Administration · Circular 29 of 2026
Chief Director
Department of Health
Overview
Chief Director sought by KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health to provide strategic HR leadership across multiple directorates at Level 14.
Requirements
- An appropriate Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources Management / Public Management (NQF Level 7).
- A minimum of Five (5) years’ Senior Management experience in Human Resource environment.
- Unendorsed valid Code B driver’s license (Code 08) NB: For the Pre-Entry Certificate for SMS, any individual may register for the course and complete such in anticipation of wishing to apply for an SMS post in future.
- The course is available at the NSG under the name Certificate for entry into the SMS and the full details can be sourced by following the link: https://www.thensg.gov.za/training-courses/sms- pre-entry-programme/.Individuals who have completed the course already, and who are therefore in possession of a certificate are welcome to submit such, however it is not required that an applicant submit such when applying for the post prior to the closing date.
- However, prior to an appointment being made to any SMS post, the appointee to such a post must have completed the pre-entry certificate and must be in possession of such prior to taking up the post.
- NB: All shortlisted candidates will be required to submit proof of work experience endorsed and stamped by the employer/s prior to the date of the interview.
- 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.
- Additional Requirements: Postgraduate qualification in Management will serve as recommendation for this post.
- Competencies: Knowledge, Skills, Training and Competencies Required: Competencies: Knowledge: The incumbent of this post will report to the Deputy Director General: Corporate Services and will be responsible for providing overall direction and management of the entire chief directorate to ensure that strategic goals are met.
- The ideal candidate must: Have through knowledge of the legislative framework regulating the Public Service, HRM Practices inclusive of Recruitment, Selection, Retention and Career Management Strategies within the sector.
- Possess knowledge of National Strategy on Integrated Employee Health and Wellness Framework and Employee Health and Wellness policies.
- Have the ability to work independently and under pressure.
- Have the ability to develop policies and understanding of HR Practices and Staff Relations.
- Have the ability to inspire actions in order to translate strategy into desired outcomes and outputs.
- Have the ability to develop a vision and inspire staff to achieve this.
- Have the ability to liaise at a senior level with a view to provide decision makers with clearly defined options.
- Have the ability to timeously identify transversal problem areas o the HR terrain and to develop innovative HRM strategies, action plans and policies.
- Have the ability to capitalise on human potential and to build a strong HR Team at Head Office, Regional, District and institutional levels.
- Have the ability to maintain levels of discretion.
- Have the ability to identify “best practices” and to facilitate through learning arrangements the mainstreaming thereof.
- Be able to lead and motivate staff.
- The candidate must have the following skills: Leadership and Decision Making, Problem Solving, Financial Management, Project Management, Planning and Organizing, Excellent Negotiation, High level of communication (both written and verbal) and People Management Skills.
- Be proficient in the application of computer software packages (MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint, amongst others.
Duties
- Job Purpose The successful candidate will be responsible for, amongst others Provide strategic leadership of the following directorates i.e.
- Human Resource Practices, Service Conditions, Labour Relations, Employee Health and Wellness, Human Resource Development, HR Planning, KZN College of Nursing and the College of Emergency Care (COEC), Organisational Efficiency Services and PERSAL and HRMIS.
- Oversee Human Resource Management, Development, Policy Development, HR System and Policy Monitoring and Evaluation Unit and System Maintenance Unit of the Department to ensure that it provides high quality and accessible services.
- Provide strategic HR leadership as part of a strategic planning process.
- Provide high level technical advice to the MEC, HOD and Senior Management regarding policy and strategic inputs for consideration at national level.
- Monitor and evaluate the implementation of the Department HR Policy Framework by Institutions with a view to identify implementation barriers and provide early warning and timeous technical assistance to Institutions to minimise the impact of such barriers.
- Manage special projects associated with HR as directed by the MEC and HOD.
- Provision of a supportive and enabling work environment for creating human competence through human resource development initiatives.
- Ensure existence and management of sound labour relations in the Department.
- Ensure effective and efficient human resource administration processes.
- Coordinate the implementation of the Performance Management and Development System in the Department.
- Provide strategic leadership and guidance on matters relating to Human Resources and translate strategic decisions taken by Top Management into actionable Human Resource projects and activities.
- Manage change management strategies to deal with Public Service Transformation and Restructuring processes;
- Ensure Departmental compliance with Government legislation.
- Give strategic direction in the development and implementation of policies regarding personnel administration.
- Adopt a strategic approach towards the development and training of Human Resources.
- Consult on Human Resource matters with the relevant line functionaries and stakeholders.
- Manage resources of the Chief Directorate inclusive of the development of staff.
How to apply
All applications should be forwarded to: The District Manager: Harry Gwala District Office: KZN Department of Health, Private Bag X502, Ixopo, 3969 OR Hand delivered to: 111 Margaret Street, Ixopo 3279 Interested applicants can visit the following website at www.kznonline.gov.za/kznjobs for full posts details. “Applicants are encouraged to apply for posts through the online e-Recruitment system at www.kznonline.gov.za/kznjobs or submit their Z83 and CV directly to the following email address Headoffice.Jobapplication@kznhealth.gov.za. Applicants may also visit any one of our Designated Online Application Centre’s (DOACS) where our friendly staff will assist you with applying online or receiving your hardcopy application. You can find the list of Designated Online Application Centre’s (DOACS) at www.kznonline.gov.za/kznjobs FOR ATTENTION : Miss N.S Buthelezi Tel No: (033) 395 2896
Enquiries: Mrs T.P Msimango Tel No: (033) 395 2589
Notes
Applications must be submitted on the new prescribed Application for Employment form (Z83) which must be originally signed, initialed and dated. Applications received on the incorrect Z83 will not be considered. All required information on the Z83 must be provided. Failure to complete or disclose all information will automatically disqualify the applicant. The Z83 should be accompanied by a comprehensive CV (with detailed experience). Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply for the post. Only shortlisted candidates will be required to submit certified documents on or before the day of the interview following communication from Human Resources. 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. The appointments are subject to positive outcomes obtained from the State Security Agency (SSA) to the following checks (security clearance (vetting), criminal clearance, credit records, citizenship), verification of Educational Qualifications by SAQA, verification of previous experience from Employers and verification from the Company Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC). Applicants with foreign qualifications are requested to have their qualifications evaluated by SAQA and to provide proof of such evaluation (only when shortlisted). Applicants: Please ensure that you submit your application before the closing date as no late applications will be considered. If you apply for more than 1 post, submit separate applications for each post that you apply for quoting the relevant reference number. Should you not be contacted within 3 months of the closing date of the advertisement, please consider your application to be unsuccessful.
Post 29/153, sourced from the DPSA Circular 29 of 2026. Apply directly to Department of Health by 28 August 2026 OTHER POSTS, quoting reference G41/2026. This is an unofficial index; the advert in the circular is authoritative.
- Location
- Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal
- Salary
- R1 554 696 p/a · Level 14
- Closing date
- 28 August 2026 OTHER POSTS
- Reference
- G41/2026
Apply directly to the department, by the closing date, quoting the reference.