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Employer: Department of Defence
Location: South Africa
Closing Date: 17 July 2026
The Department of Defence has officially opened applications for multiple Secretary vacancies based at the SA Navy Headquarters in Pretoria. These permanent positions, classified under Salary Level 05, offer an exceptional entry point into the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) civil component, providing long-term career stability, competitive public service benefits, and professional growth.
Position Overview and Salary Package
The advertised posts are for permanent Secretary roles assigned to various management components within the naval infrastructure.
- Salary: R237 453 to R279 708 per annum (Level 05)
- Location: SA Navy Headquarters, Pretoria
- Employment Type: Permanent
Available Posts and Reference Numbers
- Secretary (1 Post): Reference Number: NAVAL/20/23/26/20
- Secretary (1 Post): Reference Number: NAVAL/20/23/26/21
- Secretary (1 Post): Reference Number: NAVAL/20/23/26/22
- Secretary (1 Post): Reference Number: NAVAL/20/23/26/23
This competitive salary progression scale is complemented by standard state benefits, making it an excellent opportunity for qualified administrative professionals.
Minimum Appointment Requirements
To qualify for these secretarial positions, applicants must fulfill the following criteria:
- Education: A Grade 12 (NQF Level 4) certificate or an equivalent qualification.
- Experience: No prior experience is strictly required, making this an accessible entry-level professional track.
- Core Knowledge: Foundational knowledge of secretarial and Personal Assistant (PA) functions, alongside a clear understanding of general office administration.
- Computer Proficiency: Ability to operate and organize an office efficiently with comprehensive proficiency in MS Office Suite.
- Communication Skills: The ability to communicate effectively both in writing and verbally in English at all levels.
- Interpersonal Attributes: Strong telephone etiquette, excellent typing skills, customer service orientation, and demonstrated planning, organizing, and problem-solving abilities.
Benefits of Joining the Department of Defence
An appointment within the Department of Defence as a public service member offers a wide range of institutional advantages:
- Employment Stability: Permanent placement under the Public Service Act ensures strong statutory job security.
- Retirement Provisions: Automatic enrollment into the Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF).
- Medical Benefits: Access to subsidized state medical assistance programs.
- Skill Development: Exposure to specialized military administrative frameworks and continuous professional training updates.
Key Performance Areas and Duties
Successful candidates will be tasked with optimizing the administrative and secretarial services provided to senior managers. Core responsibilities include:
- Diary and Appointment Management: Rendering comprehensive secretarial functions, including keeping and updating the Manager’s diary daily, as well as coordinating appointments for staff members.
- Personal Assistant Support: Providing high-level PA support, such as taking minutes, drafting confirmatory notes, preparing memoranda, writing official letters, and managing the transcription of documentation.
- Briefings and Presentations: Preparing professional briefings and slideshows for operational or administrative meetings.
- Logistical Coordination: Making travel arrangements, ordering stationery through relevant internal sections, and ensuring the Manager’s desk is cleared and organized daily.
- Office Security and Reception: Providing professional reception services, coordinating daily communication lines, and adhering strictly to office security protocols.
SHE and Security Compliance Guidelines
Given that these positions reside within the SA Navy Headquarters, strict adherence to safety, health, environment (SHE), and defense security frameworks is mandatory:
- Office Security Services: Appointees are responsible for enforcing office security measures to protect classified documentation, state property, and sensitive communication records.
- Occupational Environment Compliance: Ensuring a safe, organized, and hazard-free office space in line with national occupational health standards.
- Comprehensive Vetting: Successful candidates will be subjected to rigorous Personnel Suitability Checks, which encompass criminal record verifications, citizenship status validation, financial/asset record audits, qualification checks, and extensive security clearance processes.
Tips for a Successful Z83 Job Application
To ensure your application is considered during the initial screening process, follow these strict Department of Defence directives:
- Use the Correct Form: Applications must be submitted using the prescribed Z83 form, which must be completely filled out, originally signed, and dated.
- Attach a Comprehensive CV: Include a detailed Curriculum Vitae detailing your training, qualifications, core competencies, and any relevant experience.
- Submit Separate Applications: If you choose to apply for more than one secretarial post, you must submit a completely separate Z83 form and documentation pack for each individual post reference number.
- Avoid Disqualification Pitfalls: Ensure all information is accurate and fully legible. Applications received after the formal closing time, as well as faxed or photostat copies of application documents, will not be accepted under any circumstances.
Critical Dates and Selection Protocols
- Closing Date: 17 July 2026 at 16:00. No late applications will be evaluated.
- Assessment Framework: Shortlisted candidates will be required to undergo a practical exercise and an integrity (ethical conduct) assessment during the interview phase to determine ultimate suitability.
- Notification Period: Due to the large volume of anticipated applications, correspondence is strictly limited to shortlisted candidates. If you have not received feedback within three months after the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.
