About the Role
The Office of the Head of Department is seeking a dedicated and strategic Director in Johannesburg to provide executive support and coordination for departmental initiatives. This pivotal role ensures alignment with the Head of Department’s priorities, fostering effective communication and governance within public service. By overseeing decision-making processes and stakeholder engagement, you will directly contribute to the enhancement of services that positively impact the lives of South Africans.
In this role, you will not only support the Head of Department but also play a critical part in maintaining high standards of governance and compliance. Your leadership will help shape the department’s strategic direction, making a significant difference in the community. Working closely with various branches, your efforts will streamline operations and enhance the effectiveness of public service delivery in Johannesburg.
About the Department
The Office of the Head of Department is dedicated to ensuring that departmental objectives are met with efficiency and transparency. Focused on governance and strategic oversight, the department’s mission is to provide essential services while maintaining high standards of accountability and ethical leadership. By joining this dynamic team, you will be part of a collective effort to improve the lives of citizens through innovative public service solutions.
What You’ll Do
- Lead the alignment of departmental programs with the priorities set by the Head of Department.
- Coordinate strategic inputs and provide high-level advisory support across the organization.
- Oversee the implementation of executive decisions and ensure the quality of submissions.
- Maintain effective stakeholder relationships and manage office operations efficiently.
- Disseminate documentation and prepare for meetings with relevant stakeholders.
- Provide strategic governance advice and facilitate information sessions on policies.
- Manage resources within the Head of Department’s office, including staff performance and budget monitoring.
- Ensure transparency and accountability in all governance processes and decision-making.
What You’ll Need
- NQF Level 7 qualification in Public Administration, Business Administration, Commerce, or a related field; a Master’s degree is advantageous.
- A minimum of 5 years of experience at a middle or senior managerial level.
- Deep understanding of the South African political landscape and departmental policies.
- Strong verbal, written, and presentation communication skills.
- Experience in managing confidential documents and conflict resolution.
- Demonstrated ability in strategic planning, results-driven leadership, and diversity management.
- Excellent interpersonal and computer literacy skills, coupled with strong report writing abilities.
- Nyukela Pre-entry certificate required prior to appointment.
How to Apply
Please submit your application before the closing date as late applications will not be considered.
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Requirements
NQF level 7 Qualification in Public Administration /Business Administration / Commerce or BA degree.Master’s degree/M.
Com or postgraduate qualification in Public Administration, Business Administration, Commerce, Governance, Risk Management, or a related field will be an added advantage.
5 years of experience at middle/senior managerial level.
Knowledge of generic competencies required: Knowledge of the GPG and South African political environment.
Knowledge of departmental policies.
Knowledge of DPSA regulations and Ministerial Handbook.
Compliance with PFMA.
Knowledge of technical competencies required: Professional Integrity.
People management.
Excellent verbal, written and presentation communication.
Ability to handle secret and classified documents.
Conflict Management (Conflict and Problem solving).
Knowledge of managerial competencies required: Strategic Agility.
Drive for Results.
Strategic Planning & Analysis expertise.
Diversity management.
Skills required: Communications skill.
Computer literacy.
Interpersonal skills.
Presentation skills.
Report writing.
Leadership.
Strategic.
Planning.
Organisation.
Attributes required: Be able to work under pressure.
Inspire to be Quality Oriented.
Should be decisive.
Additional competencies and skills include strategic risk management, governance assurance, compliance oversight, executive decision-support, enterprise risk management, digital transformation programme support, audit query coordination, stakeholder engagement, policy alignment, project governance, executive reporting, and the preparation and quality assurance of EXCO, SMT and HOD submissions.
Nyukela Pre-entry certificate must be submitted prior to appointment.
Job Duties
Provide Strategic Coordination and Executive Support: Lead alignment of departmental programmes to HOD priorities.Coordinate strategic inputs across all branches.
Provide high-level advisory support to HOD.
Provide Governance and Decision Support: Oversee implementation of executive decisions.
Ensure quality assurance of submissions to HOD.
Monitor implementation of resolutions from executive structures.
Maintain effective and efficient stakeholder relations and office management: Build communication approach in dealing with stakeholder requests, enquiries, and liaison matters.
Set up and maintain systems in the office that will ensure efficiency in the office for stakeholder management.
Disseminate documents in preparation for upcoming meetings to relevant stakeholders addressing the agenda to be discussed.
Arrange accessibility for key stakeholders to the office.
Coordinate and manage the Heads of branches’ engagement and interactions within the office to ensure alignment with organisational priorities.
Ensure that internal and External Stakeholders are informed about Senior Management meetings with HOD.
Provide quality assurance and advice: Provide strategic advice to the HOD and Senior Management on governance, compliance, and policy alignment.
Facilitate information session on policies, procedures, and best practices within the office.
Provide advice to Departmental Senior Management and HOD.
Manage Resources within the HOD’s Office: Manage staff performance and developmental needs.
Manage and monitor the office budget in terms of the office regarding possible over and under spending.
Engage staff in the office to determine the budget needs.
Participate in performance assessment review committee.
Develop operational plan for the unit.
Provide Governance, Secretariat, and Institutional Oversight: Provide strategic oversight of governance structures supporting HOD and the MEC.
Ensure effective functioning of decision-making processes.
Oversee integrity, quality, and compliance of submissions.
Ensure proper recording, tracking and implementation of executive decisions.
Serve as custodian of governance processes ensuring transparency, accountability, and ethical leadership.
Provide assurance to the HOD on governance effectiveness.
Additional duties include supporting the HOD Office through strategic risk and governance advisory services; coordinating and tracking executive submissions, resolutions and action items; assisting with audit, compliance and assurance responses; supporting the alignment of departmental priorities with the APP 184 and operational plans; facilitating cross-branch collaboration on strategic projects, PPP initiatives and ICT commercialisation matters; preparing briefing notes, executive summaries, decision-support documents for the HOD, SMT, EXCO and oversight structures; monitoring governance risks, implementation gaps and control weaknesses; and supporting stakeholder engagement with internal branches, provincial departments, public entities and external partners.
