SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY (SAQA) VACANCIES

​ 
 
SENIOR MANAGER: DATA MANAGEMENT AND ANALYSIS
Closing Date: June 9, 2025
All Inclusive Salary Package: R1 216 824 – R1 433 355 per annum
Benefits: All-inclusive remuneration package of R1 216 824 – R1 433 355 per annum. The successful candidate may structure the total package for a 13th cheque. The employer’s contribution towards Housing, Medical Aid, and Pension is included in the total package.
Contract Type: Permanent
 
Objective: The South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) is a statutory public entity, an oversight body of the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Act, No. 67 of 2008. The entity is charged with developing, fostering and maintaining an integrated and transparent national framework for the recognition of learning achievements, ensuring that:
• South African qualifications meet appropriate criteria and are internationally comparable.
• The country’s qualifications are of acceptable quality.
• The quality of education and training is enhanced.
• Access, mobility and progression within education, training and career paths are realised.

SAQA seeks to appoint a Senior Manager: Data Management and Analysis to provide strategic leadership for SAQA’s Data Management and Analysis unit. This position will ensure the integrity, quality and effective use of data to support SAQA’s objectives to inform decision-making. This position reports to the Chief Operating Officer.
 
Requirements are:
Minimum Qualifications

• An appropriate, recognised qualification at NQF level 8, with preference for a qualification in Information Management, Statistics, Data Science or equivalent.
• A relevant NQF level 9 qualification will be an advantage.

 
Minimum Experience

• Eight years’ relevant work experience, of which five must be in a management position.
• International experience and exposure in the Education sector will be an advantage.

 
Knowledge, skills and competencies

• Data analysis, including knowledge of technical tools and programming.
• Good knowledge of relational databases and education management information systems.
• Statistical analysis and modelling skills.
• Strategic leadership.
• Transformational leadership with strong influence.
• Business acumen.
• Resilience, attention to detail and sound judgement.
• Good knowledge of the Education sector legislative and regulatory environment.
• People Management.

 
Key performance areas:

• Develop a data management and analysis strategy aligned with SAQA’s objectives.
• Develop, implement and continuously monitor operational and annual performance plans, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives.
• Lead high-level engagements with NQF stakeholders and partners on data-related initiatives.
• Oversee optimisation of the NQF Management Information System and its associated databases.
• Lead the planning and production of enterprise-level data and reporting.
• Lead the implementation of data analytics tools and techniques to support insights generation and reporting.
• Provide oversight and direction on best practices for data analytics and business intelligence.
• Identify and mitigate risks associated with data management and analysis.
• Ensure ethical data usage and adherence to security standards.
• Develop and manage the unit’s budget.
• Oversee internal and external reporting.
• Ensure compliance with internal policies and external regulatory requirements.
• Manage, mentor and guide staff.
• Foster a culture of creativity, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Manage stakeholder relations.
• Provide strategic advice to the Executives.

 
SAQA will verify credit and criminal records as well as qualifications.
SAQA reserves the right not to make an appointment to the advertised post and will only communicate with short listed candidates.
 
APPLY NOW
 
 
 
 
 
 

​ 
 
 
 
 
SENIOR MANAGER: COMMUNICATIONS AND ADVOCACY
Closing Date: June 9, 2025
All Inclusive Salary Package: R1 216 824 – R1 433 355 per annum
Benefits: All-inclusive remuneration package of R1 216 824 – R1 433 355 per annum. The successful candidate may structure the total package for a 13th cheque. The employer’s contribution towards Housing, Medical Aid, and Pension is included in the total package.
Contract Type: Permanent
 
Objective: The South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) is a statutory public entity, an oversight body of the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Act, No. 67 of 2008. The entity is charged with developing, fostering and maintaining an integrated and transparent national framework for the recognition of learning achievements, ensuring that:

• South African qualifications meet appropriate criteria and are internationally comparable.
• The country’s qualifications are of acceptable quality.
• The quality of education and training is enhanced.
• Access, mobility and progression within education, training and career paths are realised.

SAQA seeks to appoint a Senior Manager: Communications and Advocacy to lead the development and execution of SAQA’s integrated communication strategy, drive strategic media relations, and represent SAQA at key governmental, industry and stakeholder engagements. This position reports to the Chief Operating Officer.
 
Requirements are:
Minimum Qualifications

• An appropriate, recognised qualification at NQF level 8, with preference for a qualification in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing or equivalent.
• A relevant NQF level 9 qualification will be an advantage.

 
Minimum Experience

• Eight years’ relevant work experience, of which five must be in a management position.
• International experience and exposure in the Education sector will be an advantage.

 
Knowledge, skills and competencies

• Stakeholder relations management.
• Digital Marketing.
• Communication and Media strategy development and implementation.
• Strategic leadership.
• Transformational leadership with strong influence.
• Business acumen.
• Resilience, attention to detail and sound judgement.
• Good knowledge of the Education sector legislative and regulatory environment.
• People Management.

Key performance areas:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive communications strategy aligned with SAQA’s mandate.
• Provide strategic advice to the executive team on media, public relations, and communication trends.
• Oversee the planning and execution of communication campaigns and events.
• Ensure consistent and engaging content across digital platforms.
• Manage SAQA’s response to media inquiries and crisis communication scenarios.
• Drive innovation in digital and traditional communication platforms.
• Build and maintain strong stakeholder relations.
• Represent SAQA at national and international Advocacy forums.
• Facilitate strategic collaborations and partnerships.
• Develop and manage the unit’s budget.
• Oversee internal and external reporting.
• Ensure compliance with internal policies and external regulatory requirements.
• Manage, mentor and guide staff.
• Foster a culture of creativity, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Manage the stakeholder relations.
• Provide strategic advice to the Executives.

 
SAQA will verify credit and criminal records as well as qualifications.
SAQA reserves the right not to make an appointment to the advertised post and will only communicate with short listed candidates.
 
APPLY NOW
 
 
 
 
 
 

​SENIOR MANAGER: RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
Closing Date: June 9, 2025
All Inclusive Salary Package: R1 216 824 – R1 433 355 per annum
Benefits: All-inclusive remuneration package of R1 216 824 – R1 433 355 per annum. The successful candidate may structure the total package for a 13th cheque. The employer’s contribution towards Housing, Medical Aid, and Pension is included in the total package.
Contract Type: Permanent
 
Objective: The South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) is a statutory public entity, an oversight body of the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Act, No. 67 of 2008. The entity is charged with developing, fostering and maintaining an integrated and transparent national framework for the recognition of learning achievements, ensuring that:
• South African qualifications meet appropriate criteria and are internationally comparable.
• The country’s qualifications are of acceptable quality.
• The quality of education and training is enhanced.
• Access, mobility and progression within education, training and career paths are realised.

SAQA seeks to appoint a Senior Manager: Research & Development to provide strategic leadership and supervision for research, research management, development and policy. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, this position will ensure the development, management, and dissemination of knowledge related to the NQF, supporting informed policy decisions and international collaboration.
 
Requirements are:
Minimum Qualifications

• An appropriate, recognised qualification at NQF Level 9, with preference for a qualification in Education, Public Policy or equivalent.
• A relevant NQF level 10 qualification will be an advantage.

 
Minimum Experience

• Eight years’ relevant working experience in a managerial role involving research development, publishing and policy coordination within a regulatory body.
• International experience and exposure in the Education sector will be an advantage.

 
Knowledge, skills and competencies

• Good knowledge of the Education sector legislative and regulatory environment.
• Extensive expertise in policy formulation and analysis.
• Strategic leadership.
• Transformational leadership with strong influence.
• Business acumen.
• Resilience, attention to detail and sound judgement.
• Good knowledge of the Education sector legislative and regulatory environment.
• People Management.

 
Key performance areas:

• Develop and implement a strategic research agenda and knowledge management.
• Provide strategic advice on emerging trends in research and policy direction.
• Oversee effective knowledge dissemination of NQF-related research findings.
• Manage the delivery of research projects.
• Implement processes that enhance efficiency and support international collaboration.
• Secure external funding opportunities.
• Identify and mitigate risks.
• Align policies and initiatives with national, continental and international trends.
• Develop and manage the unit’s budget.
• Oversee internal and external reporting.
• Ensure compliance with internal policies and external regulatory requirements.
• Manage, mentor and guide staff.
• Foster a culture of creativity, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Manage stakeholder relations.
• Provide strategic advice to the Executives.

 
SAQA will verify credit and criminal records as well as qualifications.
SAQA reserves the right not to make an appointment to the advertised post and will only communicate with short listed candidates.
 
APPLY NOW

​SENIOR MANAGER: STRATEGIC PLANNING AND ADVISORY
Closing Date: June 9, 2025
All Inclusive Salary Package: R1 216 824 – R1 433 355 per annum
Benefits: All-inclusive remuneration package of R1 216 824 – R1 433 355 per annum. The successful candidate may structure the total package for a 13th cheque. The employer’s contribution towards Housing, Medical Aid, and Pension is included in the total package.
Contract Type: Permanent
 
Objective: The South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) is a statutory public entity, an oversight body of the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Act, No. 67 of 2008. The entity is charged with developing, fostering and maintaining an integrated and transparent national framework for the recognition of learning achievements, ensuring that:

• South African qualifications meet appropriate criteria and are internationally comparable.
• The country’s qualifications are of acceptable quality.
• The quality of education and training is enhanced.
• Access, mobility and progression within education, training and career paths are realised.

SAQA seeks to appoint a Senior Manager: Strategic Planning and Advisory to oversee and drive the development, implementation and reporting on the Strategic Plan, the Annual Performance Plan (APP) and Operational Plans. This position reports to the Chief Executive Officer.
 
Requirements are:
Minimum Qualifications

• An appropriate, recognised qualification at NQF Level 8, with preference for a Business or Administration-related qualification or equivalent.
• A relevant NQF level 9 qualification will be an advantage.

 
Minimum Experience

• Eight years’ relevant work experience, of which five must be in a management position.
• International experience and exposure in the Education sector will be an advantage.

 
Knowledge, skills and competencies

• Ability to compile and implement strategic and operational plans in the public sector.
• Risk management, reporting, monitoring and evaluation in the public sector.
• Strategic leadership.
• Transformational leadership with strong influence.
• Business acumen.
• Resilience, attention to detail and sound judgement.
• Good knowledge of the Education sector legislative and regulatory environment.
• People Management.

 
Key performance areas:

• Manage the development and implementation of the Strategic Plan, APP and Operational Plans.
• Oversee reporting on strategy implementation.
• Facilitate strategic planning.
• Oversee submission of the strategic plan, APP, quarterly reports and the annual report.
• Oversee management of Board and sub-committee meetings.
• Identify and mitigate risks.
• Develop and manage the unit’s budget.
• Oversee internal and external reporting.
• Ensure compliance with internal policies and external regulatory requirements.
• Manage, mentor and guide the staff.
• Foster a culture of creativity, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Manage stakeholder relations.
• Provide strategic advice to the Executives.

 
SAQA will verify credit and criminal records as well as qualifications.
SAQA reserves the right not to make an appointment to the advertised post and will only communicate with short listed candidates.
 
APPLY NOW

​ICT PROGRAM MANAGER
Closing Date: June 9, 2025
All Inclusive Salary Package: R1 216 824 – R1 433 355 per annum
Benefits: All-inclusive remuneration package of R1 216 824 – R1 433 355 per annum. The successful candidate may structure the total package for a 13th cheque. The employer’s contribution towards Housing, Medical Aid, and Pension is included in the total package.
Contract Type: Permanent
 
Objective: The South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) is a statutory public entity, an oversight body of the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Act, No. 67 of 2008. The entity is charged with developing, fostering and maintaining an integrated and transparent national framework for the recognition of learning achievements, ensuring that:
• South African qualifications meet appropriate criteria and are internationally comparable.
• The country’s qualifications are of acceptable quality.
• The quality of education and training is enhanced.
• Access, mobility and progression within education, training and career paths are realised.

SAQA seeks to appoint an ICT Program Manager to oversee software and applications delivery implementation and business transformation projects within the organisation. This position reports to the Chief Financial Officer.
 
Requirements are:
Minimum Qualifications

• An appropriate, recognised qualification at NQF level 8, with preference for a qualification in Information Technology, Computer Science or equivalent.
• A relevant NQF level 9 qualification will be an advantage.

 
Minimum Experience

• Eight years’ relevant work experience, of which five must be in a management position.
• International experience and exposure in the education sector, with a proven track record in leading organisation-wide automation projects, will be an advantage.

 
Knowledge, skills and competencies

• Good knowledge of Database design (Cloud and On-premises).
• Extensive knowledge of IT governance framework (ITIL, ISO, COBIT).
• In-depth knowledge of AI, gig data and automation.
• Knowledge of data strategy, policy, and governance.
• Strategic leadership.
• Transformational leadership with strong influence.
• Business acumen.
• Resilience, attention to detail and sound judgement.
• Good knowledge of the Education sector legislative and regulatory environment.
• People Management.

 
Key performance areas:

• Evaluate emerging technologies and align ICT programs with business objectives.
• Develop the digitisation and automation roadmap of the organisation.
• Manage projects.
• Manage supplier contracts and vendors.
• Develop and manage the unit’s budget.
• Identify and mitigate risks.
• Oversee internal and external reporting.
• Ensure compliance with internal policies and external regulatory requirements.
• Manage, mentor and guide staff.
• Foster a culture of creativity, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Manage stakeholder relations.
• Provide strategic advice to the Executives.

 
SAQA will verify credit and criminal records as well as qualifications.
SAQA reserves the right not to make an appointment to the advertised post and will only communicate with short listed candidates.
 
APPLY NOW




​