HUMAN RESOURCE CLERK: CORPORATE SERVICES

This position is based in the Polokwane Regional Office of the Department of Higher Education and Training, within the Corporate Services component, and forms part of the department’s broader human resource support function. The role is essentially a junior administrative and clerical post dedicated to the smooth running of HR processes at the regional level. The incumbent will work as part of a team that supports both employees and management, ensuring that HR practices are implemented in line with government prescripts and departmental policies. It is a busy, deadline-driven environment that requires a person who is organised, customer-focused and able to handle confidential information with integrity.

In terms of qualifications, the minimum requirement is a National Senior Certificate or a National Certificate Vocational at Level 4. An appropriate bachelor’s degree or national diploma in Human Resource Management or Public Management will be an added advantage, as will one to two years of working experience in an HR environment. Candidates should have a working knowledge of HR or public administration processes, computer literacy, and an understanding of HR functions such as data capturing, collating administration statistics and operating computers. Familiarity with PERSAL, the government’s personnel and salary system, is important, as is a basic understanding of HR prescripts and the importance of registry duties. The ideal candidate will be flexible, a team player, and possess strong interpersonal, communication, listening and analytical skills. They must be ethical, accountable, able to work under pressure, and capable of working independently while meeting deadlines.

The duties are wide-ranging and include implementing HR practices such as recruitment and selection, attending to employee benefits and conditions of service, and serving as secretariat during selection and interview periods. The role also involves administering the performance management and development system, ensuring probationary periods are adhered to, and assisting with Pillar processes. Registry services must be rendered, and leave management is another key responsibility. The clerk will coordinate and facilitate training and induction programmes, liaise with external training providers, conduct training needs analyses, and advise employees on career development. Additional responsibilities include assisting with skills development audits, administering internship and learnership programmes, facilitating needs-directed courses, seminars and workshops, and serving as secretary during training committee meetings. The supervisor may also assign other related functions as required.

All shortlisted candidates will be required to complete a competency exercise as part of the selection process. The department applies Employment Equity principles and aims to promote representativity in terms of race, gender and disability, with preference given to candidates whose appointment advances these objectives. Successful applicants will be subjected to personnel suitability checks, including criminal record, citizenship, qualification and previous employment verification. It is the applicant’s responsibility to have foreign qualifications evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority. The department is committed to equal opportunities and affirmative action, and appointments are made in line with the Departmental Employment Equity Policy and legislative requirements.