Director: Public Examination

About the role

The Department of Basic Education is hiring a Director: Public Examination in Curriculum Policy, Support and Monitoring Chief Directorate: National Assessment and Public Examinations Directorate: Public Examinations, based in Department of Basic Education (Pretoria). This is a permanent post, paying R1,317,384 a year. How to apply: Submitted via post to: Private Bag X895, Pretoria, 0001 or hand-deliver to: The Department of Basic Education, 222 Struben Street, Pretoria or you can email your application HR@dbe.gov.za in PDF format. Please visit the Department of Education’s website at www.education.gov.za For attention: Ms N Monyela/ Mr M Segowa Reference number to quote: DBE/74/2026 Closing date: 06 November 2026 Use the new Z83 form and attach a detailed CV. Note: The successful candidate must sign an annual performance agreement, annually disclose their financial interests and be subjected to a security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Manage, coordinate and support the activities of the Directorate: Public Examinations.
• Facilitate the setting of high-quality Grade 12 question papers for the National Senior Certificate examination and the Senior Certificate.
• Enhance the National quality assurance system for School Based assessment in Grade 12.
• Facilitate the implementation of high quality and standardised marking of the National Senior Certificate (NSC) and Senior Certificate (SC) across all marking centres and pilot e-marking.
• Support and co-ordinate the implementation of the NSC and SC examinations across the nine Provincial Education Departments.
• Manage irregularities and enhance the integrity of the NSC.
• Contribute to strengthening communication.

Requirements

• An appropriate NQF Level 7 qualification (as recognised by SAQA) in Education or a related field.
• A postgraduate qualification will be an added advantage.
• At least 5 years' experience at a middle/senior management level, of which at least 3 years must be within the education assessment and examinations.
• Sound knowledge curriculum Policies and Assessment Policies.
• Sound knowledge of the National Senior Certificate (NSC) examination system, including question paper development, moderation, standardisation processes, quality assurance processes, marking, monitoring of examinations, examinations policy and examination irregularities.
• Working knowledge of the General and Further Education and Training Quality Assurance Act, 2001 and the Regulations Pertaining to the Conduct, Administration and Management of the NSC Examinations.
• Knowledge of the Public Finance Management Act, 1999, and other relevant prescripts governing public examinations administration.
• Proven project management, strategic leadership, and stakeholder liaison skills, including engagement with provincial education departments, examiners, moderators, and Umalusi.
• Process competencies: Knowledge Management, Service Delivery Innovation, Report Writing, Problem Solving and Analysis, Client Orientation and Customer Focus, and Communication.
• Core competencies:
• Strategic Capability and Leadership, Programme and Project Management, Financial Management, Knowledge Management, People Management and Empowerment, Communication, Innovation, and Creativity
• A valid driver's licence and willingness to travel
• The incumbent will undergo a vetting process through the State Security Agency before assumption of duty