Deputy Director: European, American Partneships

Requirements

An appropriate Bachelor’s Degree / Advanced Diploma (NQF level 7) in International Relations, Developmental Studies or Public Management. A post graduate qualification will be an added advantage. At least three (3) to five (5) years relevant work experience as an assistant director, of which at least two (3) years must have been in the conduct of international relations. The appointee should have a good understanding of South Africa’s higher education and training policies as well as its foreign policy. Excellent communication skills (written and verbal); demonstrated client orientation and interpersonal skills; a team player with good management and administrative skills having the ability to multitask; the appointee will be expected to travel both locally and internationally; work under pressure and odd hours at times and must have a driver’s license. Applicants may be required to undergo competency assessment tests.

Key Responsibilities

The appointee will be involved in the promotion of international relations concerning higher education and training matters at both bilateral and multilateral levels; develop and monitor agreements and implementation plans on bilateral cooperation; provide strategic analysis of higher education and training in countries in order to assist in the formulation of cooperation strategies and policy development processes; provide comprehensive status reports and synthesized political and education briefings on international collaboration programmes and projects; liaise with the Department of International Relations and Cooperation and diplomatic missions both internally and externally on bilateral and multilateral matters in higher education and training; maintain relations with education and training institutions, specialised agencies and educational non-governmental organisations working in the field of promoting South Africa’s educational objectives abroad; contribute towards the maintenance of a database on international linkages and programmes of all higher education and training institutions through regular updates; to manage the logistical and programmatic arrangements for the hosting of incoming international delegations, conference workshops, seminars and outgoing study visits and delegations. N.B. All shortlisted candidates will be required to complete a relevant competency exercise.

How to Apply

Enquiries

Notes

Upload the supporting document namely, (1) a comprehensive CV and any other document (where required). A fully completed and signed Z83 form and a detailed Curriculum Vitae will be considered. A helpful user guide and videos are available on the DHET website careers page to enable completion of the digital Z83. Only shortlist ted candidates will be required to submit certified documents/copies of qualifications and other relevant documents to support the application on or before the day of the interviews. It is the applicant’s responsibility to have foreign qualifications evaluated by the South African Qualification Authority (SAQA). Candidates whose appointments promote representativity in terms of race, gender, and disability will receive preference. All shortlisted candidates, including the SMS, 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. All shortlisted candidates for SMS posts will be subjected to a technical exercise and interview. Following the technical exercise and interview, a maximum of three (3) SMS candidates will undergo psychometric assessments to assess cognitive capabilities, behavioural preferences, emotional intelligence, and integrity. One of the minimum entry requirements for the SMS position is the Pre-entry Certificate. No appointment will occur without successfully completing the pre-entry certificate and submission thereof. For more details on the pre-entry course visit: https://www.thensg.gov.za/training-course/sms-pre-entry-programme/. The candidate(s) will be required to sign an annual performance agreement, disclose his/her financial interests, and be subjected to security clearance. If 57 you have not been contacted within three (3) months of the closing date of this advertisement, please accept that your application was unsuccessful. Suitable candidates will be subjected to personnel suitability checks (criminal record check, citizenship verification, qualification/study verification, and previous employment verification). Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.“DHET is committed to providing equal opportunities and practising affirmative action employment. It is our intention to promote representatives in terms of (race, gender, and disability) in the organisation”. Employment Equity principles will be applied in accordance with the Departmental Employment Equity Policy, taking into consideration the applicable equity targets, representativity, and legislative requirements. CLOSING DATE : 18 September 2026