Director: Child Rights, Governance, Advocacy – Pretoria – Department Of Social Development

Director: Child Rights, Governance, Advocacy at the Department of Social Development in Pretoria, a meaningful government job in South Africa

Published 10 September 2026
Closing Date 18 September 2026 — 0 days left
Location
Type
Opportunity

About the Role

The Department of Social Development is seeking a dedicated and experienced individual for the position of Director: Child Rights, Governance, Advocacy and to be based in Pretoria. This vital role focuses on shaping the future of children’s rights in South Africa by overseeing the development, review, and implementation of the National Strategy to Accelerate Action for Children. The individual will contribute significantly to promoting advocacy on child rights and ensuring child participation, which is essential for fostering a safer and more inclusive environment for our youth.

As the Director, you will be instrumental in establishing effective governance and coordination structures within the children’s rights sector. Your leadership will play a critical role in managing national and international treaty reporting, facilitating collaborations with stakeholders, and enhancing partnerships to champion the cause of children’s rights. This position not only empowers you to influence policy and practice but also enables you to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children across South Africa.

About the Department

The Department of Social Development is committed to promoting social welfare and protecting vulnerable populations, particularly children. Its mission is to create a supportive environment that enhances the well-being of all citizens, ensuring that their rights are upheld and respected. Working here means being part of a dynamic team focused on implementing policies and programs that address social challenges and promote community development.

The department’s dedication to child welfare reflects its core values of integrity, compassion, and service. By joining this team, you’ll contribute to a noble cause that uplifts communities and empowers the next generation.

What You’ll Do

  • Oversee the development and implementation of strategies aimed at accelerating action for children.
  • Promote advocacy initiatives focused on children’s rights and enhance their participation in decision-making processes.
  • Establish and manage governance and coordination structures within the child rights sector.
  • Coordinate national, regional, and international treaty reporting on children’s rights.
  • Facilitate partnerships and engagements with domestic and international stakeholders advocating for children.
  • Manage the budget, human resources, and performance of the Directorate in compliance with established regulations.

What You’ll Need

  • A qualification at NQF level 7 in Social Work, recognized by SAQA, and registration with the South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP).
  • A minimum of five years’ experience at middle management or senior management level.
  • In-depth knowledge of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa and the Public Service Act and its regulations.
  • Familiarity with Social Development Acts, relevant policies, and legislations, including the Children’s Act and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
  • Strong competencies in program and project management, financial management, and stakeholder engagement.

How to Apply

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

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Requirements

A qualification at NQF level 7, as recognised by SAQA, in Social Work, and be registered with the South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP).

Five (5) years’ experience at middle management level or senior management services.

Knowledge and understanding of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa.

Knowledge and understanding of Public Service Act and Regulations.

Knowledge and understanding of the Social Developmental Acts and Regulations.

Knowledge and understanding of Social Welfare services, related policies and legislations.

Knowledge and understanding of the Children’s Act no 38 of 2005.

Knowledge and understanding of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC, 1995).

Knowledge and understanding of National Plan of Action for Children.

Knowledge and understanding of African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (2000).

Knowledge and understanding of White Paper for Social Development.

Knowledge and understanding of Child Justice Act.

Knowledge and understanding of White Paper on Persons with Disabilities (WPRPD).

Knowledge and understanding of POPIA and PAIA.

Competencies needed: Programme and project management.

Information and Knowledge management.

People management and empowerment.

Problem-solving and change management.

Policy analysis and development.

Client orientation and customer focus.

Service delivery innovation.

Financial management.

Communication (verbal and written).

Computer literacy.

Stakeholder management.

Planning and coordination.

Presentation and facilitation.

Monitoring and evaluation.

Attributes: Good interpersonal relation.

Ability to work under pressure.

Innovative and creative.

Ability to work in a team and independently.

Adaptability.

Emotional intelligence.

Independent thinker.

Cost consciousness.

Honesty and Integrity.

Assertiveness.

Job Duties

Manage the development, review, and implementation of the National Strategy to Accelerate Action for Children.

Promote Advocacy on Child’s Rights and Child participation.

Manage the establishment of functional governance and co-ordination structures for the children’s rights sector.

Manage the coordination of the national, regional and international treaty reporting.

Coordinate the engagements, collaboration, and partnerships with domestic and international stakeholders in relation to children’s rights.

Manage, budget, human resources, and performance of the Directorate in line with the set regulations and prescripts.

Salary

R1 317 384 per annum. This inclusive remuneration package consists of a basic salary, the states’ contribution to the Government Employees Pension Fund and a flexible portion that may be structured i.t.o. the applicable rules.

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. MANAGEMENT ECHELON For Enquiries: Ms S Magangoe Tel No: (012) 312-7248/ 7545 OTHER POSTS