Assistant Director: Validation & Test LAB

Overview

Assistant Director managing validation and testing lab operations for Government Pensions Administration Agency at level 09.

Requirements

• A relevant three-year National Diploma/Degree or equivalent in IT, (at least 360 credits) with 3-5 years’ experience in the IT Testing and Lab environment.
• With 2-year supervisory or Junior Management experience.
• Computer literacy that would include a high level of proficiency in Microsoft products.
• Knowledge of Employee benefits scheme and funds.
• Knowledge of applicable Legislation.
• Working knowledge of IT environment.
• Knowledge of GEPF service & products.
• Basic Accounting Systems (BAS).
• Knowledge of applicable Testing Methodology and/ or related testing courses.
• Business Analytical skills.
• Leadership and Managerial.
• Organising & Problem-Solving skills.
• Communication Skills.
• Project Management Skills.
• Customer Oriented.
• Ethical business conduct.
• Ability to communicate at all levels.
• Ability to take responsibility.
• Ability to work under pressure.

Duties

• The incumbent will be responsible for a wide variety of tasks which include but are not limited to the following: Manage the Testing Lab processes: Ensure, maintain and foster sound internal and external client relationships with all service process partners to ensure prompts service delivery.
• Manage compilation and presentation of Service Delivery performance reports for Senior Management and the Board of Trustees.
• Define and maintain the Unit’s financial budget.
• Provide support for continuous improvements projects.
• Management and/ or execution of the complete System Development Life Cycle (SDLC) or all new business systems solutions, system errors/ corrections, enhancements and new system releases.
• Ensure revision and testing of related CIVPEN and workflow functionality and the subsequent implementation of formal Testing Methodology, processes and related request and maintenance of a proper testing grid for Business Support Services.
• Provide training to all users and stakeholders on system/ process changes.
• Manage Planning and coordination of validation and testing: Ensure validation and testing across multiple projects and streams.
• Ensure report on test estimations and prioritized test items.
• Monitor test environment requirements and data requirements.
• Highlight and communicate dependencies.
• Manage entrance and exit criteria.
• Manage and development of staff: Manage the performance of the unit which involves coaching, mentoring and taking corrective action where required.
• Develop performance standards and evaluate individuals and as a team.
• Monitor staff regarding human resources such as leave, recruitment and grievances.
• Compile the work plans for the section including the consolidation of operational plans into directorate’s overall work plans.

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

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