Assistant Director: Bilateral Relations

Overview

Assistant Director role facilitating bilateral cooperation programmes and agreements with partner countries for the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture.

Requirements

• Senior Certificate/Matric Certificate /Grade 12 Certificate or equivalent qualification;
• Minimum three-year National Diploma (NQF level 6) / Degree (NQF level 7) as recognised by SAQA in International Relations/ Political Science/ / International Law/ Diplomatic studies or any relevant qualification; 2-3 years relevant experience at least 2 years as an Officer in international relations, diplomacy, bilateral cooperation, intergovernmental relations, or any relevant environment;
• Knowledge of Public Service Regulations;
• Knowledge and understanding of international relations and diplomacy;
• Knowledge and understanding of Bilateral and multilateral cooperation processes and protocols;
• Knowledge of government policies and international cooperation frameworks;
• Research and policy analysis;
• Stakeholder and relationship management;
• Project and programme coordination;
• Negotiation and facilitation skills;
• Planning and organisiting skills;
• Communication and interpersonal relations;
• Computer literacy;
• Ability to work under pressure;
• Ability to Interact with other officials from other countries;
• Adapts to changing demands and conditions;
• Diplomacy, tact, and cultural sensitivity.

Duties

• The purpose of this post is to facilitate and strengthen bilateral cooperation programmes and agreements with partner countries in support of the departmental priorities;
• Facilitate the implementation of bilateral agreements to strengthen cooperation and achieve tangible outcomes-Coordinate and facilitate bilateral engagements, including preparatory meetings and follow-ups with designated partner countries;
• Maintain relationships with foreign governments, embassies, commissions, and international partners;
• Negotiate, draft, conclude, and renew bilateral agreements and cooperation frameworks;
• Implement and coordinate agreements, programmes, and action plans;
• Ensure alignment of bilateral agreements with national cultural diplomacy and international relations frameworks;
• Monitor and track bilateral engagements and programme delivery status;
• Enhance and strengthen bilateral cooperation in sport, arts, culture and heritage to advance South Africans interest and cultural diplomacy-Facilitate implementation of signed agreements, Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), and action plans;
• Monitor, evaluate, and report on progress against bilateral commitments and deliverables;
• Provide technical and administrative support during negotiations and review processes;
• Maintain a centralised database and records system for all international agreements and cooperation instruments;
• Ensure compliance with approved protocols, governance frameworks, and international obligations;
• Prepare implementation progress reports and updates for relevant stakeholders;
• Strengthen and maintain cordial relations between the Department and its bilateral partners-Coordinate the preparation of official documentation, including Ministerial submissions, DG submissions, briefing notes, reports, and correspondence;
• Facilitate internal coordination between branches and line function managers to ensure policy and operational alignment;
• Engage with relevant stakeholders;
• Coordinate participation of departmental officials and cultural practitioners in international programmes;
• Facilitate international travel arrangements;
• Assist with intergovernmental and multilateral coordination;
• Maintain stakeholder engagement records and communication logs;
• Conduct research, policy analysis, and international scanning-Conduct research on international trends, cultural diplomacy practices, and policy developments;
• Analyse political, economic, social, and sector-specific developments affecting bilateral relations;
• Prepare country profiles, policy briefs, and strategic analyses;
• Identify opportunities for international collaboration and partnerships;
• Benchmark departmental programmes against international best practice;
• Provide evidence-based input for negotiation and strategic decision-making;
• Manage international events, delegations, and protocol processes-Coordinate bilateral meetings, official visits, conferences, workshops, cultural exchanges, and international forums;
• Organise and facilitate incoming and outgoing international delegations;
• Manage logistical and programme arrangements for official visits;
• Support protocol and diplomatic engagement processes;
• Liaise with protocol units, DIRCO, embassies, and hosting institutions to ensure seamless execution of engagements;
• Compile post-event reports and evaluation summaries.

How to apply

Applicants must use this link below to access DSAC E-Recruitment System https://erecruit.dsac.gov.za/public/login_test.php Hand delivery: Sealed envelope addressed to Chief Director: Human Resource Management and Development, Sechaba House, 202 Madiba Street, Pretoria Central. Postal mail to The Chief Director: Human Resource Management and Development, Private Bag X897, Pretoria, 0001.

Enquiries: Mr J Mogashoa Tel No: (012) 441 3095

Notes

Please create a user profile by completing all required personal information and setting up your login credentials. Once registration is complete, log in to the system and you will be directed to the “Welcome Page”. From the Welcome Page, you may browse all vacant positions opportunities listed below. Applicants are strongly advised to complete all information required for the electronic Z83 form on the system before applying for any position. The Z83 form has been adopted into the system, and applications cannot be processed unless all mandatory fields are completed. After completing your profile and Z83 information, you may apply for any relevant advertised position through the system. Ensure that your application is fully completed and submitted before the closing date, as incomplete or late applications will not be considered. Once submitted, the system will provide a confirmation message indicating that your application has been successfully received. The e- Recruitment portal is also accessible via smartphones and other mobile devices. Correspondence will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. Only shortlisted candidates will be required to bring certified copies of ID, Driver’s licence (where required) and qualifications on or before the interview. Should you be in possession of any foreign qualification(s), it must be accompanied by an evaluation certificate from the South African Qualification Authority (SAQA); Applicants must be South African citizens. Shortlisted candidates must avail themselves for a virtual or in-person panel interview at a date and time determined by DSAC. The applicant should make own arrangement for access to internet connectivity and equipment for this purpose. Applicants must note that pre-employment checks and references will be conducted once they are shortlisted. The appointment is also subject to a positive outcome on these checks, including security clearance, security vetting, qualification/study verification, citizenship verification, financial/asset record check, previous employment verification and criminal record. If an applicant wishes to withdraw an application, it must be done in writing. We encourage all applicants to declare any criminal and/or negative credit records. All shortlisted candidates 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 logistics of which will be communicated by the Department. 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. The successful candidate will be required to enter into an employment contract and sign an annual performance agreement. The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. The employment decision shall be informed by the Employment Equity Plan of the Department to achieve its Employment Equity targets. It is the Department’s intention to promote equity (race, gender and disability) through the filling of these posts. The Department reserves the right not to make an appointment and to use other recruitment processes, thus withdrawing this advert by notice on its communication channels. Prior to appointment for SMS post, a candidate would be required to complete the Nyukela Programme: Pre-entry Certificate to Senior Management Services as endorsed by the DPSA, which is an online course endorsed by the National School of Government (NSG). The course is available at the NSG under the name Certificate for entry into the SMS and the full details can be sourced from the following link: https://www.thensg.gov.za/training-course/sms-pre-entry-programme/.If you have not been contacted within three months of the closing date of this advertisement, please accept that your application was unsuccessful. We thank all applicants for their interest. MANAGEMENT ECHELON