Services

Employment and Labour Assistant Director: Labour Centre Operations (UIF) Vacancy 2026

Employment and Labour

Services (SERVICES SETA)

How this salary compares

At R50 479 a month, this post pays about the same as the median of R50 479 for contract posts asking for Grade 12 / Matric (5 listings that publish a figure). The middle half of that group pays between R34 417 and R77 691.

25th percentile: R34 417
Median: R50 479
75th percentile: R77 691

This post sits in the 50th percentile of that group. Figures are the advertised package converted to a monthly amount — before tax, pension and medical contributions, so take-home pay is lower.

Calculated by SetaJobs from the 5 comparable posts open on this site that publish a figure. Amounts advertised per year are divided by twelve; a quoted range is taken at its midpoint.

Opportunity Overview

The Department of Employment and Labour is seeking dedicated individuals for the role of Assistant Director: Labour Centre Operations, specifically focusing on Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) services. These crucial positions are available across various Labour Centres in the Eastern Cape, including Gqeberha.

This is a three-year contract opportunity designed for experienced professionals to contribute to the efficient delivery of UIF services to South African citizens. Successful candidates will play a key role in ensuring the smooth processing of claims, maintaining compliance, and managing resources within their assigned Labour Centre.

Minimum Requirements

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

An undergraduate qualification at NQF Level 6 or 7, as recognised by SAQA, in one of the following fields: Operations Management, Research/Public Management/Administration, Business Administration/Management, Administrative Management, Management, Financial Accounting, or Finance.
Four (4) years of relevant experience, which must include:
Two (2) years of functional experience within an Operations environment.
Two (2) years of experience at a supervisory level.
A valid driver’s licence will be considered an added advantage.
Knowledge of: Treasury Regulations, Public Service Act (PSA), Public Service Regulation (PSR), Basic Condition of Employment Act, Public Financial Management Act, and the Protection of Personal Information Act.
Possession of the following skills: Driving, Computer literacy, Report writing, People Management, Time Management, Communication (both verbal & written), Management, Customer Relations, Supervisory skills, Presentation skills, Numeracy skills, and Analytic skills.

Key Responsibilities

The Assistant Director will be responsible for a range of duties, including:

Facilitating the provision of UI claims and processing services at the Labour Centre.
Coordinating the quality assurance process for UI applications, registrations, and declarations, including follow-ups with clients.
Facilitating the provision of UI services to both walk-in and online customers.
Coordinating the administration of governance, compliance, and risk matters related to the UIF at the Labour Centre.
Managing resources within the assigned Division effectively.

What the Work Involves

As an Assistant Director for Labour Centre Operations focusing on UIF, you will be at the heart of service delivery. Your daily work will involve overseeing the processing of unemployment insurance claims, ensuring that applications and declarations meet required quality standards, and interacting with clients both in person at the Labour Centre and through online platforms.

You will be instrumental in managing internal compliance, governance, and risk protocols specific to UIF operations. This role also entails managing the human and material resources within your division, contributing to a well-organised and efficient working environment that serves the public effectively.

How to Apply

To apply for the Assistant Director: Labour Centre Operations (UIF) position in Gqeberha, please submit your application via email.

Email Address: Jobs-ECBTW@labour.gov.za
Subject Line: Clearly state the position and reference number: "Assistant Director: Labour Centre Operations (UIF) Ref No: HR 4/4/6/04"

Ensure your application reaches the Department of Employment and Labour before the closing date.

Closing Date: September 18, 2026

This listing in context

What the 315 opportunities we currently hold say about this one.

Live contract posts: 55
In Eastern Cape: 7
Closing within 7 days: 1

18% of the 55 live contract posts we hold ask for Grade 12 / Matric. The commonest requirement is Degree (NQF 7), at 38%.

Live contract posts stay open for a median of 14 days between posting and closing date.

Calculated by SetaJobs from the 315 listings open on this site right now, and updated as they change. Browse all 16 opportunities in Eastern Cape.

What you'll need to apply

Send only the Z83 and your CV. Attaching certified copies now is not required, and an incomplete Z83 is the single commonest reason applications are rejected.

A completed Z83 form
Your CV

Full checklist for a national or provincial department →

What a fixed-term post involves

A contract post is employment for a defined period or project. The work and the requirements are usually identical to a permanent post at the same level — the difference is the end date. Contract staff generally receive the same salary scale, sometimes with benefits paid as an allowance instead of a fund contribution.

How the selection usually runs

The screening and interview process mirrors a permanent post, and the minimum requirements are applied just as strictly.
Contract posts are often filled faster than permanent ones, because the funding is tied to a project timeline.

What you leave with

Directly relevant experience at the level you want, and internal standing when a permanent post at that level is eventually advertised.

Where this leads next

Contract renewal or extension
Continued funding for the project or post.
Permanent appointment at the same level
Competing for the post when it is advertised — contract service does not convert automatically.
A higher level elsewhere
The experience the contract gave you, which is what the next advert is asking for.

A typical route, not a guarantee — progression depends on vacancies, funding and your own performance.

Watch out for this

Confirm what happens at the end of the term before you resign from something else. A fixed-term contract ends by expiry, and that is not a dismissal you can contest.