Basic Education Deputy Director Vacancy 2026

Opportunity Overview

The Department of Basic Education is seeking dedicated individuals for three contract Deputy Director positions, with the possibility of renewal, based in Pretoria. This role offers a significant opportunity to contribute to the upliftment of the South African education sector.

Successful candidates will join the Delivery and Support Branch, specifically within Chief Director: NEEDU, playing a pivotal role in evaluating and improving the state of teaching and learning across schools, districts, and provincial offices. This is a chance to apply your expertise in research and evaluation to make a tangible difference in the country's basic education system.

Minimum Requirements

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

• Qualification: An appropriate three-year (NQF level 6) post-matric qualification or an equivalent qualification recognised by SAQA.
• Experience: Four (4) years of relevant experience as an Assistant Director or at an equivalent level within the education sector.
• Language Competency: Strong language competency in Sepedi, Setswana, or isiZulu.
• Knowledge:
• Sound knowledge of the education policy and legislation environment.
• Knowledge of matrix and project management.
• Experience in qualitative and/or quantitative research methodology.
• Skills:
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work independently without supervision to meet targets.
• Sound analytical skills.
• Report writing and presentation skills, including MS PowerPoint.
• Strong communication (verbal and writing) skills.
• Computer skills in MS Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Access, and Outlook).
• Other:
• Willingness to work extensive hours and be prepared to travel.
• A valid driver’s licence.
• Passion to make a positive contribution to South African education.

Key Responsibilities

The successful candidate will be responsible for a range of duties focused on evaluation, research, and reporting within the education sector:

• Liaising with district officials and school management teams to prepare for evaluations/research.
• Conducting independent research/evaluation in sampled schools, districts, and provincial offices, adhering to prescribed protocols and instruments.
• Analysing data using appropriate qualitative and quantitative tools or techniques.
• Providing clear assessments of the state of teaching and learning, including collecting and analysing data.
• Observing educators in practice using approved instruments as part of school evaluation processes.
• Writing, editing, and analysing reports, and providing recommendations for improvement.
• Collating reports from different members of the evaluation team.
• Analysing research/evaluation reports to identify emerging trends within districts and schools.
• Conducting document analysis and preparing reports with recommendations regarding necessary actions for the Basic Education Sector.
• Verifying the findings of school self-evaluations.
• Contributing to standards setting in education.
• Sharing research findings across various platforms and structures.
• Identifying problem areas within the basic education sectors and outlining action research to address them.
• Performing any other functions deemed appropriate by the Supervisor within the ambit of labour law.