The application deadline was 28 August 2026.
The Department of Basic Education is recruiting a Chief Director: Education Human Resource Management in Pretoria through Public Service Vacancy Circular 29 of 2026. This is a senior management position responsible for leading major education human-resource functions that affect teacher planning, provisioning, labour relations, performance and institutional development across the education sector. The role is aimed at an experienced public-sector or education manager who understands how policy, workforce planning and organisational systems influence teaching capacity in schools. The successful candidate will lead a chief directorate that works across several specialist directorates and will be expected to coordinate closely with other branches, provincial education departments and national government stakeholders. Because this is an SMS-level appointment, applicants should expect a rigorous assessment and security-clearance process in addition to the normal application requirements.
Position Overview
- Position: Chief Director: Education Human Resource Management
- Reference: DBE/62/2026
- Location: Pretoria
- Salary: R1,554,696 per annum
- Closing date: 28 August 2026
Minimum Requirements
Applicants need an NQF Level 7 qualification recognised by SAQA in Education or Social Science. At least five years of experience at senior managerial level is required. Relevant experience should include areas such as education planning, education human resources or education labour relations.
The advert also expects strong knowledge of the education and training system, human-resource policy, conditions of service and the processes used by provincial education departments. A postgraduate qualification in a relevant field is an advantage.
Key Responsibilities
The Chief Director will lead the directorates responsible for education human-resource planning, provisioning and monitoring; performance management and development; whole-school evaluation; education labour relations and conditions of service. The position therefore combines workforce planning, policy implementation, performance systems and labour-relations leadership.
The successful candidate will analyse and report on human-resource capacity, support teacher recruitment strategy and improve systems used to allocate teaching posts. The role also contributes to the development and implementation of education HR information systems and improvements to teacher performance and evaluation processes.
Management Responsibilities
At this level, the candidate must be able to lead professional teams, work across government structures and manage strategic programmes. Core management competencies include strategic capability and leadership, people management, financial management and change management. Strong written communication, computer skills and the ability to work confidently with senior stakeholders are important.
Application Process
Applications must be submitted on the latest Z83 form together with a detailed CV. Certified qualifications are requested later from shortlisted candidates rather than at the first application stage. Applications can be posted or hand delivered to the Department of Basic Education in Pretoria, or submitted using the email addresses listed in the official circular.
View Public Service Vacancy Circular 29 of 2026
Selection and Security Checks
The appointment is subject to personnel suitability and security checks. SMS applicants must meet the Senior Management pre-entry requirements and can be required to complete technical, competency and integrity assessments before appointment.
