Basic Education Chief Director: Education Human Resource Management Vacancy 2026

Opportunity Overview

The Department of Basic Education is seeking a highly experienced and qualified individual to fill the critical role of Chief Director for Education Human Resource Management. This leadership position is central to the Branch: Teachers, Education Human Resources and Institutional Development, focusing on shaping the human resource landscape within the education sector.

Based in Pretoria, the successful candidate will lead a Chief Directorate responsible for various key functions related to human resource planning, performance management, labour relations, and conditions of service for educators. This role offers the opportunity to drive strategic initiatives that directly impact the quality of teaching and learning across South Africa's education system.

Minimum Requirements

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

• Qualification: Possession of a qualification at NQF Level 7 as recognised by SAQA in Education or Social Science. A postgraduate qualification in Education Planning, Education Human Resources, Education Labour Relations, or Human Resource Policy will be an added advantage.
• Experience:
• 5 years' experience at a senior managerial level.
• Experience in Education Planning, Education Human Resources, or Education Labour Relations.
• Extensive knowledge of and experience in the education sector and training system planning, policy funding, and implementation in the Education Human Resources System.
• Experience in Human Resource policy and Conditions of Service Development.
• Understanding: Knowledge of processes regarding Human Resources and in provincial education departments.
• Skills: Strong writing and communication skills, computer proficiency, and experience in managing a team of people.
• Core Competencies: Strategic Capacity and Leadership, People Management and Empowerment, Financial Management, and Change Management.
• Personal Attributes: Must be confident, trustworthy, accurate, adaptable, and diplomatic.

Key Responsibilities

The Chief Director will oversee and manage the Chief Directorate, which includes the Directorates of Education, Human Resource Planning, Provisioning and Monitoring; Education Performance Management and Development; Whole School Evaluation; and Education Labour Relations Management and Conditions of Service. Key duties include:

• Serving the entire education sector and leading a team in collaboration with other departmental branches, state departments, and provincial departments.
• Ensuring effective and efficient labour relations within the sector.
• Analysing and reporting on human resources requirements and capacity.
• Developing a comprehensive teacher recruitment strategy and system.
• Assessing the effective utilisation of teachers in schools and revamping the post allocation system to reduce class sizes.
• Developing and implementing the Human Resource Management Information System.
• Improving the effectiveness of the teacher performance system, as part of integrated quality management performance evaluation and development of educators.
• Improving the quality of teaching and learning in South Africa.