The Department of Basic Education (DBE) is inviting suitably qualified and experienced South African candidates to apply for seven vacant positions in Pretoria. The opportunities are available across management, education, health promotion, supply chain management, secretarial and administrative functions.
The Department is committed to equal employment opportunities and affirmative action in line with its Employment Equity Plan. Women and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply, with preference given to underrepresented groups in accordance with the Department’s employment equity targets. The closing date for the Department of Basic Education vacancies is 06 November 2026. Interested applicants should carefully review the requirements and submit their applications using the prescribed Z83 application form and a detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV).
Department of Basic Education Vacancies 2026: Summary
| Vacancy | Reference Number | Salary per Annum |
|---|---|---|
| Director: Public Examination | DBE/74/2026 | R1,317,384 |
| Deputy Director: Whole School Evaluation (WSE) | DBE/75/2026 | R1,101,468 |
| Deputy Director: Health Promotion | DBE/76/2026 | R1,101,468 |
| Assistant Director: Bids and Contract Administration | DBE/77/2026 | R487,197 |
| Senior Secretary | DBE/78/2026 | R280,278 |
| Senior Administration Clerk | DBE/79/2026 | R237,453 |
Total advertised posts: 7. The advertisement lists six vacancy categories, with the Director: Public Examination position classified under the Management Echelon.
1. Director: Public Examination
Reference Number: DBE/74/2026
Salary: R1,317,384 per annum (all-inclusive remuneration package)
Centre: Pretoria
Branch: Curriculum Policy, Support and Monitoring
Requirements
Applicants must have an appropriate NQF Level 7 qualification recognised by SAQA in Education or a related field. A postgraduate qualification will be an added advantage.
Candidates must have at least five years of experience at middle or senior management level, including at least three years in education assessment and examinations.
Applicants should have sound knowledge of curriculum and assessment policies, the National Senior Certificate (NSC) examination system, question paper development, moderation, standardisation, quality assurance, marking and examination irregularities. Knowledge of relevant education legislation, public examination regulations and the Public Finance Management Act is also required.
Strong strategic leadership, project management, financial management, communication and stakeholder engagement skills are essential. A valid driver’s licence and willingness to travel are required.
Key Duties
The successful candidate will manage and coordinate the Directorate of Public Examinations. Responsibilities include facilitating the development of Grade 12 examination question papers, strengthening quality assurance for school-based assessment, coordinating marking processes and supporting the implementation of NSC and Senior Certificate examinations across all nine provincial education departments.
The director will also manage examination irregularities, protect the integrity of examinations and support effective communication with stakeholders.
2. Deputy Director: Whole School Evaluation (WSE)
Reference Number: DBE/75/2026
Salary: R1,101,468 per annum (Level 12)
Centre: Pretoria
Requirements
Applicants must possess an NQF Level 6 post-matric qualification or an equivalent qualification recognised by SAQA. At least four years of relevant experience as an Assistant Director or equivalent is required. A postgraduate qualification will be an advantage.
Candidates must have at least ten years of overall experience as an educator, including five years of management experience. Experience in project management, supervision and budget management is also required.
Applicants should understand the General Education and Training and Further Education and Training curricula, school evaluation systems, performance management, accountability frameworks, education policies and the national Whole School Evaluation policy.
Strong research, report-writing, presentation, communication and computer skills are essential. A valid driver’s licence and willingness to travel and work extended hours are required.
Key Duties
The successful candidate will coordinate meetings and training for provincial school evaluation teams and district officials. Duties include developing evaluation instruments and training materials, monitoring the quality of school evaluations, analysing classroom observation reports and following up on areas of school underperformance.
The position also involves using reliable data to support School Improvement Plans, maintaining a repository of school evaluation reports and building partnerships that promote accountability and improved education outcomes.
3. Deputy Director: Health Promotion
Reference Number: DBE/76/2026
Salary: R1,101,468 per annum (Level 12)
Centre: Pretoria
Directorate: Health Promotion
Requirements
Applicants must have an NQF Level 6 post-matric qualification or equivalent in Health Promotion, Health Science or Education, recognised by SAQA. Four years of relevant experience as an Assistant Director or equivalent is required.
Candidates should have experience in developing, implementing and managing programmes for children and adolescents, particularly in sexuality education, health promotion and the prevention of HIV, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and teenage pregnancy.
Knowledge of school health policies, education sector strategies, stakeholder management, financial management, monitoring and evaluation, and project management is essential. Strong communication, organisational and administrative skills are also required.
Key Duties
The successful candidate will manage and coordinate the HIV and AIDS conditional grant at national level. Responsibilities include consolidating monthly, quarterly and annual financial and programme reports, monitoring provincial programme performance and facilitating the development of grant frameworks and provincial business plans.
The Deputy Director will also monitor budget compliance, oversee HIV and AIDS, STI and tuberculosis programme implementation, conduct oversight visits to the nine provinces and maintain strategic partnerships with government departments and other stakeholders.
4. Assistant Director: Bids and Contract Administration
Reference Number: DBE/77/2026
Salary: R487,197 per annum (Level 09)
Centre: Pretoria
Directorate: Supply Chain Management
Requirements
Applicants must possess a three-year post-matric qualification at NQF Level 6, or an equivalent qualification recognised by SAQA, in Public Administration, Supply Chain Management, Procurement, Logistics or a related field.
A minimum of three years of relevant supply chain management experience at supervisory level is required. Candidates must have experience in bids management and acquisition management, as well as knowledge of procurement policies, regulations and applicable legislation.
Applicants should demonstrate strong verbal and written communication, computer literacy, numerical skills, attention to detail, problem-solving abilities and good interpersonal relations.
Key Duties
The successful candidate will manage acquisition processes and provide administrative and secretariat support to bid committees, including the Bid Specification Committee, Bid Evaluation Committee and Bid Adjudication Committee.
Other responsibilities include preparing bid reports and submissions, responding to audit findings, administering contract compliance, drafting communications to bidders and coordinating the finalisation of contracts and service-level agreements.
The position also involves monitoring supplier payments, maintaining contract records, updating commitment registers and supporting staff performance management.
5. Senior Secretary
Reference Number: DBE/78/2026
Salary: R280,278 per annum (Level 06)
Centre: Pretoria
Directorate: Psychosocial Support
Requirements
Applicants must have a Senior Certificate or an equivalent qualification. One year of relevant experience providing secretarial or administrative support to senior management will be an added advantage.
Candidates should understand administrative and clerical procedures, departmental policies and public service regulations. Good communication, interpersonal, organisational, planning and record-management skills are required.
Applicants must be able to work under pressure, maintain confidentiality, manage multiple tasks and use Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Teams. A valid driver’s licence will be an added advantage.
Key Duties
The Senior Secretary will provide secretarial and administrative support to the Director: Psychosocial Support. Responsibilities include managing the director’s diary, arranging meetings and appointments, handling telephone calls and correspondence, preparing reports and presentations, and taking meeting minutes.
Additional duties include maintaining filing systems, arranging travel and accommodation, processing related claims, coordinating workshops and stakeholder engagements, managing office supplies and liaising with internal and external stakeholders.
6. Senior Administration Clerk
Reference Number: DBE/79/2026
Salary: R237,453 per annum (Level 05)
Centre: Pretoria
Directorate: Supply Chain Management
Requirements
Applicants must possess a Senior Certificate or an equivalent qualification.
Candidates should have knowledge of the Public Finance Management Act, Treasury Regulations and applicable supply chain management policies and procedures.
Good verbal and written communication, computer literacy, organisational skills, problem-solving abilities, interpersonal relations and record-keeping skills are required. Applicants must be able to work independently and as part of a team, including under pressure.
Key Duties
The successful candidate will receive goods from service providers and verify deliveries against purchase orders and supporting documentation.
Other duties include identifying and reporting discrepancies between ordered and delivered goods, monitoring stock levels, identifying damaged or obsolete items, conducting stock counts and reconciliations, and ensuring that goods are correctly recorded, labelled, stored and controlled.
How to Apply for Department of Basic Education Vacancies 2026
Interested applicants must submit their applications using the latest approved Z83 Application for Employment Form, accompanied by a detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV).
Applications can be submitted through one of the following channels:
By post:
Private Bag X895
Pretoria
0001
Hand delivery:
Department of Basic Education
222 Struben Street
Pretoria
By email:
HR@dbe.gov.za
Email applications must be submitted in PDF format.
Applicants should clearly indicate the position and reference number they are applying for on the Z83 form.
Official website: https://www.education.gov.za/
Important Application Requirements
- Use the latest approved Z83 application form. Applications submitted using the old Z83 form will be disqualified.
- Complete every required section of the Z83 form and ensure that page 2 is duly signed.
- Submit only the completed Z83 form and a detailed CV at the initial application stage.
- Do not submit copies of qualifications or other supporting documents unless requested. Certified copies will be required from shortlisted candidates on or before the interview.
- Declare any actual or perceived conflict of interest, including relevant board memberships and directorships.
- Successful candidates will undergo personnel suitability checks, including criminal record, citizenship, financial and asset record checks, qualification verification, employment verification and social media profile checks.
- Appointment is subject to satisfactory security clearance. Successful candidates must sign an annual performance agreement and disclose financial interests where applicable.
Additional Requirements for Senior Management Service (SMS) Posts
Applicants for SMS appointments must possess the required Pre-entry Certificate for the Senior Management Service, known as the Nyukela Certificate. Details are available through the National School of Government website: https://www.thensg.gov.za/
Shortlisted SMS candidates will undergo a technical exercise and interview. A maximum of three candidates will proceed to psychometric assessments following these stages. Shortlisted candidates, including SMS applicants, must also complete two pre-entry assessments: a practical exercise and an Integrity (Ethical Conduct) Assessment.
Closing Date for Department of Basic Education Vacancies
The closing date for all the advertised positions is 06 November 2026.Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications before the deadline and ensure that all application requirements are met. Incomplete applications or applications submitted using an outdated Z83 form may not be considered. For further enquiries, contact Ms N Monyela at (012) 357 3294 or Mr M Segowa at (012) 357 4291. Apply before the closing date and ensure that you use the correct reference number for the position you wish to pursue.
