Director: Public Examination

About the role

The Department of Basic Education is seeking a Director to lead its Public Examinations work in Pretoria. The role sits at the centre of the country's school-leaving examinations, covering the setting, running and quality assurance of Grade 12 examinations and related certificates. The successful candidate will guide a team responsible for question papers, marking centres, examination irregularities and communication with provinces and other examination bodies. The work calls for steady leadership, careful planning and a strong focus on fairness, credibility and the integrity of results. The salary is R1 317 384 per annum, as an all-inclusive package. Preference will be given to underrepresented groups as per the DBE Employment Equity Targets. Women and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Applications close on 6 November 2026. Source: DPSA Public Service Vacancy Circular 38 of 2026, Post 38/02, Ref No: DBE/74/2026.

Responsibilities

Manage, coordinate and support the Directorate: Public Examinations; facilitate the setting of high-quality Grade 12 question papers for the National Senior Certificate and the Senior Certificate; enhance the national quality assurance system for school assessment in Grade 12; facilitate the implementation of high-quality and standardised marking of the National Senior Certificate and Senior Certificate across marking centres and pilot e-marking; support and co-ordinate the implementation of the National Senior Certificate and Senior Certificate examinations across the nine Provincial Education Departments; manage irregularities and enhance the integrity of the National Senior Certificate; contribute to strengthening communication.

Requirements

An appropriate NQF Level 7 qualification in Education or a related field, as recognised by SAQA, with a postgraduate qualification as an added advantage; a minimum of five years of experience at middle or senior management level, of which at least three years must be within education assessment and examinations; sound knowledge of curriculum policies and assessment policies, the National Senior Certificate 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 National Senior Certificate 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; 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.

Skills