Director of Africa & Bilateral Relations
Director: Africa & Bilateral Relations Ref No: CCQA04/2025
Salary and Location
This position offers a competitive salary of R1,216,824 per annum, which is an all-inclusive salary package. The position is located in Pretoria, South Africa. As a director responsible for Africa and bilateral relations, the role requires in-depth expertise in sustainable development and international cooperation. Candidates will be tasked with managing key relationships with African nations and coordinating high-level international environmental engagements. This leadership role offers opportunities to make significant contributions to regional and international environmental policies and strategies. The salary reflects the seniority and complexity of the role’s responsibilities.
Minimum Qualifications and Experience Required
Candidates must possess an undergraduate qualification in Natural/Physical Sciences, International Relations, or a relevant qualification. The qualification should be recognized by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) at NQF Level 7. Applicants should have at least five years of experience at the middle or senior management level within the relevant field. This experience must demonstrate a deep understanding of both environmental and sustainable development issues, particularly in an international context. The role requires expertise in managing relationships, particularly with African countries and regional organizations such as SADC.
Pre-Entry Programme Requirement
Successful candidates must have completed the Senior Management Pre-entry Programme, as endorsed by the National School of Government (NSG). This programme is a key prerequisite for senior management roles within the South African government. It equips candidates with the skills necessary for effective leadership in government departments. Completion of the programme ensures that candidates have a strong understanding of public administration principles and the intricacies of government operations. The NSG’s endorsement validates the candidate’s readiness for high-level leadership in the public sector.
Understanding of Environmental and Development Issues
A broad understanding of environmental and sustainable development issues, both globally and regionally, is required. Candidates should have experience dealing with these issues at the local, national, and international levels. Understanding how environmental challenges intersect with economic, social, and political factors will be essential for this role. The director will need to navigate complex issues related to climate change, biodiversity conservation, and natural resource management. This expertise will inform policies and strategies to ensure sustainable development across Africa and in bilateral relationships.
Experience in International Relations
The role demands relevant experience in international relations, particularly in environmental diplomacy and multilateral engagements. A solid background in international cooperation, bilateral negotiations, and cross-border policy development is crucial. Candidates should have experience working with multilateral organizations, including the United Nations, African Union, and SADC. Knowledge of how environmental policies are shaped in global and regional forums is important for guiding South Africa’s diplomatic approach. The director will play a key role in shaping the country’s relationships with neighboring nations and other international partners in the context of environmental sustainability.
Project Management and International Engagements
The successful candidate must demonstrate the ability to manage and plan effectively for high-level international engagements. This includes organizing, coordinating, and preparing for multilateral and bilateral environmental negotiations and conferences. The director will need to engage with various stakeholders, including government officials, NGOs, and international bodies. Strong project management skills are necessary to oversee complex international collaborations. Experience in managing diplomatic initiatives, climate change negotiations, and environmental partnerships will enhance the director’s effectiveness in this role.
Policy Interpretation and Implementation
Candidates must have the ability to interpret, apply, and implement policies, strategies, and legislation. A solid understanding of South Africa’s environmental laws and regulations, as well as those of international partners, is essential. The director will be tasked with developing and supporting policies that align with both national and international goals for sustainable development. This includes ensuring that policies reflect best practices in environmental governance and are adaptable to local contexts. Applicants must be able to navigate legal frameworks and ensure that policies are executed effectively.
Government Administrative Procedures Knowledge
Knowledge of general government administrative procedures and processes, including the Public Service Act (PSA) and Public Service Regulations (PSR), is required. The director must be familiar with the complexities of government operations, financial management, and procurement. Understanding the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) and Treasury Regulations is also essential. The director will need to ensure that all activities and projects comply with these procedures. This includes adhering to governance standards for public financial management and ensuring the integrity of all operations under their leadership.
Experience in Policy Development and Implementation
Applicants should have extensive experience in policy development and its implementation. The role requires a deep understanding of how policies are formulated, assessed, and evaluated in the environmental sector. Candidates should demonstrate success in leading or contributing to policy development, particularly in environmental sustainability and international cooperation. The director will be responsible for guiding the creation of frameworks that promote sustainable development across Africa. This requires a strong ability to translate theoretical concepts into actionable policies.
Financial and Procurement Procedures Knowledge
Candidates must possess knowledge of financial and procurement administrative procedures in the public sector. Familiarity with the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) and Treasury Regulations is a key requirement. The director will need to ensure that the department’s financial and procurement processes align with government regulations. This includes managing budgets for international engagements and ensuring that financial resources are allocated appropriately. The director will play a central role in ensuring that all financial transactions adhere to legal and procedural standards.
Planning and Communication Skills
Excellent planning skills are essential for this role, especially in managing complex international relations and environmental projects. The director must have a proven ability to plan strategically for long-term environmental goals and international cooperation. Strong communication skills are also required to effectively present ideas and negotiate with a wide range of stakeholders. The director will be responsible for preparing reports, giving presentations, and engaging in public speaking at high-level forums. Communication will be key to promoting South Africa’s position on environmental issues and advancing sustainable development in Africa.
Report Writing and Organizational Skills
In addition to strong communication, the director must have excellent report writing and organizational skills. This includes drafting reports that summarize environmental engagements, progress, and strategic recommendations for policymakers. The director will also need to maintain effective organizational systems to ensure smooth coordination of tasks and meetings. Organizational skills are crucial for managing multiple projects and maintaining focus on key priorities. Clear, concise, and well-structured reports will support decision-making processes and ensure accountability in environmental and bilateral relations.
Innovative and Proactive Leadership
The director must be innovative and proactive in addressing environmental challenges and international relations. This role requires the ability to anticipate potential challenges and devise creative solutions to overcome them. The director will need to stay up-to-date with global environmental trends and respond proactively to emerging issues. They must also be able to identify opportunities for collaboration with other countries, international organizations, and development partners. A proactive approach will ensure that South Africa remains a leader in environmental diplomacy and sustainability in Africa.
Working Long Hours and Under Pressure
Candidates must be willing to work long hours voluntarily to meet the demands of the role. The director will often face tight deadlines, particularly when preparing for international meetings or responding to urgent diplomatic requests. The ability to work under pressure and manage multiple competing priorities will be essential. Stress management and resilience are key skills for succeeding in this fast-paced environment. The director must remain focused and organized even when faced with time constraints and high expectations.
Gathering and Analyzing Information
The ability to gather, analyze, and synthesize information from various sources is critical in this role. The director will be responsible for staying informed about regional and international environmental trends, policies, and agreements. This requires conducting research, analyzing data, and presenting findings in a way that informs decision-making. The director must be able to assess the strategic outcomes of environmental engagements and identify areas for improvement. Information-gathering skills will enable the director to stay ahead of developments in environmental sustainability.
Proven Leadership and Teamwork
Proven leadership skills are essential for guiding and motivating a multidisciplinary team. The director must demonstrate the ability to lead teams, collaborate across departments, and foster teamwork. They should be comfortable working independently, but also have the ability to lead a diverse group of experts. Building strong relationships with both internal and external stakeholders will be key to advancing the department’s objectives. The director must also have strong interpersonal relations skills to resolve conflicts and maintain a positive work environment.
Conflict Management and Resolution
Conflict management and resolution skills are important in managing relationships with various stakeholders in international relations. The director will need to navigate sensitive issues, balancing national interests with global and regional concerns. They will need to mediate conflicts and find mutually beneficial solutions in high-stakes situations. Effective conflict resolution is crucial for maintaining positive diplomatic relations with African countries and international organizations. The director’s ability to manage conflicts will influence the success of bilateral and multilateral environmental initiatives.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
The director will be responsible for managing, coordinating, and negotiating the department’s African multilateral, SADC relations, and cooperation. This includes facilitating cooperation related to environmental and sustainable development. The director will also support the department’s South-South bilateral and pluri-lateral cooperation in these areas. The director will assess the strategic outcomes of African and South-South bilateral engagements and report on the success of agreements. This will ensure that the department’s international relations align with broader environmental goals.
Contact Information and Application Process
For inquiries about the position, please contact Mr. S Mangold at Tel No: (012) 399 9243. Applications should be submitted via email to CCQA04-2025@dffe.gov.za.
