Hiring Now | Assistant Director: Archivist | CMIS Division, Pretoria | Permanent Public Sector Position Available

The Department of Defence (DOD), a cornerstone of South Africa’s public sector governance and national security framework, is seeking a highly professional, strategically minded, and legally compliant Records Specialist to fill the permanent vacancy of Assistant Director: Archivist within the Command and Management Information Systems (CMIS) Division in Pretoria. This Level 09 government post, officially listed on the jobsandcareeropportunities.co.za portal, is an associate-level leadership opportunity for a specialist dedicated to managing corporate archival records, governing institutional file plans, and leading records management training networks. If you possess an NQF Level 6 qualification in Records and Archive Management or Information Science, carry three years of functional registry or archive experience, and have deep knowledge of national archive regulations, apply before the closing date. Don’t miss this opportunity — public sector vacancies are filling fast. Apply today.

Detail	Information
Job Title	Assistant Director: Archivist
Reference Number	DHRCM/19/23/26/02
Salary Scale	R487,197 – R584,370 per annum (Level 09 Cost-to-Employer Structure)
Division	Command and Management Information Systems (CMIS)
Position Type	Permanent
Experience Level	Associate / Junior Management
Job Functional Area	Archive, Records Management, Registry & Corporate File Governance
Primary Location	Pretoria / Centurion, Gauteng
Posted Date	04 July 2026
Closing Date	17 July 2026 (Standard 2-week government circular protocol)
Application Status	Open – Accepting Applications Now

The Department of Defence is firmly committed to fostering a public service workforce that reflects the diverse demographics of South Africa. In strict alignment with the Public Service Employment Equity Act and corporate transformation mandates, all shortlisting parameters, technical evaluations, and final appointments are conducted in accordance with the Department’s equity targets. The DOD reserves the right to make structural modifications to these employment terms, salary adjustments, and core functional outputs at any given time based on national security protocols and state departmental directives.

About the Role

Within the modern public sector framework, secure and highly structured information classification systems are vital for sound institutional decision-making. The primary purpose of the Assistant Director: Archivist within the CMIS Division is to manage corporate archival records and conduct research, interpret, and analyze all relevant higher-level legislation. Positioned as a key regulatory and operational lead based in the Pretoria region, you will take full responsibility for ensuring that departmental knowledge resources, reference archives, and branch registries comply perfectly with national legislative frameworks while serving the continuous research and information security requirements of the defense force.

This associate-level management position demands a sharp combination of operational governance, legislative knowledge, and training leadership. You will head the management of the DOD record classification systems (the DOD File Plan) by maintaining and updating the master copy across both electronic and paper-based versions. Furthermore, you will evaluate records by providing Service and Division FSEs (Formation Support Elements) with specialist advice and guidance regarding the safe disposal of records, ensuring that sensitive defense information is managed securely throughout its lifecycle.

The ideal candidate brings a proven three-year history of functional administration within a large-scale public records office, municipal archive, or state registry environment, backed by robust knowledge of the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA). Joining the CMIS Division provides an information professional with exceptional public service stability, exposure to high-level corporate knowledge architectures, and a structured path to contributing directly to the strategic administrative strength of our national defense force.

Please note: Holding a certified NQF Level 6 Diploma or Degree in Records and Archive Management, Information Management, or Information Science from an accredited institution is a strict, non-negotiable prerequisite for this public service position.

A comprehensive, working understanding of South African records management laws, combined with functional expertise in managing master file plans and disposal schedules for archive materials, will be heavily prioritized during the panel interview phase.

Key Responsibilities

Archival Record Governance & File Plan Management

• Manage corporate archival records globally, ensuring all regional military and administrative branches maintain high operational standards.

• Manage and govern the DOD record Classification systems (DOD File Plan), systematically maintaining and updating the master copy of both electronic and paper-based versions.

• Conduct rigorous research, interpretation, and analysis of all relevant higher-level national legislation to ensure internal record systems remain compliant.

• Evaluate records by providing Service and Division FSEs with specialist advice and guidance regarding the legally compliant disposal and retention of records.

Regulatory Compliance & Subordinate Leadership

• Enforce absolute alignment with the National Archives and Records Service of South Africa Act, ensuring records office procedures mirror statutory directives.

• Manage subordinates effectively by establishing a formal assessment, training, and development framework for records management staff at all organizational levels.

• Safeguard the integrity of physical and digital administrative files, ensuring structured maintenance, storage, and long-term protection of critical data repositories.

• Manage access rights and text classifications securely in strict accordance with the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) and the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act.

Training Development & Briefing Sessions

• Develop a comprehensive Competency framework and ETD (Education, Training, and Development) programme specifically tailored for records management officials.

• Present professional lectures, official briefings, and awareness sessions on modern records management issues to raise operational standards across the department.

• Attend all relevant multi-departmental forums and execute specialized work-related projects as officially delegated by the CMIS Division executive team.

Minimum Requirements

Education & Academic Qualifications

• Minimum of Grade 12 (NQF Level 4) or recognized equivalent secondary qualification.

• An appropriate, recognized National Diploma or Bachelor’s Degree (NQF Level 6) specializing in Records and Archive Management, Information Management, or Information Science.

Experience Parameters

• Minimum of 3 years of functional, verifiable experience working within a professional Records Office, Registry, Corporate Archive, or complex Information Management environment.

Legal & Legislative Competencies

• Fair knowledge of record office procedures, records management mechanics, and archive maintenance guidelines, especially regarding the storage and maintenance of records.

• Working knowledge of the Constitution of South Africa (1996), the Defence Act (Act No. 42 of 2002), and the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA, Act No. 1 of 1982/1999 as updated).

• Sound understanding of the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA, 2000), the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act (Act No. 25 of 2002), and the National Archives Regulations (126 of 24 January 1997) alongside National Archives instructions.

Skills & Personal Attributes

• High-level administrative capabilities to manage archival systems, lead personnel development, and structure competency frameworks.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English to present clear lectures, briefings, and legal interpretations to diverse departmental officials.

• Strong planning, organizing, and problem-solving skills to manage complex electronic and paper-based file plans simultaneously under institutional pressure.

Administrative Requirements

• South African citizenship with a clean record; candidates must be willing to undergo state security vetting and clearance procedures to handle classified information.

Core Public Service Values

Accountability & Regulatory Fidelity

Information architectures in the defense sector carry significant national importance. We maintain zero tolerance for unapproved file modifications, poor upkeep of physical storage facilities, or non-compliance with archival laws. We expect our Assistant Directors to maintain complete regulatory fidelity.

Batho Pele Service Excellence

In line with the national “People First” framework, we believe our archives exist to empower our workforce. We value leaders who display an active, helpful spirit—ensuring research staff get rapid information access while making sure frontline desks are managed politely and professionally.

Innovation & Technological Adaptation

As data systems transition rapidly from paper trails to automated cloud storage, we expect our management personnel to champion innovation. This includes mastering data tools, digital archiving workflows, and modern electronic document governance protocols.

Career Growth Opportunities

A permanent Level 09 appointment within the Department of Defence CMIS Division offers an outstanding trajectory toward senior state executive and security information leadership:

Assistant Director: Archivist (Level 09) → Deputy Director: Records Systems Governance (Level 11)

Deputy Director → Director: CMIS Information Systems (Level 13 / SMS)

Director → Chief Director: Command and Management Strategy (Level 14)

Chief Director → Deputy Director-General / Chief of CMIS Division

Your strategic output, clean audit histories, and policy development skills determine your growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the primary workplace location for this Assistant Director post?

The position is officially centered within the CMIS Division in Pretoria. Hand-delivered applications are received at the corporate complex situated at Department of Defence CMIS Division, Eco Glades 1, 70 Ribbon and Grass Street, Eco Park, Centurion, 0417.

What specific record systems will the incumbent manage?

The successful candidate will be responsible for managing the official DOD record Classification systems, specifically the master copies of the DOD File Plan across both electronic and paper-based versions.

Are there electronic application avenues provided for this government post?

Yes. In order to streamline public sector access, the Department of Defence allows candidates to submit their fully compiled application profiles directly via email to the designated HR coordinators at Thapelo.Goitsilwe@dod.mil.za and Suzan.Mopeli@dod.mil.za.

What is the remuneration structure for a Level 09 public service vacancy?

The post offers a highly competitive basic salary scale ranging from R487,197 to R584,370 per annum, supplemented by standard public service benefits which include medical aid contributions, state pension fund (GEPF) components, and a 13th check.

Who can I contact to check on the status of my application profile?

For official enquiries regarding this vacancy, you can contact the designated departmental recruitment leads directly: Maj T.A. Goitsilwe at Tel No: (012) 649 1540 or Ms K.S. Mopeli at Tel No: (012) 649 1444 during standard business hours.

How to Apply

Are you ready to enforce world-class archive governance, lead specialized training programmes, and support national security operations with the Department of Defence? Applications are officially open via the jobsandcareeropportunities.co.za network. Meticulously format your profile to emphasize your NQF level certifications and archive experience before submitting.

Application Channels

📫 Postal Option:

Department of Defence, CMIS Division, Private Bag X161, Pretoria, 0001

📍 Physical Hand-Delivery Option:

Department of Defence CMIS Division, Eco Glades 1, 70 Ribbon and Grass Street, Eco Park, Centurion, 0417

📧 Direct Email Option:

Submit to: Thapelo.Goitsilwe@dod.mil.za and Suzan.Mopeli@dod.mil.za

Applicants must ensure their email subject line or physical cover note reads exactly: Application - Assistant Director Archivist - Ref DHRCM/19/23/26/02 to guarantee immediate tracking and accurate routing within the DOD HR department.

All applications must be submitted on the newly updated official Z83 Application Form (obtainable from any Public Service Department or online at www.dpsa.gov.za). The form must be fully completed, dated, and signed. It must be accompanied by a comprehensive, updated Curriculum Vitae highlighting detailed references, as well as clear copies of your Matric certificate, NQF Level 6 Diploma/Degree, and South African Identity Document.

Apply early — this vacancy closes on 17 July 2026.

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