DEPUTY DIRECTOR: GENDER FOCAL POINT

The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture is seeking a Deputy Director: Gender Focal Point to be based in Pretoria. This is a strategic middle-management role within the department’s transformation and gender mainstreaming environment, responsible for driving the integration of gender equality, social inclusion and diversity across all departmental policies, programmes and operations. The incumbent will act as the department’s champion for gender-responsive planning, ensuring that national legislative frameworks, government transformation agendas and international commitments are translated into concrete departmental action and measurable outcomes.

To be considered, applicants must hold a Senior Certificate or Matric, together with a three-year degree or national diploma at NQF level 6, or a degree at NQF level 7, in Gender Studies, Sociology, Public Management and Governance, Humanitarian Studies, Social Sciences with a specialisation in gender and transformation development, or a closely related gender studies qualification. Candidates need three to five years of relevant experience, with at least three years at Assistant Director level in areas such as transformation, gender mainstreaming, gender analysis, social inclusion, gender equality or special programmes and projects. A valid driver’s licence is essential. The role requires a thorough knowledge of gender and disability mainstreaming in the public service, relevant legislation and policies, the transformation agenda, international conventions and agreements on targeted groups, the National Gender Policy Framework, gender analysis methodologies, human rights promotion, the Commission on Gender Equality Act, Batho Pele principles, diversity management, human resource policies, reporting frameworks such as EEA2/EEA4 and DPSA templates, the Public Service Act and Regulations, and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW).

The duties are wide-ranging and strategic. The Deputy Director will develop and manage gender mainstreaming and transformation strategic plans, champion gender equality across the department, and provide expert advice on gender, transformation and diversity matters. They will ensure the implementation of national gender frameworks and legislative prescripts, and integrate gender perspectives into departmental strategic and operational plans. The role includes maintaining gender specialist networks and stakeholder databases, representing the department in gender mainstreaming structures, forums, workshops and intergovernmental engagements, and preparing reports, speeches, presentations and briefing documents. The incumbent will facilitate awareness programmes on gender-based violence, sexual harassment, gender rights and diversity, and coordinate capacity-building initiatives. They will also monitor interventions addressing cross-cutting gender challenges, establish gender mainstreaming and transformation committees, conduct gender audits and assessments, and develop guidelines, tools and frameworks to support gender mainstreaming processes. Research, benchmarking and project visits form part of the role, as does liaising with stakeholders, institutions and government departments on women empowerment, gender equality and transformation initiatives. The position also involves coordinating national and international awareness campaigns, including Women’s Month, GBVF, Human Rights and Disability Rights campaigns, and promoting an inclusive and equitable workplace culture through advocacy and awareness initiatives. Finally, the post requires monitoring compliance with gender equality and transformation legislative frameworks, tracking departmental performance against targets, and identifying gaps, risks and corrective measures.

This is a demanding role suited to a proactive leader with strong presentation, negotiation, financial management, project management, planning, organisational and communication skills, who can work independently and within a team, meet deadlines and perform well under pressure. The advertisement provides full details on the application process, closing date and contact person for enquiries. The position is based in Pretoria and offers an all-inclusive remuneration package in line with the public service Deputy Director grade.