Assistant Director: Geographical Names (Database Administrator) REF NO: DSAC-05/09/2025 at The Department of Sports, Arts and Culture (DSAC)

REQUIREMENTS :

• Senior Certificate/Matric Certificate /Grade 12 Certificate or equivalent qualification. A minimum Three-year National Diploma (NQF level 6)/ Degree (NQF level 7) as recognised by SAQA in Geographic Information Systems/ Geography/ Heritage Studies or any relevant GIS qualification;
• 3-5 years Relevant experience at a Heritage Officer level in geographical names, heritage, information or data analysis, and processing or any related environment. Experience in GIS will be an added advantage; Knowledge and understanding of Geographical Information Systems (GIS);

DUTIES :

• Manage and coordinate the national database and information systems for Geographic Names; Establishment, Configuration, and database design; Perform regular performance monitoring and troubleshooting where necessary; System enhancement and maintenance; Maintain, update, and ensure accuracy of the South African Geographical Names Database; Provide professional advice to the South African Geographical Names Council (SAGNC); Coordinate the capturing and processing of new and amended Geographic Names at all government levels;
• Plan and document system requirements and specifications; Assist with all required documentation and make recommendations on appointment of service providers; Develop a training plan for provinces; Capture gazette geographical names data; Ensure compliance with relevant legal frameworks, including heritage and language considerations; Provide administrative support and reporting for the Department and the South African Geographic Names Council;
• Check correctness of geographical name coordinates as applications are received; Work with subcommittees to assess and quality check applications received; Compile reports for the Department and South African Geographical Names Council; Develop system workflow processes; Develop audit trail process to build into the system; Conduct regular audits to verify data integrity, completeness, and compliance with approved standards;
• Prepare submissions, reports, and recommendations for consideration by the SAGNC and the Minister; Generate Geographic Names system reports and present to the SAGNC and Senior Managers; Manage the lists, schedules, spreadsheets, and data for all approved and gazette geographical names and readily provide them on request; Assist the unit with drafting submissions, memos, minutes to do with geographical names; Assist with PAIA requests to geographical names;
• Ensure that Geographic names information is on the departmental website package for electronic publication; Ensure alignment of physical records and those on the database, work with Records Management Section (Archives); Coordinate the development of web portal to be linked with the departmental website; Coordinate integration of the geographical names database with GIS and other heritage-related systems; Manage secure access, backup, and retrieval processes;
• Upload geographic names data on the GIS system onto the web portal for publication; Coordinate and Conduct capacity building training with National, Provincial and Local government departments; Schedule training for capacity building exercise with provinces on Geographic Information Systems; Plan and coordinate public consultations and awareness campaigns regarding name changes and standardisation; Liaison with National, Provincial and Local government departments on Geographical Names matters; Plan and conduct capacity building training.