Human Resource Development Practitioner

The Department of the Premier in the Western Cape Government is seeking a suitably qualified and competent individual to fill the permanent position of Human Resource Development Practitioner, based in Cape Town. This role sits within the broader human resource development function of the department and is central to facilitating and administering youth development programmes, bursaries, and the Recognition of Improved Qualifications (RIQs). The successful candidate will contribute to the strategic development of human capital by managing key learning and development interventions that support the public service’s skills agenda.

To be considered for this role, applicants must hold an appropriate three-year tertiary qualification at the level of a National Diploma, B-Degree or higher, and have at least one year of relevant experience. While no specific recommendations are listed, the role demands a solid understanding of the legislative and policy framework governing human resource development, including the Skills Development Act, the National Skills Development Strategy, the SAQA Act, the Skills Development Levies Act, and sectoral plans relevant to SETAs. Knowledge of the Public Service Amendment Act, Public Service Regulations, and the Labour Relations Act is also essential, as is familiarity with the White Paper on Public Service Training and Education.

The core duties of the position are extensive and revolve around the full lifecycle of learning interventions. The practitioner will be responsible for implementing and managing internships and learnerships, from recruitment, selection, and placement through to monitoring and reporting on programme progress. This includes building strategic partnerships to support these initiatives. In addition, the role involves managing bursaries end-to-end: awarding, administering, monitoring, and managing the contracts associated with bursary funding. The practitioner will also administer the Recognition of Improved Qualifications process, which includes scrutinising applications, managing the administrative workflow, and reporting on outcomes. A significant portion of the work involves compiling management reports on bursaries, youth programmes, and RIQs, as well as preparing reports for the Head of Department, the DPSA, and PSETA. The post also carries supervisory responsibility for an HRD Clerk, so the ability to guide and oversee junior staff is required.

Candidates must demonstrate strong computer literacy in the MS Office package, excellent written and verbal communication skills, and competencies in research, project management, problem solving, analytical thinking, and budgeting. The ability to work independently and as part of a team, and to perform under pressure while meeting deadlines, is essential. Shortlisted applicants will be required to attend interviews and undergo documentation verification, criminal record vetting, and two pre-entry assessments: one practical exercise and one integrity assessment. The selection process will be guided by the employment equity targets of the department. By applying, candidates consent to employment reference checks with previous employers, including enquiries about disciplinary records and reasons for leaving. This is an excellent opportunity for a dedicated HRD professional to contribute to public sector skills development in the Western Cape.