SENIOR PERSONNEL PRACTITIONER: HUMAN RESOURCES PRACTICE AND ADMINISTRATION

This vacancy is for a Senior Personnel Practitioner specialising in Human Resources Practice and Administration, with two posts available: one at the Polokwane Welfare Complex and one at the Sekhukhune District Office. The role sits within the Department of Public Works, Roads and Infrastructure’s human resources unit and is central to the delivery of a wide range of HR functions in line with public service legislation and departmental policies. As a senior practitioner, the incumbent will be expected to work independently while also supervising staff, ensuring that HR processes are implemented accurately, fairly and in accordance with the regulatory framework governing the public service.

To be considered, applicants must have a Grade 12 certificate as well as an appropriate qualification at NQF level 6 in Human Resource Management or Development, or an equivalent qualification recognised by SAQA. Practical experience of at least two to three years in a relevant HR environment is required, along with PERSAL literacy and a valid motor vehicle driver’s licence, although the licence requirement is waived for persons with disabilities. The department looks for candidates with a sound knowledge of the legislative mandates governing the public service, including the Basic Conditions of Employment Act, the Public Service Act, the Employment Equity Act and the Public Service Regulations, as well as HR management policies. Strong computer literacy, report writing skills, communication skills and problem-solving abilities are also essential, together with the ability to interpret policies and use the e-Recruitment system.

The main duties of the post involve facilitating the recruitment and selection of employees, managing transfers, secondments and placements, and overseeing conditions of service and employee benefits. The role also includes supervisory responsibilities, meaning the incumbent will be expected to guide and monitor the work of junior staff within the HR unit. For the post based at the Polokwane Welfare Complex, there are additional key result areas covering auxiliary services, human resource development and performance management and development system (PMDS) activities. This makes the Polokwane post broader in scope, requiring the incumbent to support HRD initiatives and the PMDS cycle in addition to the core HR practice and administration functions.

The department is committed to employment equity and affirmative action, and women and people living with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Shortlisted candidates will be subjected to security clearance, verification of qualifications, and pre-entry assessments, including a practical exercise and an integrity test, followed by a personnel suitability check for the recommended candidate. Applicants with foreign qualifications must have them evaluated by SAQA. The department reserves the right not to make an appointment, and correspondence will be limited to shortlisted candidates. Those attending interviews will need to make their own travel and accommodation arrangements, as the department does not cover these costs. The department also runs a separate graduate internship programme for unemployed South African youth, although that is distinct from these senior practitioner vacancies.