Are you an experienced Supply Chain Management professional seeking an exciting government career opportunity in South Africa? The Department of Basic Education (DBE) is recruiting a skilled and motivated Assistant Director: Bids and Contract Administration to support the management of the organisation’s procurement, bids, and supply chain processes. This permanent post is situated at the DBE Head Office in Pretoria and offers a competitive salary, professional growth, and the opportunity to make a positive difference in the public education sector.

If you are passionate about procurement efficiency, contract compliance, and public sector governance, this opportunity is designed to support your career growth while contributing to South Africa’s education transformation.

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About the Department of Basic Education

The Department of Basic Education leads the administration, policy-making and oversight of South Africa’s schooling system. Its primary role is ensuring quality education for all learners with a strong commitment to transformation, equity and inclusivity. As a national department, DBE focuses on:

• Improving teaching and learning

• Overseeing curriculum and assessment policies

• Strengthening education governance systems

• Promoting innovation and reform in schools nationwide

DBE’s operations rely on effective supply chain and financial management to support its mandate. The Assistant Director: Bids and Contract Administration plays a central role in ensuring procurement integrity and compliance with legislative frameworks.

Position Overview

Position Title: Assistant Director: Bids and Contract Administration
Reference Number: DBE/16/2025
Salary: R582 444 per annum (including benefits)
Type: Permanent (Public Service Appointment)
Location: Pretoria, Gauteng — DBE Head Office
Branch: Finance and Administration
Chief Directorate: Financial Management Services
Directorate: Supply Chain Management
Closing Date for Applications: 07 November 2025

The successful candidate will provide strategic administrative support in bids management and contract administration to ensure full compliance with Public Service procurement legislation, enabling DBE to acquire goods and services that support service delivery excellence.

Minimum Requirements

To qualify for this role, applicants must meet the following essential criteria:

• A three-year Degree or Diploma in:

  • Public Administration

  • Supply Chain Management

  • Procurement

  • Logistics

  • Or another relevant NQF Level 6 qualification

• Minimum of three (3) years relevant Supply Chain Management experience with specific involvement in:

  • Bids Management

  • Acquisition Management

• Sound knowledge of relevant legislation and frameworks including:

  • Public Finance Management Act (PFMA)

  • Supply Chain Management Framework

  • Treasury Regulations

  • Government procurement compliance procedures

• Strong computer literacy, including:

  • MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook

  • Basic Accounting System (BAS)

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Strong analytical, interpersonal, coordination, and problem-solving capabilities

• Ability to work well independently and within a multidisciplinary team

• High level of attention to detail and precision in numerical and documentation processes

Key Duties and Responsibilities

The Assistant Director: Bids and Contract Administration will be responsible for:

• Managing the acquisition process in compliance with legislative requirements

• Attending and advising bid committees, including:

  • Bid Specification Committee (BSC)

  • Bid Evaluation Committee (BEC)

• Providing secretariat support to bid committees and overseeing the correct application of SCM procedures

• Ensuring appropriate documentation, including accurate minutes and bid reports

• Coordinating responses to audit findings related to SCM processes

• Preparing submissions after Bid Adjudication Committee recommendations to the Director–General

• Administering contract compliance and performance monitoring

• Drafting correspondence to bidders regarding bid outcomes after approval

• Facilitating finalisation of Service Level Agreements (SLAs) and contracts with Legal Services

• Ensuring timely payment of suppliers and service providers within the 30-day payment regulation

• Maintaining complete, accurate, and secure records for all contracts and procurement documentation

• Monitoring contract expiry timelines and notifying service providers as needed

• Updating commitment registers and tracking payment progress

• Supporting SCM managers with other delegated procurement responsibilities

This role demands a strong understanding of contract governance and accountability to ensure transparent and responsible financial management within the Department.

Skills and Competencies

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• Knowledge of government procurement and bidding frameworks

• Strong compliance mindset and ethical conduct

• Leadership and team collaboration skills

• Good organizational and administrative capabilities

• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines

• Excellent stakeholder relations and communication abilities

• Problem-solving and analytical decision-making

• High standards of confidentiality and attention to detail

If you are a driven professional with a passion for effective public sector procurement, this is an excellent opportunity to grow your career within a supportive environment.

Employment Equity Commitment

The Department of Basic Education is committed to transformation and achieving the goals of the Employment Equity Act. Preference may be given to suitably qualified candidates from designated groups, including:

• Women

• Previously disadvantaged individuals

• People with disabilities

Applicants are encouraged to declare their race, gender and disability status for equity tracking.

How to Apply

Interested applicants must complete and submit the newly approved Z83 Application for Employment form (available from any Public Service department or the DBE website), accompanied by a detailed and updated CV.

👉 No supporting documents (certified copies of qualifications or ID) are required at the application stage.
These will be requested only from shortlisted candidates.

Submit your application via one of the following methods:

📮 Post:
Private Bag X895, Pretoria, 0001

📍 Hand-deliver:
Department of Basic Education
222 Struben Street
Pretoria

📧 Email: Recruitment@dbe.gov.za

🔍 Official Vacancy Page: Visit the DBE careers section at education.gov.za or DPSA vacancy circulars

Important Notes

• Ensure the reference number DBE/16/2025 is correctly indicated on your Z83 form

• Use of old Z83 form will lead to disqualification

• Late or faxed applications will not be accepted

• All shortlisted candidates will:

  • Undertake a pre-entry practical exercise

  • Be subjected to security clearance and pre-employment verifications

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