Basic Education DEPUTY DIRECTOR Vacancy 2026

Opportunity Overview

The Department of Basic Education is seeking to appoint a Deputy Director for the Delivery and Support Branch, under the Chief Director: NEEDU. This is a vital role located in Pretoria, contributing directly to the assessment and improvement of teaching and learning within the South African education sector.

This opportunity involves three contract posts with an option to renew, offering a chance to make a significant impact on national education standards and practices. The successful candidate will be engaged in critical research, evaluation, and analysis to inform policy and support for schools, districts, and provincial offices.

Minimum Requirements

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Possess an appropriate three-year (NQF level 6) post-matric qualification or an equivalent qualification recognised by SAQA.
• Have at least four (4) years of relevant experience as an Assistant Director or at an equivalent level within the education sector.
• Demonstrate a sound knowledge of the education policy and legislative environment.
• Exhibit strong language competency in Sepedi, Setswana, or isiZulu.
• Possess knowledge of matrix and project management.
• Have experience in qualitative and/or quantitative research methodology.
• Show an ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Be capable of working independently without supervision to meet targets.
• Have sound analytical skills.
• Demonstrate report writing and presentation skills, including MS PowerPoint.
• Possess strong communication skills (verbal and writing).
• Be proficient in MS Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Access, and Outlook).
• Be willing to work extensive hours and prepared to travel.
• Hold a valid driver’s licence.
• Show a passion for making a positive contribution to South African education.

Key Responsibilities

The successful candidate will be responsible for:

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