Director-General REF NO: DHET 01/10/2026 at Department of Higher Education and Training

REQUIREMENTS :

• A senior certificate, an undergraduate qualification and a postgraduate qualification (NQF Level 8) in Business Administration/Public Management or any other related qualification as recognized by SAQA. Possession of a doctoral degree will be a distinct advantage. A relevant senior executive management and leadership certificate will be an added advantage.
• Ten (10) years of experience at senior managerial level. Successful completion of the Nyukela Public Service SMS Pre-entry Programmed as endorsed by NSG.
• Knowledge of the Post-Schooling Education and Training system as a whole; Knowledge of the Constitution, Public Service Act (PSA) and Regulations, Public Management Act, 2014 (PAMA), Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) (1999 and Regulations, and any other relevant prescript within the system of government.
• An understanding of the emerging Higher Education, Science and Innovation (HESI) landscape. Solid working knowledge of the following: White Paper on PSET; University Education, Skill Development; Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Community Education and Training (CET) legislation and policies; National Development Plan (NDP); Government Programme of Action; and the Human Resource Development Council Strategy.
• Advanced knowledge and experience in Public Administration and Public Management; Knowledge of the Auditor-General’s Audit Framework; Extensive experience in leading and managing a large-scale, complex organisation or program is an added advantage; Extensive knowledge and experience in policy research, policy analysis and policy development; A proven track record in conducting monitoring, evaluation and impact assessments; Advanced knowledge in government’s Human Resource Management and Labour related legislation. Advanced experience in establishing and managing complex relationships and partnerships. Computer literacy.
• Core Competencies: Strategic capability and leadership, solid understanding of the political-administrative interface; Programme and Project management, advanced financial skills, Change management, People Management and Empowerment. A valid driver’s licence. 

DUTIES : 

• The successful candidate will, as the Head of Department, plan, implement, coordinate and communicate the Departmental vision, values, policies, statutory and strategic frameworks in terms of the relevant legislation and advise the Minister in determining policy, strategy, norms and standards as required by the Constitution and all relevant statuses; provide strategic direction to intergovernmental relations, stakeholder support and management of post-school education and training partner institutions and public entities in line with national policy, strategy, norms and standards; provide strategic leadership in monitoring and evaluating policy, governance, risk and compliance in order to achieve planned outcomes and impact for equitable access to, success of and institutional quality of the post-school education and training system, and report on the departmental performance to the Minister and other oversight structures including the Audit and Risk Committee, Parliament, National Treasury, Departments of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) and Performance Monitoring and Evaluation (DPME).
• The successful candidate will participate in and represent the Department in Governance and Administration structures including the committee for Directors-General (FOSAD) and any other structure as directed by the Minister.
• As the Accounting Officer, the successful candidate will, in terms of the PFMA, ensure that the department has and maintains effective, efficient and transparent systems of financial and risk management and internal controls, as well as ensure the efficient, economical and transparent use of the resources of the department; be responsible for the management, including the safeguarding and maintenance of the assets and liabilities, keep full and proper records of the financial affairs of the department and prepare annual financial statements; ensure the administration, implementation and documentation of international instruments relevant to the mandate and work of the Department.
• N.B. All shortlisted candidates will be required to complete a relevant competency exercise.