Employment and Labour Assistant Director: Human Resource Management and Employment Relations Vacancy 2026

Opportunity Overview

The Department of Employment and Labour is seeking a dedicated Assistant Director for Human Resource Management and Employment Relations to join their Provincial Office in East London, Eastern Cape. This vital role involves overseeing key HR functions and ensuring the smooth operation of employment relations within the province.

This position is ideal for an experienced HR professional ready to take on a leadership role, contributing to the effective management of human resources policies, employment equity programmes, and staff administration within a government department. You will play a crucial part in supporting the Department's mission in the Eastern Cape.

Minimum Requirements

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

• A three-year relevant tertiary qualification in Human Resource Management.
• A minimum of two (2) years of supervisory experience.
• A minimum of two (2) years of functional experience in Human Resources and Employment Relations Services.
• A valid driver’s licence.
• Required Knowledge: Public Service transformation and management issues, White paper transformation of Public Service, ability to convert policy into action, Human Resources Systems and Procedures, Public Service Act and Resolutions, Recruitment and Selection, Departmental Policies and Procedures, Batho Pele Principles, Minimum Information Security Standards.
• Required Skills: Administration and financial management, Project management, Interpersonal, Communication (verbal and written), Computer literacy, Analytical, Problem solving, Conflict management, People management.
• Coloured Males, Coloured Females, Indian Males, Indian Females, White Males, White Females, and People with Disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Key Responsibilities

The successful candidate will be responsible for:

• Coordinating and monitoring the implementation of human resources management policies across the Province.
• Monitoring and providing expert advice on the implementation of Employment Relations policies and prescripts.
• Coordinating and managing the implementation of Employment Equity programmes.
• Monitoring the administration of service benefits for staff.
• Managing the staff and all resources allocated to the Sub-Directorate.

What the Work Involves

As the Assistant Director, you will be based at the Provincial Office in East London, operating in an office environment. Your daily tasks will involve a mix of strategic oversight and operational management. You will coordinate the application of HR policies across the province, ensuring compliance and providing expert advice on employment relations matters. This includes driving the implementation of employment equity initiatives and monitoring employee benefit administration. A significant part of your role will involve leading and managing the staff and resources within your Sub-Directorate, ensuring efficient and effective HR service delivery.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted by October 16, 2026.

You can apply using one of the following methods:

• Email: Send your application to Jobs-EC2@labour.gov.za.
• Post: Address your application to the Chief Director: Provincial Operations, Private Bag 9005, East London.
• Hand Delivery: Deliver your application to No. 03 Hill Street, East London.