Forestry, Fisheries and The Environment Assistant Director: Performance Management Vacancy 2026

Opportunity Overview

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and The Environment is seeking an Assistant Director for Performance Management to join its team in Cape Town. This role is crucial for ensuring effective performance oversight and compliance across various levels of the department.

This is an opportunity to contribute to the department's human resource functions, specifically focusing on the coordination and implementation of performance management systems for both Senior Management Services (SMS) and non-SMS members. The successful candidate will play a key role in maintaining operational efficiency in performance processes.

Minimum Requirements

• National Diploma (NQF 6) in Human Resource Management, Human Resource Development, Public Management, Industrial Psychology, or a related field, as recognised by SAQA.
• Minimum of 3 years' experience in Performance Management for both Senior Management Services (SMS) and non-SMS.
• Proficiency in MS Teams and Word.
• Knowledge of the SMS handbook, Incentive Framework, Public Service Regulation (as amended), Public Service Act (as amended), Collective Agreements, DPSA directives, and other Human Resource Prescripts.
• Knowledge of administrative procedures and project management.
• Good communication skills (verbal and written).
• Experience in the PERSAL system.
• Knowledge of Financial Administration skills and Supervisory skills.
• Strong planning and organizing skills.
• Problem-solving skills.
• Computer literacy, including a good working knowledge of Microsoft Office products (Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneDrive).
• Presentation skills.
• Accuracy, thoroughness, and ability to detect errors.
• Ability to prioritise and meet deadlines.
• Good working interpersonal skills.
• Customer service orientation and flexibility.
• Ability to work under pressure.
• Ability to delegate tasks.
• Ability to establish controls and monitor tasks.
• A PERSAL Certificate is required.
• A valid Driver’s license will serve as an advantage.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate the submission of Performance Agreements for SMS and non-SMS members.
• Coordinate Mid-term and annual performance moderations for SMS and non-SMS.
• Ensure compliance with the submission of Performance Management documents, such as Performance Agreements, Assessments, and Probations reports.
• Facilitate and monitor the implementation of pay progression and merit awards.
• Coordinate the implementation of OSD and incentive framework directives.
• Ensure proper implementation of Grade & Accelerated Progression for OSD & Non-OSD.
• Coordinate the management of probation for SMS & non-SMS members.
• Update the PMDS online system for SMS and Non-SMS.
• Oversee the performance management database and ensure alignment with PERSAL information.
• Quality check PMDS documents in line with the SMS handbook and PMDS Directives.
• Facilitate PMDS training and empower line managers and staff members for proper facilitation of evaluations to improve the system.
• Manage dispute resolution or disagreement processes emanating from Performance Agreements, Mid-term assessment, Annual assessment, and probation reports for SMS and Non-SMS.
• Monitor poor performance improvement plans, dispute resolution, and update databases for SMS and Non-SMS.

What the Work Involves

As an Assistant Director for Performance Management, you will be based in Cape Town and will primarily focus on the administration and coordination of performance-related processes across the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and The Environment. Your daily tasks will involve managing performance agreements, mid-term reviews, annual moderations, and probation reports for staff at various levels, including Senior Management Services (SMS).

The role requires meticulous attention to detail as you ensure compliance with Public Service regulations, DPSA directives, and departmental policies. You will be actively involved in updating performance management systems like the PMDS online system and aligning data with PERSAL. This position also entails facilitating training sessions for managers and staff and managing dispute resolution processes related to performance evaluations.