VISITORS COMMITTEE COORDINATING OFFICER – VCCO

The Visitors Committee Coordinating Officer (VCCO) position is located within the Judicial Inspectorate for Correctional Services (JICS), specifically in the Regional Coordination and Oversight directorate, and is based in Bloemfontein for the Central Management Region. This role is central to ensuring effective independent oversight of correctional centres by providing management, supervision and administrative coordination for Independent Correctional Centre Visitors (ICCVs) operating across the region. The VCCO acts as the operational link between correctional facilities, ICCVs, Visitors’ Committees and internal JICS stakeholders, supporting the broader mandate of transparent and accountable correctional services.

Candidates must hold a Senior Certificate or Grade 12, together with a Degree or National Diploma in Public Administration, Public Management, Office Management or an equivalent qualification at NQF level 6, recognised by SAQA. A minimum of five years’ experience within the Justice Cluster is required, along with at least two years of supervisory experience. A valid driver’s licence is essential, as is a working knowledge of the Public Finance Management Act, the Public Service Act and Regulations, and National Treasury Regulations. The role demands strong computer literacy in MS Office, Excel and PowerPoint, sound interpersonal and communication skills, planning and organisational ability, and the capacity to work under pressure both independently and as part of a team. Problem-solving, leadership, attention to detail and conflict resolution skills are also key, together with a willingness to work extra hours when necessary.

The core duties involve providing management, supervision and control of ICCVs within the region. This includes coordinating and monitoring their activities, allocating work, reviewing reports, and monitoring attendance and performance. The VCCO facilitates induction and training arrangements for ICCVs and manages complaints, including general, urgent and mandatory matters, ensuring proper recording, escalation and follow-up on outstanding responses. The role also requires coordinating Visitors’ Committee and stakeholder engagement meetings, preparing agendas, compiling minutes and tracking the implementation of resolutions. Additional responsibilities include conducting performance evaluations, compiling statistical and management reports, maintaining records and registers, providing administrative support to regional oversight activities, and liaising with correctional centres, ICCVs, Visitors’ Committees and internal stakeholders to support effective oversight.

This is a supervisory-level post within the public service, graded at level 07. Shortlisted candidates will be required to undergo a pre-entry practical exercise as part of the assessment process, and all suitable candidates will be subjected to personnel suitability checks, including criminal record, citizenship, credit record, qualification and employment verification. By applying, candidates consent to the collection and processing of personal information in line with the Protection of Personal Information Act. Non-RSA citizens or permanent residence permit holders with foreign qualifications must ensure their qualifications are accompanied by a SAQA evaluation report if shortlisted. The successful candidate will be required to enter into an employment contract and a performance agreement. JICS reserves the right not to make an appointment, and correspondence will be limited to shortlisted candidates only.