Assistant Director: Bilateral Relations – Pretoria – Department Of Cultural Affairs And Sport

Assistant Director: Bilateral Relations at the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport in Pretoria, a key government job in South Africa

Published 20 September 2026
Closing Date 5 October 2026
Location
Type
Opportunity

About the Role

The Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport is looking for a dedicated and skilled individual to fill the role of Assistant Director: Bilateral Relations in Pretoria. This position is crucial for fostering and enhancing bilateral cooperation programs and agreements with partner countries, directly supporting the department’s priorities. By playing a vital role in implementing these agreements, you will contribute to the cultural diplomacy efforts that enrich and represent South Africa on the global stage.

In this role, you will engage with foreign governments, embassies, and international partners, ensuring South Africa’s interests in sports, arts, culture, and heritage are well represented. Your work will not only strengthen international relationships but will also lead to tangible outcomes that benefit local communities. This is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact while working within the public service sector.

About the Department

The Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport is committed to promoting and preserving South Africa’s diverse cultural heritage and fostering social cohesion through sports and the arts. With a vision to enhance the quality of life for all South Africans, the department plays a vital role in the country’s cultural diplomacy efforts. Working here means being part of a team that values creativity, collaboration, and community engagement, making a real difference in the lives of citizens and the global perception of South Africa.

What You’ll Do

  • Facilitate and strengthen bilateral cooperation programs with partner countries.
  • Coordinate and implement bilateral agreements, ensuring alignment with national policies.
  • Maintain and develop relationships with foreign governments and international partners.
  • Negotiate, draft, and renew bilateral agreements and cooperation frameworks.
  • Monitor and report on the progress of bilateral commitments and deliverables.
  • Support the organization of international events, delegations, and cultural exchanges.
  • Conduct research and policy analysis to inform decision-making and strategy.
  • Ensure compliance with governance frameworks and international obligations.

What You’ll Need

  • A Senior Certificate (Matric) or equivalent qualification.
  • A minimum of a three-year National Diploma or Degree in International Relations, Political Science, or a related field.
  • At least 2-3 years of relevant experience in international relations or diplomacy.
  • Knowledge of Public Service Regulations and international cooperation processes.
  • Strong negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
  • Proficiency in project coordination and relationship management.
  • Ability to work under pressure and adapt to changing conditions.

How to Apply

All applications must be submitted online on the following link: www.statssa.gov.za/recruitment

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Requirements

Senior Certificate/Matric Certificate /Grade 12 Certificate or equivalent qualification; Minimum three-year National Diploma (NQF level 6) / Degree (NQF level 7) as recognised by SAQA in International Relations/ Political Science/ / International Law/ Diplomatic studies or any relevant qualification; 2-3 years relevant experience at least 2 years as an Officer in international relations, diplomacy, bilateral cooperation, intergovernmental relations, or any relevant environment; Knowledge of Public Service Regulations; Knowledge and understanding of international relations and diplomacy; Knowledge and understanding of Bilateral and multilateral cooperation processes and protocols; Knowledge of government policies and international cooperation frameworks; Research and policy analysis; Stakeholder and relationship management; Project and programme coordination; Negotiation and facilitation skills; Planning and organisiting skills; Communication and interpersonal relations; Computer literacy; Ability to work under pressure; Ability to Interact with other officials from other countries; Adapts to changing demands and conditions; Diplomacy, tact, and cultural sensitivity.

Job Duties

The purpose of this post is to facilitate and strengthen bilateral cooperation programmes and agreements with partner countries in support of the departmental priorities; Facilitate the implementation of bilateral agreements to strengthen cooperation and achieve tangible outcomes-Coordinate and facilitate bilateral engagements, including preparatory meetings and follow-ups with designated partner countries; Maintain relationships with foreign governments, embassies, commissions, and international partners; Negotiate, draft, conclude, and renew bilateral agreements and cooperation frameworks; Implement and coordinate agreements, programmes, and action plans; Ensure alignment of bilateral agreements with national cultural diplomacy and international relations frameworks; Monitor and track bilateral engagements and programme delivery status; Enhance and strengthen bilateral cooperation in sport, arts, culture and heritage to advance South Africans interest and cultural diplomacy-Facilitate implementation of signed agreements, Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), and action plans; Monitor, evaluate, and report on progress against bilateral commitments and deliverables; Provide technical and administrative support during negotiations and review processes; Maintain a centralised database and records system for all international agreements and cooperation instruments; Ensure compliance with approved protocols, governance frameworks, and international obligations; Prepare implementation progress reports and updates for relevant 104 stakeholders; Strengthen and maintain cordial relations between the Department and its bilateral partners-Coordinate the preparation of official documentation, including Ministerial submissions, DG submissions, briefing notes, reports, and correspondence; Facilitate internal coordination between branches and line function managers to ensure policy and operational alignment; Engage with relevant stakeholders; Coordinate participation of departmental officials and cultural practitioners in international programmes; Facilitate international travel arrangements; Assist with intergovernmental and multilateral coordination; Maintain stakeholder engagement records and communication logs; Conduct research, policy analysis, and international scanning-Conduct research on international trends, cultural diplomacy practices, and policy developments; Analyse political, economic, social, and sector-specific developments affecting bilateral relations; Prepare country profiles, policy briefs, and strategic analyses; Identify opportunities for international collaboration and partnerships; Benchmark departmental programmes against international best practice; Provide evidence-based input for negotiation and strategic decision-making; Manage international events, delegations, and protocol processes-Coordinate bilateral meetings, official visits, conferences, workshops, cultural exchanges, and international forums; Organise and facilitate incoming and outgoing international delegations; Manage logistical and programme arrangements for official visits; Support protocol and diplomatic engagement processes; Liaise with protocol units, DIRCO, embassies, and hosting institutions to ensure seamless execution of engagements; Compile post-event reports and evaluation summaries.

Salary

R487 197 per annum (Level 09)

How to Apply

All applications must be submitted online on the following link: www.statssa.gov.za/recruitment For Enquiries: Mr J Mogashoa Tel No: (012) 441 3095 105 ANNEXURE P STATISTICS SOUTH AFRICA Stats SA provides scientific knowledge that enables society to understand complex socio-economic phenomena. It draws its mandate from the Statistics Act, 1999 (Act No 6 of 1999). Stats SA strives to excel in the following five competencies: Intellectual capability to lead the scientific work of statistics, Technological competence for purposes of large-scale processing and for complex computations and accessibility of information to the public, Logistical competence for deployment of (forward and reverse) logistics of large-scale field operations and for strategic choices regarding operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness, Political competence in understanding the political environment without being political or Politicised (commitment of delivery without fear or favour), Administrative competence: The ability of bringing it all together.