Employment And Labour Director: Labour Activation Programmes Vacancy 2026

Opportunity Overview

The Department of Employment and Labour, through the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF), is inviting applications for the position of Director: Labour Activation Programmes in Pretoria. This senior management role is crucial for overseeing strategic initiatives aimed at facilitating labour activation and employment generation across South Africa.

This opportunity involves leading the development and implementation of key programmes, managing significant funding streams, and ensuring robust governance and oversight for these vital national initiatives.

Minimum Requirements

• An undergraduate qualification (NQF 7) as recognised by SAQA in Public Management, Public Administration, B-Com in Accounting, Finance, LLB, Auditing, Risk Management, or Project Management.
• Pre-entry certificate for Senior Management Services (SMS).
• Five (5) years' experience at Middle/Senior management level in a Labour Activation Programme, Public Employment Programmes, or Enterprise Development environment.
• Proven experience in financial management, grant management, monitoring and evaluation of funds, governance, risk, and compliance.
• Experience in managing large-scale public sector programmes and funded entities will be an added advantage.
• Knowledge of: Treasury Regulations, Public Service Regulations (PSR), Public Service Act (PSA), Labour Relations Act (LRA), Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA), Diversity Management, Strategic Management, Project Management, Financial Management, Risk Management and Compliance, and Audit Processes.
• Skills in: Financial Management, Risk Management, Project Management, Strategy Management, Diversity Management, Policy Analysis and Development, Computer Literacy, Communication (verbal and written), Quality Management, Research Methodology, Problem Solving and Decision Making, Contract Management, and Monitoring and Evaluation.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the development and implementation of strategies and policies to guide the monitoring of Labour Activation Programmes (LAP) and TERS Funding.
• Lead the provision of funding to institutions identified with the responsibility of executing Labour Activation Programmes.
• Strategically manage and maintain partnerships and networks with relevant stakeholders involved in Labour Activation Programmes.
• Provide strategic advice and reports to the UIF Board, Investment Committee, Audit Committee, Executive Management, Minister, Director-General, and other relevant governance and oversight structures.
• Lead the coordination of internal and external audit processes, including AGSA audits, relating to LAP and ensure the timely implementation of audit recommendations and corrective action plans.
• Manage resources, including human capital, finances, equipment, and assets.

What the Work Involves

As Director, you will be responsible for high-level strategic planning and execution within the Labour Activation Programmes. Your day-to-day work will involve leading policy development, overseeing the allocation and monitoring of funds to various implementing institutions, and fostering strong relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders. You will regularly prepare detailed strategic advice and reports for senior leadership and various oversight committees. A critical aspect of the role is to coordinate and respond to audit processes, ensuring all programmes meet governance, risk, and compliance standards. This is an office-based role within the Unemployment Insurance Fund in Pretoria, involving significant strategic leadership and resource management.

How to Apply

Applications should be directed via email to: Jobs-UIF18@labour.gov.za. Please ensure your application is submitted for the attention of the Sub-directorate: Human Resources Practices.

NOTE: Priority will be given to African Males, Coloured Females, Indian Males, White Males and Persons with disability. The deadline for applications is 28 September 2026.