PERSONAL ASSISTANT: SERVICE DELIVERY MANAGEMENT AND COORDINATION.

This position offers an opportunity to provide high-level secretarial and administrative support within the Department of Social Development in the Western Cape Government, specifically serving the manager responsible for service delivery management and coordination. As a Personal Assistant, you will act as the central organisational anchor for the manager, ensuring that daily operations run smoothly and that the manager can focus on strategic oversight of service delivery programmes. The role sits within a provincial government context, meaning you will need to understand how public service structures, governance systems and departmental processes interlock, and you will be expected to apply this knowledge to support the manager effectively.

To be considered for this role, you need a Grade 12 certificate or equivalent, combined with an accredited secretarial diploma or an administrative qualification at NQF level 5, or a relevant higher tertiary qualification. In addition, you must have at least three years of experience rendering secretarial or administrative support to management or senior management. The role demands a solid grasp of legislation, regulatory frameworks, policies and best practices relevant to the line function, as well as knowledge of project management, operational management, procurement and tendering processes, and policy development. You should also be familiar with modern systems of governance, public service procedures, and the constitutional and legal arrangements governing the South African public sector. Understanding public finance, human resources, and discourse management processes, including the Public Finance Management Act and Treasury regulations, is essential. Furthermore, you need awareness of regional and local political, economic and social affairs affecting the Western Cape, the functioning of the province, and the activities of sister departments. Labour relations legislation and performance management principles also form part of the required knowledge base. On the skills side, strong numeracy, computer literacy and language skills are essential.

Your main duties will include providing a comprehensive secretarial and receptionist support service to the manager, which means handling correspondence, managing communications and maintaining a professional front-line presence. You will also render administrative support services, which may involve organising documentation, maintaining records and ensuring that information flows efficiently. Supporting the manager with meetings is another key responsibility, including scheduling, preparing agendas, taking minutes and following up on action items. You will also assist with the administration of the manager’s budget, which requires attention to financial processes and adherence to relevant prescripts. Additionally, you are expected to study applicable Public Service and departmental policies and documents, ensuring that you understand their application and can support the manager in complying with them.

Shortlisted candidates should be prepared for a thorough selection process. You will be required to attend interviews on a date determined by the department and must submit duly completed and signed vetting and supporting documentation within the timeframe communicated prior to the interview. Failure to do so without reasonable justification may result in disqualification. All shortlisted candidates will also undertake two pre-entry assessments: one practical exercise testing technical and generic suitability for the post, and one integrity assessment focusing on ethical conduct. The selection process will be guided by the employment equity targets of the department. By applying, you consent to the Western Cape Government contacting your previous employers or managers for reference checks, which will include enquiries about your disciplinary record and reasons for leaving. This is a demanding but rewarding role for someone who thrives on organisation, discretion and supporting senior management within the public sector.