Deputy Director: Priority Unit (Ref: DOTP 05/2026)

Job Purpose

The Department of the Premier is seeking to employ a competent individual to lead and manage the recruitment, selection, and appointment processes for Senior Management Services (SMS) and Ministerial posts, ensuring the timely sourcing, assessment, and placement of suitably qualified and competent talent for priority clients, in full compliance with legislative, policy, governance, and Ministerial requirements, while providing expert advisory services and enabling sound workforce planning and talent management solutions.

Minimum Requirements

A qualification at NQF level 6 or equivalent in Human Resource Management or Industrial Psychology. A minimum of 3 years’ management experience in a human resource management environment.

Recommendation

None

Key Performance Areas

Manage the recruitment and selection process for SMS members and Heads of Departments: Oversee the full recruitment lifecycle from sourcing, screening, selection, appointment, and onboarding of SMS members and Heads of Departments in line with the relevant Legislative prescripts; Faciliate the shortlisting and selection processes and provide technical guidance during shortlisting processes to ensure fairness, consistency and transparency in line with the relevant prescripts; Oversee the verification of qualifications, background checks, and pre-employment screening; Manage the interview and Competency Assessment Processes; Coordinate and Manage Ministerial Appointments and Approvals processes and ensure compliance with the relevant legislative framework; Oversee the preparation and issuing of appointment letters (Offer, Appointment) and ensure completion of security vetting, financial disclosures and contracting requirements; Manage and oversee alternative staffing mechanism such as Acting appointments (including eligibility, approvals, and timeframes) Secondments and Transfers, Assignments and Deployments and ensure compliance with the relevant legislative frameworks; Monitor and Track the recruitment turnaround times and efficiency metrics. Report on vacancies, progress, and challenges to the Director and senior leadership and identify bottlenecks and implement process improvements; Manage the compilation and publication of advertisements for SMS members. Manage the provision of a recruitment advisory service for SMS members, Heads of Departments and Ministerial Employees. Plan and manage the work of and account for the overall performance of the Sub-Directorate. People and Financial Management within the Sub-Directorate: Priority Unit; project management, quality control of and report on all work within the Priority Unit; Ensure the publication of advertisements in various media; Facilitate the compilation of advertisements and pre-selection questionnaires.

Competencies

In-depth knowledge of the Public Service Act, Public Service Regulations, and DPSA SMS Handbook governing recruitment and selection of SMS members.

Knowledge of Labour Relations legislation, including the Labour Relations Act (LRA), Employment Equity Act (EEA), and related regulations; Knowledge of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), National and Provincial Treasury Regulations, and financial governance requirements; Knowledge of collective agreements, directives, circulars, and prescripts relevant to HR management and recruitment; Knowledge of end-to-end recruitment and selection processes, including:

Advertising strategies and processes; Shortlisting, interviewing, and selection methodologies Competency-based assessments; Knowledge of Ministerial appointment processes, protocols, and submission requirements; Knowledge of alternative staffing mechanisms, including: Acting appointments Secondments and transfers; Assignments and deployments; Knowledge of talent sourcing strategies and workforce planning.; Knowledge of modern governance, risk management, and compliance frameworks; Understanding of audit processes, record-keeping standards, and accountability mechanisms; Knowledge of ethical standards, transparency principles, and fair administrative practices in recruitment; Knowledge of policy development, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation processes.

Ability to interpret and apply policies to provide strategic HR advisory services; Knowledge of best practices in public sector HR management and recruitment.

Knowledge of project management methodologies and tools; Knowledge of operational management practices, including planning, organising, and performance monitoring; Understanding of service delivery improvement frameworks; Knowledge of HR information systems, e-Recruitment systems, and digital platforms supporting recruitment and talent management; Knowledge of records management, knowledge management, and information governance systems. Knowledge and understanding of: Constitutional, legal, and institutional frameworks governing the South African public sector; Public service procedures, systems, and administrative processes; Knowledge of national, provincial, and departmental strategic priorities; Knowledge and understanding of regional political, economic, and social dynamics impacting the Western Cape Government; Knowledge of the functional environment and intergovernmental relations, including coordination with other departments and stakeholders; Knowledge of budgeting processes, expenditure management, and financial controls; Knowledge of performance management systems and practices; Understanding of human resource management principles, including; Employee development; Performance monitoring; Ability to maintain the highly confidential nature of people management work; Demonstrate resourcefulness and initiative in dealing with daily challenges; ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines. Communication (written and verbal) skills in at least two of the three official languages of the Western Cape.

Remuneration

R 932 292- R1098 195 per annum (Salary Level 11) All-inclusive salary package.

Note on remuneration in addition service benefits or obligations for qualifying employees (medical assistance, housing assistance, pension-fund contributions, etc) are funded or co-funded in terms of the applicable prescripts or collective agreements.

Notes

Shortlisted candidates will be required to attend interviews on a date and time determined by the department and will be required to submit duly completed and signed vetting and supporting documentation within the timeframe communicated by the WCG and prior to the interview date. Failure to provide the required duly completed and signed vetting and supporting documentation within the prescribed timeframe, without reasonable justification, may result in the shortlisted candidate not being considered further in the current recruitment and selection process.

All shortlisted candidates shall undertake two pre-entry assessments. One will be a practical exercise to determine a candidate’s suitability based on the post’s technical and generic requirements and the other must be an integrity (ethical conduct) assessment. The selection process will be guided by the EE targets of the employing department.

By applying for this position, you are consenting to the Western Cape Government contacting your previous employers/managers for an employment reference. Reference checks will include enquiries relating to your disciplinary records and reasons for leaving.

Should you experience difficulties with your online application, technical support is available from Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 16.00. Contact the helpline at 086 137 0214. For all other queries relating to the position, kindly contact the enquiries person as indicated in the advert. Please ensure that you submit your application before the closing date as no late applications will be considered.

Attachments (if applicable)