Basic Education Assistant Director: Business Application and Support Vacancy 2026

Opportunity Overview

The Department of Basic Education in Pretoria is offering a key role as an Assistant Director for Business Application and Support within its Business Intelligence Branch. This position contributes to the Chief Directorate for Information and Management Systems, focusing on enhancing vital information systems within the education sector.

This role involves leading a team dedicated to the development, testing, and ongoing support of various departmental programs. This includes critical systems like SA-SAMS and other in-house or SITA-developed software. The successful candidate will play a pivotal part in designing applications, troubleshooting databases, and ensuring the quality and efficiency of essential software tools that support education management.

Minimum Requirements

To be considered for this opportunity, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• An appropriate three-year relevant post-matric qualification (NQF level 6) or equivalent qualification recognised by SAQA in Computer Science, Information Technology, Software Development, or a related field.
• Three years of relevant experience at a supervisory level in software development and testing, specifically within the Microsoft Development Environment (including VB.net, VB6, ADO, CHM, MS Access, and SQL).
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office products such as Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
• Experience in reviewing requirements, developing, and automating test cases based on user needs.
• Extensive knowledge of SA-SAMS and proven experience in user and database support.
• Prior experience in the Education sector and Project Management.
• Experience with both White and Black box testing at the unit, integration, and system levels.
• Ability to multitask and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Capability to take initiative and work with minimal guidance.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license and willingness to travel.
• Demonstrated attention to detail, strong problem-solving skills, and the ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Good communication skills, both verbal and written.

Key Responsibilities

The appointed Assistant Director will be responsible for:

• Leading a team of support and technical specialists in the development, testing, and support of DBE programs, particularly SA-SAMS and in-house/SITA developed software.
• Designing and developing ad hoc survey, data collection, and reporting tools/applications as required.
• Troubleshooting and resolving issues within Access and SQL databases.
• Evaluating and testing new or modified software programs and procedures to meet user requirements and established guidelines.
• Writing, revising, and verifying quality standards and test procedures for program design, product evaluation, and quality assurance.
• Planning, designing, and authoring effective test cases, including developing automated tests and integrating them into test suites.
• Designing and developing tools for test management, execution, and reporting to enhance the overall software testing process.
• Monitoring system program/application performance post-implementation to prevent reoccurrence of problems and ensure operational efficiency.
• Creating documentation to describe program evaluation, testing, and correction processes.
• Facilitating problem-solving interactions between end-users and SA-SAMS developers.
• Compiling monthly, quarterly, and annual reports on the status and progress of support, testing, and ad hoc system development.
• Standardising and supporting SA-SAMS and Provincial Data Warehouses.
• Providing support for training, advocacy, and change management related to SA-SAMS.