Principal Clerk

The Principal Clerk position is an administrative support role within the Corporate Services Department at the Mayoral Parlour Directorate, specifically based in the Administration Support Services CSMPASS Division. The incumbent reports to the Senior Administration Officer responsible for External Liaison, and operates within the External Liaison and Support Services Branch. The core purpose of the post is to apply established administrative procedures and guidelines to execute the branch's daily activities, ensuring that workflows, documentation, and correspondence are managed efficiently and in accordance with departmental standards. This role sits within a municipal government environment in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, and is central to keeping liaison functions organised, accurate, and responsive to internal and external stakeholders.

To be considered for this position, candidates must possess a Grade 12 certificate or equivalent qualification at NQF Level 4, together with a valid motor vehicle driving licence. A minimum of two years of relevant clerical or administrative experience is essential. Applicants who can offer an additional administrative certificate and three years of relevant experience will have a distinct advantage, as these are listed as preferred requirements. The department is also likely to place emphasis on the ability to communicate and comprehend in specific official languages, which will be specified by the Department at the time of appointment. This is a special condition, meaning that language proficiency is not just an asset but a requirement tied to the operational needs of the External Liaison function.

The daily responsibilities of the Principal Clerk are varied and require a strong command of administrative systems. The role involves establishing and prioritising clerical requirements related to information updates and processing, as well as applying procedures and systems to control the flow of functional documentation and correspondence. The post holder will attend to queries and enquiries from staff and members of the public, clarifying requirements and procedures as needed. A significant part of the work is to undertake specific tasks and activities that support the provision of services, and to prepare activity-related reports that track progress and outcomes. In addition, the Principal Clerk provides dedicated administrative support to the External Liaison function, which may involve verifying transactional information related to departmental activities header. This includes capturing order and payment information against approved requisitions, ensuring that records are accurate and that financial administrative processes are properly followed.

Beyond the technical duties, the successful candidate will need to demonstrate a range of behavioural competencies. Attention to detail is essential, as is a commitment to ethics and professionalism. The role demands organisational awareness, sound planning and organising skills, and confident use of technology. Good communication and interpersonal relationships are vital, especially because the post involves dealing with varied stakeholders. A strong service delivery orientation, client focus, and a proactive action orientation are expected, along with a willingness to learn and adapt. The position offers an opportunity for a detail-oriented individual to contribute meaningfully to municipal governance and external liaison support within a structured, public-sector environment.