Deputy Director-General: Immigration Services

Requirements

A qualification in Law, Business Management, Public Management, Public Administration, Operations Management, Public Policy or in a relevant field at NQF level 8 as recognized by SAQA. 8 Years’ experience at a Senior Management Service level within a highly pressured, complex and litigious operational environment, preferably within immigration services, migration management, law enforcement, regulatory administration, or a related field. Proven track record of operating successfully at a strategic / executive leadership level within a large organization of comparable size and complexity as well as public sector experience will serve as an added advantage. Extensive knowledge and understanding of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, Public Service legislative and regulatory frameworks, Government structures, and the legislative and operational frameworks governing immigration management and the enforcement of the Immigration Act. Sound knowledge and understanding of migration governance frameworks, including economic development considerations, international relations, international migration law, international conventions on migration, and applicable continental and regional migration protocols. Sound knowledge and understanding of government planning and governance frameworks, including the Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP), Government Planning Frameworks, and the principles of good corporate governance (King IV). A Valid driver’s licence or ability to fulfil the operational travel requirements of the post independently, through maintaining reliable transport arrangements for the execution of official duties, as well as willingness to travel and work extended hours. Successful completion of the Nyukela Pre-entry Certificate to Senior Management Services. Skills and competencies: Strong strategic, digital and transformational leadership capability, including the ability to drive innovation, leverage emerging technologies, lead large-scale organisational transformation and modernisation initiatives, and oversee the modernisation of Immigration processes and systems, digital governance controls and technology-enabled oversight mechanisms within a digital-first environment. Advanced operational and regulatory management capability, including service delivery innovation, programme and project management, operational planning, governance oversight, risk management, regulatory compliance, and the ability to deliver results in a highly complex and demanding environment. Sound strategic, analytical and problem-solving capability, including data- driven decision-making, policy development, knowledge and information management, operational performance analysis, and the ability to strengthen organisational effectiveness, service delivery outcomes and regulatory compliance. Sound financial and resource management capability, including budgeting, financial management, financial reporting, resource optimisation and accountability for organisational performance within a complex operational environment. Excellent stakeholder management and interpersonal skills, including client orientation and customer focus, communication, presentation, business report writing, influencing, networking, negotiation and conflict management, with the ability to build and maintain effective relationships with government institutions, international partners and other strategic stakeholders. Strong people leadership capability, including team leadership, employee empowerment, change management, coaching and the ability to foster a high-performance, ethical and service-oriented organisational culture. High levels of professionalism, sound judgement, honesty, integrity, attention to detail, and a commitment to ethical governance and public service excellence.

Key Responsibilities

The successful candidate will be responsible for, amongst others, the following key functions: Provide strategic and executive leadership to the Branch: 30 Immigration Services, including the effective management of human, financial and physical resources, as well as governance, risk and compliance processes. Provide strategic leadership and guidance on immigration management matters, including the implementation of immigration legislation, operational modernisation, regulatory compliance and service delivery improvement initiatives. Lead the implementation of strategic objectives and innovation initiatives within the Branch, including legislative reforms, digital transformation, process optimisation and organisational culture transformation to enhance operational efficiency and client service delivery. Drive the Branch’s Digital Transformation Programme through the implementation of secure, modern and future-ready immigration systems and platforms, including the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), integrated biometric solutions and digital immigration registration platforms that promote digital inclusion and equitable access to services. Provide strategic leadership on permitting services and the administration of immigration functions in accordance with the Immigration Act, 2002 (Act No. 13 of 2002), including asylum seeker management and related immigration services. Provide strategic direction on immigration port control policy, immigration operations and regulatory enforcement capabilities. Lead inspectorate and immigration enforcement services, including the identification and implementation of measures to detect, prevent and address illegal immigration and ensure compliance with immigration legislation. Facilitate strategic stakeholder engagement and partnerships with government institutions, law enforcement agencies, international organisations and other key stakeholders, including representing the Department at national, regional and international forums. Oversee the development, review and implementation of immigration policies, frameworks, systems and codes of practice aligned to legislative prescripts, governance standards and organisational priorities. Ensure the effective delivery of immigration services in accordance with applicable service standards and organisational commitments, including the achievement of Branch performance targets, strengthening governance and internal control systems, and supporting clean audit outcomes. Lead the institutionalisation of digital innovation, ethical governance, organisational values and people-centred service delivery practices across the Branch.

How to Apply

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