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The Department of Social Development is advertising four Personal Assistant posts within the Chief Directorate: HOD Support, CFO, Corporate Services and Social Services, at its Provincial Office. This role is central to the smooth functioning of a senior executive’s office. The successful candidates will act as the administrative backbone for the Chief Director, managing a demanding workload that ranges from secretarial and receptionist duties to travel coordination, meeting support, correspondence handling, budget assistance, and ensuring compliance with public service policies. Each Personal Assistant will need to work with professionalism, confidentiality and efficiency, often under tight deadlines. Given that there are four vacancies, this recruitment drive reflects the department’s focus on strengthening administrative capacity across several of its senior directorates.

Applicants must hold a Grade 12 certificate as well as a Diploma at NQF Level 6 in Management Assistant, or equivalent qualification in that field. Alongside the formal qualification, a minimum of three to five years of direct experience in rendering support services to a senior manager is essential. This is not an entry-level role; it calls for someone who already understands the rhythm and expectations of an executive office, and who can anticipate the needs of a Chief Director. A valid driver’s licence is also required, indicating that the work may involve occasional travel for official purposes. The department looks for candidates with strong organisational and time management skills, clear and professional communication abilities, and well-developed report writing competence. The capacity to remain calm and accurate while working under pressure is a critical personal attribute for this position.

The duties are broad and significant. As a secretarial and receptionist support provider, the Personal Assistant will be the first point of contact for many visitors and callers, and will manage inquiries, appointments and correspondence on behalf of the Chief Director. The role also involves general administrative support to the Chief Directorate’s office, including document management, record keeping and coordination of internal processes. A major area of responsibility is the management of the Chief Director’s travel arrangements: booking transport, accommodation and itineraries, and ensuring all travel-related documentation is completed timeously. The Personal Assistant will also support the manager during meetings by organising logistics, preparing documents, taking minutes and following up on action items. In addition, the post requires supporting the Chief Directorate’s office budget, which may include monitoring expenditure, processing administrative claims and assisting with reconciliations. Finally, the incumbent must study the relevant public service departmental prescripts, policies and other documents, and ensure that their application is carried out properly within the office. This means keeping up to date with procedural changes and advising the Chief Director accordingly.

The position is based at the Provincial Office in the North West, and candidates should be prepared to work in a structured, fast-paced government environment. The advertisement forms part of a formal public service recruitment process, and the department has published a specific reference number and circular for these posts. Interested applicants are encouraged to review the full vacancy advertisement to confirm application deadlines and submission instructions. Those who meet the minimum requirements and who have a solid understanding of government administrative systems will be best placed to succeed. The role offers a valuable opportunity for experienced administrative professionals to contribute meaningfully to the functioning of a provincial government department.