PRINCIPAL PERSONNEL OFFICER: ESTABLISHMENT SERVICES (X4 POSTS)

The Department is advertising four Principal Personnel Officer positions within the Establishment Services component, based in Zwelitsha and falling under the Human Resource Planning and Information System directorate. This is a Level 07 post, and the successful candidates will be responsible for providing specialised support in human resource planning and provisioning, with a strong focus on the administration of staff establishments. The role sits within the broader public service human resource environment and requires a solid understanding of the legislative framework governing human resources, as well as practical experience working with establishment-related processes.

To be considered, applicants must hold an appropriate three-year undergraduate qualification at NQF Level 6 in Human Resource Management, Public Management, or Public Administration, as recognised by SAQA. A minimum of three to five years of relevant experience in an establishment environment is required. Computer literacy is essential, and candidates must have practical working knowledge of PERSAL or any other HRM-related system. A valid driver’s licence and a willingness to travel are essential, while knowledge of the education sector will serve as an added advantage. The role demands a good grasp of the legal framework that governs human resource practices in the public sector.

The main duties of the position include rendering support in HR planning and provisioning services, maintaining files and records for post provisioning across all districts, and developing HRP-related submissions. The incumbent will also be responsible for creating components, posts, and abolishments, as well as the creation of acting allowances and the loading of matrices. A significant portion of the work involves performing all PERSAL functions related to establishment matters, administering the staff establishment on PERSAL, and loading organisational structures and post provisioning norms onto the system. This is a technical, detail-oriented role that requires accuracy and a thorough understanding of establishment administration.

Applicants should note that the application process is managed through the provincial e-recruitment system, and a fully completed Z83 form and detailed curriculum vitae are required at the initial stage. Certified copies of qualifications and other relevant documents will only be requested from shortlisted candidates, who must submit these before the interview date. All shortlisted candidates will be subjected to personnel suitability checks, including criminal record, citizenship, financial and qualification verification, as well as previous employment verification. In addition, candidates will undergo pre-entry assessments, including a practical exercise and an integrity assessment, with technical exercises scored as part of the interview process. For SMS posts, psychometric assessments and managerial competency assessments may also apply. Successful candidates will serve a probation period of twelve or twenty-four months and may be required to complete an SMS pre-entry certificate prior to appointment. The department aims to address employment equity affirmative action measures in line with its Employment Equity Plan, and applications from all racial groups are welcome, with females and people with disabilities encouraged to apply. Misrepresentation in application documents will lead to automatic disqualification.