The application deadline was 28 August 2026.
The Department of Basic Education has two senior management vacancies at its Pretoria Head Office in the latest Public Service recruitment cycle. The current Department of Basic Education jobs are in Education Human Resource Management and Psycho-Social Support, with annual packages above R1.3 million. Both roles require an NQF Level 7 qualification and substantial management experience, but they serve very different parts of the education system: one leads national education human-resource planning and labour-related work, while the other manages programmes that support the psycho-social wellbeing of learners and educators.
Department of Basic Education Vacancies Overview
- Department: Department of Basic Education
- Location: Pretoria
- Current Posts: 2
- Recruitment Circular: Public Service Vacancy Circular 29 of 2026
- Closing Date: 28 August 2026
- Application Form: New Z83 plus a detailed CV
Available Positions
- Chief Director: Education Human Resource Management — Ref DBE/62/2026 — R1,554,696 per annum
- Director: Psycho-Social Support — Ref DBE/63/2026 — R1,317,384 per annum
Chief Director: Education Human Resource Management
The Chief Director position sits in the Teachers, Education Human Resources and Institutional Development branch. It leads a group of directorates dealing with education human-resource planning, educator provisioning, performance management, whole-school evaluation, labour relations and conditions of service. The post therefore operates at national policy and system level rather than as a general internal HR job.
Applicants need an NQF Level 7 qualification in Education or Social Science recognised by SAQA, together with five years of experience at senior managerial level. The advert also looks for experience in education planning, education human resources or education labour relations, supported by broad knowledge of the education and training system. A postgraduate qualification in the relevant fields is an advantage.
Main Areas of Responsibility
- Lead the Chief Directorate and its education human-resource management functions.
- Support effective labour relations across the education sector.
- Analyse and report on human-resource requirements and capacity.
- Develop teacher recruitment strategies and systems.
- Assess the utilisation of teachers and contribute to post-allocation improvements.
- Support development and implementation of the Human Resource Management Information System.
- Improve educator performance-management and development systems.
- Work with provincial education departments and other government stakeholders.
The competency profile includes strategic leadership, people management, financial management and change management. Strong writing, communication and computer skills are also required because the post involves national planning, policy implementation, reporting and coordination with several parts of the education system.
Director: Psycho-Social Support
The Psycho-Social Support position falls under Social Mobilisation and Support Services and the Care and Support in School chief directorate. Its purpose is to manage programmes and policies that support the psycho-social wellbeing of learners and educators. The work involves programme management, stakeholder relationships, monitoring and evaluation and oversight of the directorate’s resources.
Applicants need an NQF Level 7 qualification in Psychology, Social Work or Health Science, with five years of experience at middle or senior managerial level. Experience designing and managing psycho-social support programmes is required, together with monitoring and evaluation experience and an understanding of education or school-health policies and trends.
Key Functions
- Manage and support psycho-social support officials.
- Develop and maintain policies and programmes for learner and educator wellbeing.
- Monitor and evaluate psycho-social strategies and programmes.
- Manage the directorate budget and programme resources.
- Work with provincial education departments, government departments, universities, research organisations, NGOs and civic organisations.
- Manage internal and external partnerships.
- Represent the directorate in relevant internal and external structures.
Management and Selection Requirements
Both posts are senior management positions. The Department requires the applicable Senior Management Service pre-entry requirements and uses technical and integrity assessments during the selection process. Successful candidates are also subject to personnel suitability and security checks. The two vacancies suit experienced professionals who already have management backgrounds in their respective education, social-support or public-sector fields.
How to Apply
Applications can be submitted through the methods stated by the Department of Basic Education, including post, hand delivery or the recruitment email addresses listed in the vacancy circular. Applicants must clearly state the position and reference number and submit the current Z83 form with a detailed CV.
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