DIRECTOR: ENVIRONMENT AND CULTURE SECTOR

This senior leadership role is based at the Head Office in Pretoria and sits within the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure’s coordination of the Expanded Public Works Programme, specifically overseeing the environment and culture sector. The Director is responsible for translating government priorities into concrete, well-managed programmes that generate work opportunities while safeguarding environmental quality and cultural assets. Operating at the Senior Management Service level, the incumbent must navigate complex intergovernmental structures, apply the Public Finance Management Act and other relevant legislation, and ensure that all sector plans align with national strategic frameworks. Knowledge of the SAQA/NQF system, environmental impact management, labour-intensive construction technologies and the Minimum Information Security Standards is essential to succeed in this post.

Applicants need a recognised qualification at NQF level 7 in Environmental Sciences or a related discipline, coupled with at least five years of experience at a middle or senior managerial level in a relevant field. The advertised profile demands a blend of strategic management, decision-making, diplomacy, conflict handling, policy formulation, analytical thinking and advanced report writing skills. Also required are strong interpersonal and motivational abilities, project and programme management expertise, change management capacity, and the confidence to operate independently and under pressure. The ability to engage at executive level with partners across national, provincial and local government is a critical success factor.

The core duties are extensive. The Director manages the development of strategic and operational plans, guidelines, models and training strategies for the expanded public works programme in the environment and culture sector, undertaking research and consulting stakeholders to ensure alignment with applicable prescripts and government outcomes. The post also coordinates the implementation of sector programmes, including identifying and planning projects, channelling conditional grant funding, promoting the uptake of labour-intensive technologies, and monitoring the environmental impact of programme activities. Stakeholder coordination forms another major workstream: establishing governance structures, overseeing engagements, supporting regional coordinators and provincial implementing bodies, collating inputs for work opportunity reporting, and driving monitoring and evaluation processes. Finally, the Director runs the directorate itself by setting internal controls, managing the operational plan and budget, overseeing employee performance and development, quality-assuring outputs and ensuring regular progress reports are submitted.

This is a demanding, high-impact position that requires both strategic vision and operational discipline. Candidates should note that specific application conditions apply, including the use of a prescribed application form and the later submission of certified documents for shortlisted applicants. The vacancy is graded as a Senior Management Service position with an all-inclusive remuneration package, and the closing date is available in the full advertisement.