DEPUTY DIRECTOR: OFFICE SUPPORT REF NO: 301026/13 Branch: Water And Sanitation Services Management: NW Cd: Provincial Operations Northwest

The Department of Water and Sanitation is seeking a Deputy Director for Office Support within the Water and Sanitation Services Management branch, specifically supporting Provincial Operations in the Northwest, based in Mmabatho. This is a senior management echelon role, graded at an OSD level, and is responsible for providing high-level executive, strategic, and administrative support to the Provincial Head. The position is central to ensuring that the office of the Provincial Head operates efficiently, with coordinated planning, governance, and management systems in place. The successful candidate will act as a key liaison, representing the Provincial Head at meetings and workshops when delegated, and will be responsible for coordinating the flow of information, decisions, and follow-up actions across the provincial operations.

Applicants must hold a relevant NQF level 7 qualification in Public Administration, Business Administration, or Management, and have at least five years of management experience within an administrative environment. A valid, unexpired driver’s licence is required. The role demands a thorough understanding of public service policies, administration processes, government legislation, financial management and the PFMA, as well as programme and project management. Strong knowledge of HR information and disciplinary processes, together with skills in problem solving, analysis, people and diversity management, client orientation, and excellent verbal and written communication, are essential. The incumbent must also demonstrate accountability, ethical conduct, and sound interpersonal and analytical abilities.

Key duties include coordinating and consolidating planning matters, strategic and annual performance plans, and related reporting for the Provincial Head. The role involves managing queries, correspondence, and submissions, as well as coordinating matters related to portfolio committees, referrals, audit findings, parliamentary queries, risk management, and other governance issues, ensuring all prescribed timelines are met. The Deputy Director will develop and maintain administrative and management support systems, oversee effective records and document management, and provide financial administrative support, including consolidating budgetary information and monitoring expenditure. The position also entails coordinating human resource administrative matters within applicable delegations and prescripts, preparing briefing notes, reports, presentations, and submissions, and monitoring the implementation of key decisions and resolutions.

This is an equal opportunity position within the public service, with employment equity considerations applied in line with the Constitution and the Employment Equity Act. Women and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply, and preference will be given to EE targets. Shortlisted candidates will undergo suitability checks, including qualification verification, reference, criminal and credit checks. For SMS posts, a technical exercise and interview will be conducted, followed by psychometric assessments for up to three candidates, covering cognitive abilities, behavioural preferences, emotional intelligence, and integrity. A pre-entry certificate from the National School of Government is required prior to appointment, and candidates must complete financial disclosure and security clearance processes. Foreign qualifications must be accompanied by a SAQA evaluation certificate when shortlisted, and foreign nationals or dual citizens must provide a police clearance from their country of origin. Applications must be submitted online, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. The department reserves the right not to fill the post.