Correctional Services Director: Formal Education and Skills Development Vacancy 2026

Opportunity Overview

The Department of Correctional Services is seeking a Director for Formal Education and Skills Development. This senior management position is based at the National Head Office in Pretoria.

This role involves leading the design, development, and implementation of critical educational and skills training programs for offenders. It offers an opportunity to contribute significantly to the rehabilitation and development framework within the correctional system.

The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in ensuring that formal education and skills development initiatives align with national standards and departmental policies, managing curriculum administration, and overseeing program rollout and evaluation.

Minimum Requirements

• An undergraduate qualification (NQF Level 7) in Education/Social Sciences or equivalent, as recognised by SAQA.
• A certificate for entry into the Senior Management Services (SMS) obtained from the National School of Government (NSG) is compulsory prior to appointment.
• Five years of experience at a middle or senior managerial level in a similar environment.
• Security clearance.
• Computer literacy.
• Valid driver's licence.
• Knowledge and understanding of the South African Criminal Justice System and the Correctional Services architecture.
• Understanding of public service policy and related legislative frameworks (Public Service Act and Regulations, Public Finance Management Act, and the Correctional Service Act 111 of 1998 as amended).
• Knowledge of all legislation, norms, and standards that govern education and skills development.
• Knowledge of PFMA, including compilation of budgets, estimation, expenditure, and reporting.
• Applied strategic thinking and networking/liaison with stakeholders.
• Project management and analytical thinking skills.
• Presentation and report writing skills.
• Decision-making, problem-solving, negotiation, and organising skills.
• Communication and conflict management abilities.
• Experience in policy development, analysis, monitoring, evaluation, and implementation advice.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage, develop, and design Formal Education curriculum programs in line with South African Qualification Authority (SAQA) standards.
• Manage, develop, and design formal education curriculum programs and strategies for offenders.
• Manage formal curriculum administration for offenders.
• Develop and manage the rollout of formal education and training for offenders in line with frameworks and departmental policies and procedures.
• Manage the coordination of formal training.
• Manage, develop, and design skills development curriculum programs and strategies for offenders in line with SAQA standards.
• Manage skills development curriculum administration for offenders.
• Manage and ensure proper research and development of the program.
• Develop and manage the rollout of skills development training for offenders in line with relevant legislation, regulations, frameworks, and departmental policies and procedures.
• Manage the coordination of skills training.
• Identify risk factors and ensure monitoring and evaluation of formal education and skills development programs and services.
• Develop strategies for monitoring and evaluation of formal education.