Assistant Director: Youth Graduates And Contractor – Pretoria – Department Of Employment And Labour

Assistant Director: Youth Graduates and Contractor at the Department of Employment and Labour in Pretoria, a fulfilling government job in South Africa

Published 5 October 2026
Closing Date 16 October 2026
Location
Type
Opportunity

About the Role

The Department of Employment and Labour is seeking a passionate and driven individual for the position of Assistant Director: Youth Graduates and Contractor, based in Pretoria. This role is crucial in shaping the futures of young South Africans by coordinating and implementing initiatives that support youth graduates and contractors. By fostering skills development and sustainable enterprise growth, you will be making a tangible impact on your community and contributing to the broader public service mission of empowering the youth.

In this position, you will engage with various stakeholders, including government entities and local municipalities, to promote effective partnerships that align with the National Development Goals. Your efforts will be essential in guiding young individuals towards successful career paths, ensuring they have access to valuable training and development opportunities that enhance their prospects in an ever-evolving job market.

About the Department

The Department of Employment and Labour plays a vital role in enhancing the lives of South Africans by promoting equitable access to employment opportunities, ensuring fair labour practices, and fostering skills development across the nation. The department’s commitment to empowering youth through innovative programmes and partnerships underscores its mission to create a more inclusive workforce. Working here means being part of a dedicated team that strives to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and the broader community.

What You’ll Do

  • Coordinate the planning and implementation of initiatives aimed at developing youth graduates and contractors.
  • Support emerging enterprises through skills enhancement and business development initiatives.
  • Develop and implement procurement plans aligned with youth development goals.
  • Ensure compliance with Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) prescripts.
  • Verify monthly progress reports and evaluate invoices for payment purposes.
  • Maintain comprehensive project records and manage reporting for youth development initiatives.
  • Facilitate career guidance workshops and training programmes for youth graduates.
  • Participate in youth forums and establish partnerships with stakeholders such as NYDA and SETAs.
  • Draft and manage partnership agreements, ensuring alignment with national objectives.

What You’ll Need

  • A National Diploma (NQF6) in Training and Development, Developmental Studies, or a relevant qualification recognized by SAQA.
  • A minimum of three years’ experience in Education, Training and Development (ETD) or a related field.
  • Strong knowledge of the Skills Development Act, National Youth Policy, and Employment Equity Legislation.
  • Familiarity with EPWP and sustainable development programmes.
  • Proven experience in project management, compliance, and financial management.
  • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.
  • Personal attributes should include innovation, proactivity, and the ability to work under pressure.

How to Apply

Please submit your application before the closing date as late applications will not be considered.

Requirements

National Diploma (NQF6) in Training and Development, Developmental Studies or a relevant qualification as recognised by SAQA.

A minimum of three (3) years’ experience in Education, Training and Development (ETD) or a relevant field.

Knowledge and understanding of Skills Development Act, National Youth Policy, National Development Plans, Employment Equity Environmental Legislation.

Knowledge of Expanded Public Works Programmes (EPWP), Integrated sustainable rural development and urban renewal programmes.

Have experience in financial, project / programme and personnel management.

Knowledge and understanding of project planning, implementation, monitoring, reporting and compliance.

Must possess skills in leadership, coordination and project management, communication (written and verbal), listening, report writing and decision-making.

Ability to develop and apply policies, establish and maintain interpersonal relationships, work independently and as part of a team.

Manage and resolve conflict.

An applicant must further possess personal attributes such as being innovative and proactive, demonstrating initiative, being responsible and loyal, having ability to work under extreme pressure, ability to work long hours when required, and ability to gather, analyse and interpret information and reports.

Job Duties

Coordinate the planning and implementation of youth graduate and contractor development initiatives.

Support the development of emerging enterprises through skills and business enhancement initiatives for sustainability.

Initiate and support the development and implementation of the procurement plan for youth graduate and contractor development initiatives.

Coordinate project compliance with EPWP prescripts.

Verify monthly progress reports and supporting evidence.

Evaluate invoices for payment purposes.

Maintain project records and manage the reporting of youth graduate and contractor development projects.

Facilitate the development and review of youth and contractor development strategy, implementation plans and reporting tools Provide support on youth career pathing initiatives by conducting career guidance workshops and training for youth graduates’ programmes.

Participate in internal and external youth forums.

Facilitate the establishment and management of partnerships with external stakeholders, including NYDA, Municipalities, Public Entities, SETAs, QTCO and other relevant government departments.

Draft Memoranda of Understanding MoUs and Memoranda of Agreements (MoAs) and lead the vetting process.

Manage partnership agreements and ensure projects alignment with National Development Goals.

Salary

R487 197 per annum

How to Apply

Please submit your application before the closing date as late applications will not be considered. Do not submit duplicate applications. If applying for multiple posts, submit separate applications for each post. Due to high volumes, the Department will not acknowledge receipt of applications. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. If you have not heard from us within 3 months, please consider your application to be unsuccessful. Should, during any stage of the recruitment process, a moratorium be placed on the filling of posts, or the Department is affected by any process such as, but not limited to, restructuring or reorganisation of posts, the Department reserves the right to cancel the recruitment process and re- advertise the post at any time in the future. Important: DOA is an equal opportunity employer committed to promoting representivity and affirmative action. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates. The Department reserves the right not to fill vacancies. By applying, you consent to the collection and processing of your personal information for recruitment purposes. Shortlisted candidates will be required to be available for assessments and interviews at a date and time as determined by the Department. Shortlisted candidates will undergo personnel suitability checks, security vetting and reference checks (including social media profiles). Applications must declare any pending criminal, disciplinary or any other allegations or investigations. Successful candidates must pass security clearance, sign an employment contract, sign an annual performance agreement and disclose financial interests. All applicants are required to declare any conflict or perceived conflict of interest, to disclose memberships of Boards and directorships that they may be associated with. Failure to disclose relevant information may result in disqualification or termination. ERRATUM: The position of Campus Manager Ref No: 3/3/1/49/2026 advertised in the Public Services Vacancy Circular no 24 of 2026 was published with the incorrect EE Targets; the correct EE Targets are African Males and Females, and persons with disability. Therefore, the submission of job applications will be accepted from 25 September 2026 until 09 October 2026 at 16:00 through the same application channels published under the Public Service Vacancy Circular 24 dated 10 July 2026. Withdrawal of Advertisement: The post of Senior Security Officer (reference: 3/3/1/83/2026), which was published in the Public Service Vacancy Circular number 32 dated 04 September 2026, closing 18 September 2026, has been withdrawn. 5 OTHER POSTS For Enquiries: Ms R Matidze Tel No: (012) 399 9699