Deputy Director (NEEDU) – Department of Basic Education
| Job Title | Deputy Director (NEEDU) – Department of Basic Education |
| Company | Government Jobs |
| Job Reference | NEEDU |
| Category | Government |
| Location | Pretoria, ZA |
| Employment Type | Full Time |
| Date Posted | 2026-07-08T18:19 |
| Closing Date | 2026-07-17T20:19 |
| Status | Open for Applications |
| Salary | ZAR 720147 - 932292 per year |
Deputy Director (NEEDU) – Department of Basic Education - Job Description
Introduction
The Department of Basic Education is looking for three Deputy Directors to join its NEEDU team, conducting independent research and evaluation into teaching and learning quality across South African schools. These are contract posts with a renewal option.
About the Company
This role falls under the Branch: Delivery and Support, Chief Directorate: NEEDU, based in Pretoria. The Department of Basic Education is committed to equity and affirmative action, and encourages applications from women and people with disabilities.
Responsibilities
• Liaise with district officials and school management teams to prepare for evaluations
• Conduct independent research and evaluation in sampled schools, districts, and provincial offices using prescribed protocols
• Analyse data using qualitative and quantitative methods and tools
• Assess the state of teaching and learning across evaluated sites
• Observe educators in practice as part of the school evaluation process
• Write, edit, and analyse reports, including recommendations for improvement
• Collate input from evaluation team members
• Identify emerging trends within districts and schools
• Verify findings from school self-evaluations
• Contribute to setting education standards and share research findings across platforms
• Identify problem areas in the basic education sector and propose action research
• Perform other duties as required within the ambit of labour law
Required Qualifications
• Three-year post-matric qualification (NQF Level 6) or SAQA-recognised equivalent
• 4 years' relevant experience as an Assistant Director or equivalent in the education sector
• Sound knowledge of education policy and legislation
• Strong language competency in Sepedi, Setswana, or isiZulu
• Knowledge of matrix and project management
• Experience in qualitative and/or quantitative research methodology
• Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines, and operate independently
• Strong analytical, report-writing, and presentation skills (including MS PowerPoint)
• Strong verbal and written communication
• Computer literacy (MS Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Access, Outlook)
• Willingness to work extended hours and travel extensively
• Valid driver's licence
• A genuine passion for South African education
Job Benefits and Perks
• Salary of R932,292 per annum
• Based in Pretoria
• Meaningful contribution to national education quality assessment
• Three posts available, with a renewal option on the contract term
How to Apply
Submit applications by post to Private Bag X895, Pretoria, 0001, by hand delivery to 222 Struben Street, Pretoria, or by email to LowerApplications@dbe.gov.za. For attention: Ms M Mahape / Ms N Kumalo, Tel (012) 357 3291 / (012) 357 3398. Reference: DBE/50/2026. Closing date: 17 July 2026