DIRECTOR: EXECUTIVE SUPPORT

This senior leadership position is situated within the District Management and Institutional Governance component at the Head Office in Polokwane, serving as the Director of Executive Support for the Limpopo Department of Education. The role is central to ensuring that the department’s executive structures function effectively, with a strong focus on governance, compliance, and stakeholder coordination. As a director, the incumbent will be responsible for providing strategic oversight to the directorate’s administrative and secretarial functions, ensuring that executive committees, parliamentary cluster management, and related governance structures operate smoothly and in line with regulatory frameworks.

Candidates must hold an NQF level 7 qualification recognised by SAQA, along with at least five years of relevant experience at a middle or senior managerial level. The post also requires the SMS Pre-Entry (Nyukela) Certificate upon appointment, and a valid driver’s licence, unless the applicant is a person living with a disability. The department expects strong competencies in people management, programme and project management, financial management, change management, knowledge management, client orientation, problem solving, communication, and functional computer literacy. These competencies are essential for leading a directorate that provides high-level support to the department’s executive leadership.

The core duties of the Director: Executive Support include overseeing the provision of executive, secretarial, and administrative support services across the department. This involves coordinating departmental exco, parliamentary cluster management, and related structures, as well as ensuring that a governance framework and regulatory compliance mechanisms are in place. The director will also oversee the implementation of the shareholder’s compact or service delivery agreements, facilitate stakeholder interfaces and coordination mechanisms, and manage the financial, human, and physical resources of the directorate. This is a demanding role that requires the ability to navigate complex governance environments and maintain effective relationships with executing authorities and entity management.

Applicants should note that this is an SMS post, and all shortlisted candidates will be subjected to personnel suitability checks, including criminal record, citizenship, financial and asset record verification, as well as qualification and employment verification. Security clearance processes will also apply. Shortlisted SMS candidates will undertake two pre-entry assessments: a practical exercise to determine technical and generic suitability, and an integrity assessment. Following the technical exercise and interview, a maximum of three candidates will undergo psychometric assessments covering cognitive capabilities, behavioural preferences, emotional intelligence, and integrity. The department’s employment decision will be informed by its Employment Equity Plan, and the department reserves the right not to make an appointment. Applications must be submitted on the prescribed Z83 form, with only the Z83 and CV required at the initial stage; all other supporting documents are submitted by shortlisted candidates. Correspondence will be limited to shortlisted candidates, and those who do not receive feedback within three months after the closing date should consider their application unsuccessful.