PERSONAL ASSISTANT REF NO: 131126/29 (Re-advertisement, applicants who have previously applied must re-apply) Branch: Water and Sanitation Services Management: WC CD: Provincial Operations: Western Cape

This position offers an opportunity to serve as a Personal Assistant within the Provincial Operations unit of the Western Cape, under the Water and Sanitation Services Management branch of the Department of Water and Sanitation. Based in Bellville, this re-advertised role is a permanent, level 07 post that provides high-level administrative and secretarial support to senior management. The successful candidate will act as the primary point of contact for the manager, handling correspondence, telephone calls, and visitors with professionalism and discretion. The role is central to ensuring the smooth running of the office, requiring a proactive individual who can manage competing priorities, maintain confidentiality, and uphold the department’s standards of accountability and ethical conduct.

To be considered, applicants must hold a Secretarial Diploma or an equivalent qualification, coupled with three to five years of experience in rendering support to senior management. A thorough understanding of administrative procedures, secretarial duties, and the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) is essential, as is basic financial management knowledge. Advanced computer literacy, particularly in the Microsoft Office suite, is non-negotiable. The ideal candidate will demonstrate sound organisational skills, excellent written and verbal communication, and the ability to act with tact and discretion at all times. Additional competencies include knowledge of dispute resolution processes, an awareness of social and economic development issues, and a commitment to people and diversity management. The role also demands strong problem-solving abilities, client orientation, and a high level of reliability, self-management, and motivation. Candidates must stay current with relevant prescripts, policies, and procedures to ensure efficient support to the manager.

The core duties encompass a wide range of administrative and secretarial functions. This includes implementing administrative procedures for the component, managing the manager’s diary, arranging meetings and events, and liaising with travel agencies for office travel arrangements. The Personal Assistant will process invoices, travel and subsistence claims, and handle all procurement items for the office, engaging with Supply Chain Management as needed. They will also take minutes at meetings, maintain leave registers and telephone accounts, and ensure proper filing of documents. Preparing documents for the manager’s meetings and providing feedback on administrative gaps are also key responsibilities. The role requires a proactive approach to identifying and resolving administrative issues while maintaining accurate records of goods and services procured.

This is an equal opportunity position, with preference given to candidates who meet the Employment Equity targets, and women and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. Shortlisted candidates will undergo suitability checks, including SAQA verification, reference, criminal, and credit checks. Foreign qualifications must be accompanied by a SAQA evaluation certificate, and foreign or dual citizenship holders must provide a police clearance certificate from their country of origin. The department will require shortlisted candidates to complete a financial disclosure form and undergo security clearance. Applications must be submitted online, and no late or faxed submissions will be accepted. It is important to note that this is a re-advertisement, so previous applicants must re-apply. The department reserves the right not to fill the post, and correspondence will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. If no response is received within three months of the closing date, applicants should consider their application unsuccessful.