Assistant Director: Political Verification

Overview

Assistant Director role verifying political pension applications at GPAA, requiring relevant diploma and five years' experience.

Requirements

• A relevant three (3) year National Diploma/Degree (at least 360 credits).
• Minimum 3-5 years relevant experience in Research and Administration of Special Pensions.
• With 2 years Supervisory/Junior management experience. knowledge of Special pension Act. knowledge of Public Finance and Management Act.
• Knowledge of Employee benefits.
• Knowledge of GPAA services & products.
• Knowledge of Retirement Fund Industry.
• Knowledge of Research.
• Knowledge of South African Political Savvy.
• Knowledge of Programme & Project Management.
• Knowledge of driving.
• Knowledge of Change Management.
• Analytical skills.
• Computer Literacy Skills.
• Problem Solving Skills.
• Financial Skills.
• Organisation & Coordination.
• Motivational Skills.
• Presentation Skills.
• Customer Oriented.
• Ability to communicate at all levels.
• Outgoing personality.
• Ability to build strong network relationship.
• Work in a team.

Duties

• The incumbent will be responsible for a wide variety of tasks which include but are not limited to the following: Implement processes, guidelines and policies on researching and verification of politicians applying for special pensions: Undertake research on the latest trend with regard to verification of special pension applicants.
• Develop a comprehensive and concise research guidelines and methodology on political verifications.
• Ensure that the guideline and policies are aligned to GPAA strategic objectives and contribute to effective services delivery.
• Undertake risk assessment procedures on researching and verification of politician applying for special pension.
• Oversee continuous adherence to research guidelines on verification of applicants.
• Conduct and coordinate research and political verification of special pension beneficiaries.
• Ensure the verification and validation of information sourced through research.
• Ensure that all research is accompanied by reliable supporting documents for evidence.
• Liaise and interact with relevant organs to validate information for special pension status determination.
• Manage the collation of details of applicants for verification purposes.
• Ensure availability and distribution of special pension research information.
• Collate, consolidate and present qualitative and quantitative research reports on political involvement of beneficiaries.
• Verify of information supplied by applicants.
• Ensure that the research is in line with GPAA strategic objectives.
• Build and maintain effective internal and external relationships.
• Compile, present and submit reports related to the effective functioning of the unit.
• Ensure preparation of Verification files.
• Check information supplied by applicants and that it is in correct files.
• Prepare verification files for Verification team.
• Monitor and account file movement and distribute files to Verifiers or Researchers.
• Assist Verifiers on tracing and setting up interviews with applicants as per request from Verifiers or Researchers.
• Assist Verifiers or Researchers with secondary data to assist with their verification.
• Management and development of staff: Manage the performance of the unit which involves coaching, mentoring and take corrective action where required, develop performance standards and evaluates team and individuals.
• Monitor staff regarding human resources such as leave, recruitment, grievances and discipline.
• Compile the work plans for the unit including the consolidation of the operational plans into the directorate’s overall work plan.

How to apply

To apply visit: https://erecruitment.gpaa.gov.za/

Enquiries: Sibekezelo Mthembu Tel No: (012) 319 1275 Enquiries.erecruitment@gpaa.gov.za

Notes

One permanent position for Assistant Director: Political Verification is currently available at the Government Pensions Administration Agency: Special Pensions Unit. Effective from 19 June 2026, the GPAA now utilises an e-Recruitment System which means all applicants must login/register to apply for positions, we only accept e-Recruitment online applications. The applicant’s profile on the e Recruitment is equivalent to the newly approved Z83, and it is the responsibility of applicants to ensure their profiles are fully completed or their applications will not be considered, as per the DPSA Practice Note. Certain documentation will still be required to be uploaded on the system such as copies of all qualifications including National Senior Certificate/Matric certificate, ID, etc., however these documents need not be certified at point of application, however certification will be required prior to attending the interview. The candidate must agree to the following: Shortlisted candidates must avail themselves for a virtual or in-person panel interview at a date and time determined by the GPAA. Please note: 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. It should be noted that the GPAA does not support the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in any of its recruitment and selection processes and will disqualify an application if it picks up the use of AI when completing assessments without acknowledging the source of information. Successful completion of the Nyukela Public Service SMS Pre-entry Programme as endorsed by the National School of Government, available as an online course on https://www.thensg.gov.za/training-course/sms-pre-entry-programme/, prior to finalisation of appointment, is a requirement for all SMS positions. 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. Applicants must note that pre-employment checks and references will be conducted once they are short-listed and the appointment is also subject to a positive outcome on these checks, which include but not limited to: security clearance, security vetting, qualification/study verification, citizenship verification, financial/asset record check, previous employment verification and criminal record. Applicants will be required to meet vetting requirements as prescribed by Minimum Information Security Standards in line with the new DPSA Directive effective 01 April 2024. By submitting your application, it also means you consent to the GPAA processing your information for Human Resources Management purposes. It is the applicant’s responsibility to have all their foreign qualifications (this includes O and A level certificates) evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA), at your own expense. Upon appointment, successful candidates will be required to sign a Performance Agreement within 3 months from date of appointment and for candidates whose appointment exceeds 12 calendar months will be appointed on probation for the period of twelve (12) calendar months excluding leave taken as prescribed by Public Service Regulation 68. The status of your application will be visible on the e-Recruitment system. However, if you have not received feedback from the GPAA within 6 months of the closing date, please regard your application as unsuccessful. The candidate must take note: It is the GPAA’s intention to promote equity (race, gender and disability) through the filling of this post(s) with a candidate whose transfer / promotion / appointment will promote representativeness in line with the numerical targets as contained in GPAA’s Employment Equity Plan. Note: The GPAA reserves the right not to fill the below-mentioned posts, withdraw or to put on-hold a position and/or to re-advertise a post. MANAGEMENT ECHELON