Director-General Job Opportunity at the Department of Public Service and Administration

The Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) is seeking an exceptional and dedicated individual to fill the role of Director-General. This prestigious position offers the opportunity to make significant contributions to the transformation and leadership of the South African Public Service. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of South Africa’s public sector, providing strategic leadership, and working closely with the Minister for Public Service and Administration.

Director-General Job Overview

• Position: Director-General
• Salary: R2,259,984 per annum (inclusive of benefits)
• Contract: 5-Year Contract
• Location: Pretoria, South Africa
• Closing Date for Applications: 15 May 2025

The Director-General will be responsible for overseeing and providing strategic leadership for the Department of Public Service and Administration, ensuring the effective and efficient implementation of the government’s mandate in public administration and service delivery.

Key Responsibilities

As the Director-General of the Department of Public Service and Administration, your responsibilities will include:

1. Strategic Leadership: Providing leadership in the development and execution of strategies aimed at transforming the public service in line with national objectives. This includes developing and reviewing policies that address the dynamic needs of the public service.
2. Policy and Norms Development: Leading the creation of norms, standards, and policies to ensure the public service’s continuous improvement, in alignment with the department’s objectives and legal requirements.
3. Reporting and Oversight: Serving as the Accounting Officer/Head of Department in compliance with applicable legislative and regulatory frameworks. This involves managing resources, budgets, and ensuring timely and accurate reporting to both the Minister and external oversight bodies.
4. Organisational Development: Strengthening governance processes, compliance, and organizational capacity to effectively deliver on the department’s mandate. You will also be tasked with ensuring the development and performance of employees reporting directly to the Director-General.
5. Stakeholder Engagement: Managing internal and external relationships within the government sector, including the Forum of South African Directors-General and various government clusters. You will promote inter-governmental cooperation and facilitate the department’s involvement in public sector transformation dialogues.
6. Human Resource and Financial Management: Overseeing the department’s financial and human resource management systems, ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently and effectively.

Qualifications and Requirements

To be considered for the Director-General position, candidates must meet the following qualifications and requirements:

• Postgraduate Qualification: A postgraduate qualification (NQF level 8) in Public Administration, Public Management, or a related field, as recognized by SAQA. An additional qualification in Labour/Public Law will be an added advantage.
• Experience: A minimum of 10 years’ experience at a senior managerial level in public administration or public sector management. Experience in leading an institution or program, and extensive experience in organizational governance is essential.
• Skills:
  • Strong decision-making and problem-solving abilities
  • Expertise in strategic management, financial management, and risk management
  • Advanced knowledge of public service legislation, policies, and governance structures
  • High-level communication, interpersonal, and analytical skills
  • Experience in stakeholder management and conflict resolution
  • Adaptability and leadership in complex environments
• Competencies: Ability to manage diversity, build relationships, and work collaboratively across different government sectors.

Pre-Appointment Requirements

Before the successful candidate is appointed, they will be required to meet certain conditions, including:

1. Pre-entry Assessments: Completion of two assessments (a technical exercise and an integrity assessment) for Senior Management Services (SMS) posts.
2. SMS Pre-entry Programme: Successful candidates will need to complete the Nyukela Public Service SMS Pre-entry Programme, an online course offered by the National School of Government (NSG). This course is accessible via the NSG website.
3. Vetting Process: The candidate will undergo background checks, including criminal records, financial records, citizen verification, and qualification verification.
4. Declaration of Financial Interests: A successful candidate will be required to submit a financial interests declaration form within one month of their appointment and annually thereafter.
5. Employment Contract and Performance Agreement: The appointed Director-General will be expected to sign an employment contract and a performance agreement within 3 months of their appointment.

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How to Apply

Interested candidates must submit their application by addressing it to Mr. Mpho Leshabane. Applications should be submitted in one of the following ways:

• Post: Private Bag X916, Pretoria, 0001
• Hand Delivery: 546 Edmond Street, Batho Pele House, Cnr. Edmond and Hamilton Street, Pretoria, Arcadia 0083
• Email: E-mail your application to Advert042025@dpsa.gov.za

Ensure that your application includes the following:

1. A fully completed and signed NEW Z83 form (available on the DPSA website).
2. A recent comprehensive CV with contactable referees (please include telephone numbers and email addresses).
3. Note: You are not required to submit copies of qualifications or other documents at this stage. Only shortlisted candidates will be required to submit certified copies of qualifications. Foreign qualifications must be accompanied by an evaluation certificate from the South African Qualification Authority (SAQA).

Closing Date

The closing date for submitting your application is 15 May 2025. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further steps in the selection process. If you have not been contacted within three months of the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.

For any inquiries, please contact Mr. Mpho Leshabane at Mpho.Leshabane@dpsa.gov.za or call 012 336 1372.

The Director-General role at the Department of Public Service and Administration represents an exciting opportunity to make a tangible impact on the future of South Africa’s public service sector. This high-level position is designed for a strategic leader with the vision and drive to implement policy and governance reforms that align with the national agenda. If you meet the qualifications and have the experience necessary to lead and transform, this is a career-defining opportunity.