Deputy Director: Priority Unit (Ref: DOTP 05/2026) at Western Cape Department of the Premier

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.

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.