SENIOR PRACTITIONER: ACQUISITION MANAGEMENT

This position is for a Senior Practitioner in Acquisition Management within the Unemployment Insurance Fund, based in Pretoria. The role sits at the heart of the UIF’s supply chain and procurement operations, ensuring that contracts, tenders, and bid processes run in line with legislative requirements and sound financial governance. As a senior practitioner, the incumbent is expected to provide both technical guidance and hands-on support across the acquisition management environment, while also supervising a small team and contributing to the broader administrative and reporting functions of the unit.

To be considered for this role, candidates need a three-year tertiary qualification at NQF Level 6, specifically in Purchasing Management, Facility Management, Logistics Management, or Management. In addition, at least two years of functional experience in an acquisition management environment is required. The role demands a thorough working knowledge of key legislation and frameworks, including the Unemployment Insurance Act and Regulations, the Unemployment Insurance Contributions Act, the Public Finance Management Act, the Basic Conditions of Employment Act, the Labour Relations Act, the Employment Equity Act, the Public Service Regulations, the Public Service Act, and National Treasury Regulations. Familiarity with supply chain management systems, bid processes, the Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act, and Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment is also essential. On the skills side, the successful candidate will need strong problem-solving, presentation, planning, organising, communication, report writing, financial management, analysis, time management, and numeracy abilities, along with computer literacy and proficiency in electronic operations systems.

The duties of the role are varied and centre on the full contract and bid lifecycle. This includes rendering administration of contracts for the UIF, providing technical support on bidding processes, and preparing monthly reports on awarded contracts and tenders. The practitioner will also act as a secretariat to the Bid Adjudication Committees, which means coordinating meetings, managing documentation, and ensuring that decisions are properly recorded and implemented. Supervision is another key responsibility, with the post holder expected to manage human, financial, and equipment or asset resources within the section. This involves overseeing the work of subordinates, ensuring productivity, and maintaining compliance with internal controls and public service standards.

This is a permanent post advertised through the Public Service Vacancy Circular, and the employer has indicated that priority will be given to African males and females, white males, and persons with disabilities, in line with the department’s employment equity commitments. The role offers an opportunity to work within a large, nationally important public entity, contributing to the integrity and efficiency of procurement and contract management processes that support the UIF’s mandate. Given the supervisory and technical nature of the position, the ideal candidate will be someone who can work independently, exercise sound judgement, and communicate effectively with internal stakeholders, bidders, and committee members. The post is based in Pretoria, and interested applicants should ensure they meet all the qualification and experience requirements before applying, as well as being prepared to undergo any verification processes required by the department.