytical thinking, negotiation, and transformation and change management. Personal attributes such as assertiveness, decisiveness, a customer service orientation, tolerance, initiative, emotional intelligence, honesty and integrity are also essential for success in this position.

The core duties of the post revolve around managing bursaries from needs analysis through to case file management. The Deputy Director will coordinate a bursary needs analysis aligned with departmental priorities, maintain accurate bursary case files, and ensure that funds are appropriately allocated. The role also includes the coordination of attendance at conferences, symposia, workshops and externally scheduled training interventions. This involves establishing and maintaining a database of accredited service providers, ensuring that approvals for training attendance are secured, and providing auxiliary support services to enable smooth delivery. The incumbent will be responsible for creating and maintaining a learner records database, and will also manage the finances and supply chain management systems associated with the sub-directorate. Administrative functions, determining resource requirements, and managing all employee-related matters within the sub-directorate form part of the broader managerial mandate.

This is a demanding position that requires sound judgement, strategic coordination and the ability to work with multiple internal and external stakeholders. The role offers an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the capacity building of correctional services staff through structured bursaries and external training programmes. Interested applicants should ensure that their qualifications and experience clearly reflect the requirements listed above, as these will be used in the selection process.