Chief Director: Curriculum Support and Trainer Professionalisation

CHIEF DIRECTOR: CURRICULUM SUPPORT AND TRAINER PROFESSIONALISATION is listed by DEPARTMENT OF LAND REFORM AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT. The post is based in Pretoria, Gauteng. The closing date is 05 October 2026.

Job Details

Requirements

• A minimum bachelor’s degree or equivalent (NQF level 7).
• A post-graduate qualification will be an added advantage.
• Registration with a relevant professional body will also be an advantage.
• The successful applicant will be subjected to security vetting at an appropriate clearance level for senior managers.
• Experience: Extensive proven and relevant experience of which five (5) years must be at a senior managerial level, leading curriculum design and development in education, training, or public sector capacity building.
• Proven experience in: Curriculum development of courses, occupational qualifications, skills programmes, and higher education programmes.
• Proven experience in developing curriculum qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework.
• Leading large-scale education or professionalisation programmes.
• Managing multidisciplinary teams and budgets.
• Stakeholder engagement at the executive level (government, academia, international bodies).
• Demonstrated experience in driving innovation in learning and digital education.
• Experience in applied research, publication in curriculum, and development of curriculum frameworks.
• Knowledge: Higher education and skills development frameworks.
• Curriculum design, instructional design models, and outcomes-based education principles.
• Knowledge and understanding of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa and public sector legislation (including the Public Service Act, Public Administration Management Act, Municipal Systems Act, Municipal Structures Act, Skills Development Act, Public Finance Management Act, Municipal Finance Management Act, National Qualifications Framework Act and related Policies, Higher Education and Training Act.
• ETD practitioner professionalisation frameworks, standards, and competency models.
• Public sector governance, administration, and policy environment.
• Digital learning ecosystems, e-learning platforms, and emerging EdTech trends.
• Research methodologies, knowledge management, and policy development in public education sectors.
• Financial management, budgeting, and MTEF processes within government.
• Change management, organisational development, and institutional transformation.
• Skills Curriculum architecture design for multi-course blended programmes.
• Advanced design and management of complex simulations and action learning.
• Strategic selection and procurement of new learning technologies.
• Learning analytics by linking data from other systems (e.g., LMS).
• Change management to drive adoption of new learning technologies and methods.
• Mentoring and leadership of curriculum and instructional design teams.
• High level of integrity and ethical conduct.
• Intellectual leadership and credibility in the education and public sector space.
• Results driven with a strong sense of accountability.
• Innovative and forward-thinking mindset.
• Strong interpersonal and influencing ability.
• Resilience and ability to operate under pressure.
• Commitment to public service values and transformation.
• Attention to detail balanced with strategic perspective.
• Proven advanced writing, proofreading, and editing skills.
• Good conflict management skills.
• Public presentation & engagements.
• Advanced computer skills in MS Office Suite and Adobe.
• Competencies: Must be able to initiate and support organisational transformation and change to successfully implement new initiatives and deliver service delivery commitments.
• Must be able to promote the generation and sharing of knowledge and learning to enhance the collective knowledge of the organisation.
• Must be able to explore and implement new ways of delivering services that contribute to improving organisational processes to achieve organisational goals.
• Must be able to systematically identify, analyse, and resolve existing and anticipated problems to reach optimum solutions in a timely manner.
• Must be able to manage and encourage people, optimise their outputs, and effectively manage relationships in order to achieve organisational goals.
• Must be willing and able to deliver services effectively and efficiently to put the spirit of customer service (Batho Pele) into practice.
• Must be able to exchange information and ideas in a clear and concise manner appropriate for the audience to explain, persuade, convince, and influence others to achieve the desired outcomes.
• Must be able to display and build the highest standards of ethical and moral conduct to promote confidence and trust in the Public Service.
• Personal Attributes: Participate in professional development growth activities for maintaining professional knowledge and staying current with curricular trends.
• Ability to multi-task and organise, prioritise and follow multiple projects and tasks through to completion with attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently while contributing to a team environment.
• Ability to analyse problems, identify solutions, take appropriate action, and resolve conflicts using independent judgment and decision-making.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with management, employees, stakeholders, and the public.
• Integrity and honesty, detail-oriented, creative and innovative, ability to work under pressure.
• Domestic and international travel and extended work hours when required.
• Preference will be given to African Males, Youth, African and Coloured Males and people with disability in accordance with our employment equity requirements.

Duties / Responsibilities

• The incumbent will be responsible for the following Key Results Areas: Develop, review, and implement curriculum policies, norms, standards, and institutional curriculum frameworks aligned with national priorities and organisational strategy.
• Lead the design and implementation of a comprehensive ETD practitioner professionalisation framework, including competency standards, learning pathways, and continuous professionals’ development programmes.
• Oversee the incorporation of Africanised and decolonised perspectives through a formal curriculum transformation plan incorporating inclusivity, citizen-centered service delivery, and social justice principles to enhance cultural relevance and responsiveness to the public sector needs.
• Oversee the planning and development and management of qualification and programme pipelines aligned to NQF level descriptors and institutional priorities.
• Integrate digital learning strategies and innovation frameworks into curriculum planning and delivery.
• Lead and manage the design, development, review, and continuous improvement of accredited and non-accredited programmes.
• Develop and implement standardised curriculum development methodologies, tools, and templates.
• Support other units to maintain quality assurance systems, including moderation, peer review, and continuous improvement processes.
• Lead the development of modular, stackable, and credit-bearing programmes including micro-credentials and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
• Facilitate the integration of digital learning technologies and innovative instructional methodologies into programme delivery.
• Ensure alignment between curriculum architecture, accreditation requirements, learner pathways, and institutional strategy.
• Implement rigorous quality assurance mechanisms including accreditation, moderation, peer review, continuous improvement, and impact evaluation to ensure curriculum relevance, effectiveness, and compliance with accreditation standards across accredited and non-accredited programmes.
• Integrate cutting edge educational technologies and diverse instructional methodologies within a coherent digital leaning ecosystem, informed by learning analytics and emerging EdTech trends to enhance accessibility and learner impact.
• Contribute towards programme effectiveness, including learner performance, impact, and continuous improvement interventions.
• Conduct benchmarking exercises to align programmes with national and international best practices.
• Identify, establish, and manage strategic partnerships with government institutions, higher education institutions, SETAs, and international organisations.
• Design and implement capacity-building and continuous professional development initiatives for ETD practitioners.
• Provide advice and support to public sector institutions on curriculum development and professionalisation.
• Plan and facilitate knowledge-sharing platforms, including workshops, seminars, and communities of practice.
• Identify and secure funding opportunities, partnerships, and sponsorships to support curriculum and professionalisation initiatives.
• Design and tailor programme offerings to meet the needs of diverse learner groups.
• Facilitate collaboration and coordination with internal units and external stakeholders to strengthen curriculum and professionalisation initiatives.
• Provide secretariat and technical support to academic, curriculum and Professionalisation governance structure including the preparation of reports, submissions and compliance documentation.
• Establish, chair, and manage interdepartmental and intergovernmental forums, higher education institutions, Setas, professional bodies and international organisation to support curriculum development, Professionalisation, accreditation and research initiatives.
• Initiate and manage collaborative programmes with local and international institutions.
• Represent the institution at national and international platforms, forums and conferences, providing intellectual and Professionalisation leadership in public-sector education and training.
• Develop and maintain partnerships to support curriculum and professional development.

Knowledge, Skills and Competencies

• Higher education and skills development frameworks.
• Curriculum design, instructional design models, and outcomes-based education principles.
• Knowledge and understanding of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa and public sector legislation (including the Public Service Act, Public Administration Management Act, Municipal Systems Act, Municipal Structures Act, Skills Development Act, Public Finance Management Act, Municipal Finance Management Act, National Qualifications Framework Act and related Policies, Higher Education and Training Act.
• ETD practitioner professionalisation frameworks, standards, and competency models.
• Public sector governance, administration, and policy environment.
• Digital learning ecosystems, e-learning platforms, and emerging EdTech trends.
• Research methodologies, knowledge management, and policy development in public education sectors.
• Financial management, budgeting, and MTEF processes within government.
• Change management, organisational development, and institutional transformation.
• Skills Curriculum architecture design for multi-course blended programmes.
• Advanced design and management of complex simulations and action learning.
• Strategic selection and procurement of new learning technologies.
• Learning analytics by linking data from other systems (e.g., LMS).
• Change management to drive adoption of new learning technologies and methods.
• Mentoring and leadership of curriculum and instructional design teams.
• High level of integrity and ethical conduct.
• Intellectual leadership and credibility in the education and public sector space.
• Results driven with a strong sense of accountability.
• Innovative and forward-thinking mindset.
• Strong interpersonal and influencing ability.
• Resilience and ability to operate under pressure.
• Commitment to public service values and transformation.
• Attention to detail balanced with strategic perspective.
• Proven advanced writing, proofreading, and editing skills.
• Good conflict management skills.
• Public presentation & engagements.
• Advanced computer skills in MS Office Suite and Adobe.
• Competencies: Must be able to initiate and support organisational transformation and change to successfully implement new initiatives and deliver service delivery commitments.
• Must be able to promote the generation and sharing of knowledge and learning to enhance the collective knowledge of the organisation.
• Must be able to explore and implement new ways of delivering services that contribute to improving organisational processes to achieve organisational goals.
• Must be able to systematically identify, analyse, and resolve existing and anticipated problems to reach optimum solutions in a timely manner.
• Must be able to manage and encourage people, optimise their outputs, and effectively manage relationships in order to achieve organisational goals.
• Must be willing and able to deliver services effectively and efficiently to put the spirit of customer service (Batho Pele) into practice.
• Must be able to exchange information and ideas in a clear and concise manner appropriate for the audience to explain, persuade, convince, and influence others to achieve the desired outcomes.
• Must be able to display and build the highest standards of ethical and moral conduct to promote confidence and trust in the Public Service.
• Personal Attributes: Participate in professional development growth activities for maintaining professional knowledge and staying current with curricular trends.
• Ability to multi-task and organise, prioritise and follow multiple projects and tasks through to completion with attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently while contributing to a team environment.
• Ability to analyse problems, identify solutions, take appropriate action, and resolve conflicts using independent judgment and decision-making.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with management, employees, stakeholders, and the public.
• Integrity and honesty, detail-oriented, creative and innovative, ability to work under pressure.
• Domestic and international travel and extended work hours when required.
• Preference will be given to African Males, Youth, African and Coloured Males and people with disability in accordance with our employment equity requirements.

Application Instructions

Apply Online (fill out the form and give detailed information and email the form and Z83) Via This Link: APPLICATION FOR EMPLOYMENT CD: CURRICULUM SUPPORT & TRAINER PROFESSION, NSG: 20/2026. – Fill out form

Notes

To apply, submit a completed Z83 form and detailed Curriculum Vitae (PDF document to a maximum of 10 megabytes) via e-mail or hand delivery. The Department will not be held responsible for server delays.

Late applications due to technical issues will not be considered. Shortlisted candidates must provide certified copies of required documents (Identity Document, qualifications, etc) where necessary and service certificates to support senior management experience to Human Resources before the interviews, including South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) evaluation reports for foreign qualifications.

Failure to comply will result in disqualification. All shortlisted candidate, including the SMS, shall undertake two pre-entry assessments, one will be a practical exercise to determine a candidates suitability based on the posts technical and generic requirements and the other must be integrity (ethical conduct) assessment.

NB: Please note that false or fraudulent qualifications submitted by applicants will be reported to the South African Police Services (SAPS), and a criminal case shall be opened.

For Post: Applications can be submitted using the link provided, should you submit your application and CVs to the incorrect link it will be regarded as lost and will not be considered. Applicants are required to quote the relevant reference number, their names on the subject line once they access the link.

Applications must consist of: A fully completed and signed new Z83 form with a comprehensive CV containing contactable references. Use of the old Z83 Form will result in disqualification.

Candidates should not attach certified documents to the application. Only shortlisted candidates will be required to submit certified documents on or before the day of the interview.

The relevant reference number must be written on the application form. Foreign qualifications must be accompanied by an evaluation certificate from the South African Qualification Authority (SAQA).

All shortlisted candidates for SMS posts will be subjected to technical exercise and interview. Following the technical exercise and interview, a maximum of three (3) SMS candidates will undergo psychometric assessments to assess cognitive capabilities, behavioural preferences, emotional intelligence, and integrity All shortlisted candidates, including SMS, shall undertake two pre-entry assessments.

One must be a practical exercise, and the other must be an Integrity (Ethical Conduct) Assessment. All appointments are subject to personnel suitability checks such as security vetting, citizen verification, financial records check, and qualifications verifications.

Applications that do not comply with the abovementioned requirements as well as applications that are received late, will not be considered. The selection process of the SMS post will be in line with the Senior Management Service requirements.

The successful candidate will be expected to sign a performance agreement within three months from the date of assumption of duties and where applicable to disclose particulars of all registrable financial interests within a month. The employment decision shall be informed by the Employment Equity Plan of the Department to achieve its employment equity targets.

It is the Department’s intention to promote equity (race, gender, and disability) through the filling of this post. The NSG reserves the right not to make an appointment and to use other recruitment processes.

Correspondence will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. Successful completion of the Senior Management Pre-Entry Programme (Nyukela) is required for appointments to the SMS posts.

Enrolment for the course should be made on the NSG’s website at https://www.thensg.gov.za/trainingcourse/sms-pre-entry-programm For Attention and

Department Notes

Department Notes

To apply, submit a completed Z83 form and detailed Curriculum Vitae (PDF document to a maximum of 10 megabytes) via e-mail or hand delivery. The Department will not be held responsible for server delays.

Late applications due to technical issues will not be considered. Shortlisted candidates must provide certified copies of required documents (Identity Document, qualifications, etc) where necessary and service certificates to support senior management experience to Human Resources before the interviews, including South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) evaluation reports for foreign qualifications.

Failure to comply will result in disqualification. All shortlisted candidate, including the SMS, shall undertake two pre-entry assessments, one will be a practical exercise to determine a candidates suitability based on the posts technical and generic requirements and the other must be integrity (ethical conduct) assessment.

NB: Please note that false or fraudulent qualifications submitted by applicants will be reported to the South African Police Services (SAPS), and a criminal case shall be opened.

Circular Notes

Circular Notes

must be submitted on the most recently approved Z83 Application for Employment Form, obtainable from the DBE Website or any Public Service Department/Webpage. Use of the old Z83 Form will result in disqualification.

The Z83 must be completed in full and page 2 duly signed. A clear indication of the post and reference number that is being applied for must be indicated on your Z83.

Applicants are not required to submit copies of qualifications and other relevant documents on application but must submit the Z83 with a detailed Curriculum Vitae (only). Certified copies of qualifications and other relevant documents will be requested from shortlisted candidates on or before the day of the interview.

Successful candidates will be subjected to Personnel Suitability Checks (criminal record, citizenship & financial/asset record checks, qualification and employment verification including social media profiles). Appointment is subject to positive results of the security clearance process.

The successful candidate will be required to sign an annual performance agreement and, where applicable, annually disclose his/her financial interests. All applicants are required to declare any conflict or perceived conflict of interest, to disclose memberships of Boards and directorships that they may 4 be associated with.

Applicants, who do not comply with the requirements outlined above, will not be considered. MANAGEMENT ECHELON

Enquiries

Mpho Mugodo Tel No: (012) 441 6017

Required Documents

Z83, CV, Qualifications, Other

DPSA Circular Source

• Circular: DPSA Circular 34 of 2026
• Source pages: 74–77
• Open the DPSA circular PDF