Chief Land Claims Commissioner vacancy at Department of Land Reform and Rural Development - PSV Circular 36 of 2026

INTRODUCTION

A new opening has been listed in Public Service Vacancy Circular 36 of 2026: Chief Land Claims Commissioner at Department of Land Reform and Rural Development, based in Gauteng (Pretoria).

The advertised package is R1 885 710 a year (Level 15), (all-inclusive package). The package includes a basic salary (70% of the package) and a flexible portion that may be structured in accordance with the rules for Senior Management Services (SMS). (5 years employment contract). This post was published in Public Service Vacancy Circular 36 of 2026, issued on 09 October 2026.

Job title	Chief Land Claims Commissioner
Department	Department of Land Reform and Rural Development
Reference number	3/1/1/1/2026/274
Salary	R1 885 710 a year (Level 15), (all-inclusive package). The package includes a basic salary (70% of the package) and a flexible portion that may be structured in accordance with the rules for Senior Management Services (SMS). (5 years employment contract)
Centre / location	Gauteng (Pretoria)
Province	Gauteng
Closing date	23 October 2026 at 16:00
Circular	PSV Circular 36 of 2026

ABOUT THE ROLE

This vacancy forms part of Department of Land Reform and Rural Development (Branch: Restitution). It carries the reference number 3/1/1/1/2026/274, and the successful candidate will work from Gauteng (Pretoria). The department has indicated an employment equity target: EE Targets: Coloured and Indian Males, and African, Coloured and Indian Females, and Persons with disabilities.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The successful candidate will be expected to handle the following:

Provide strategic leadership and guidance for the provision of Restitution services in the following areas: Provide strategic leadership and direction as well as implement the functions of the Commission are described in the Restitution of Land Rights Act No. 22 of 1994.
Provide access to rights in land, including land ownership and sustainable development.
Serve as the Head of the Commission on Restitution of Land Rights and the Branch Restitution.
Advise the Executive Authority on policy development and implementation.
Interface with broader processes around land reform at the national level.
Interface with the Director-General: Land Reform and Rural Development in his/her capacity as the accounting officer of the Commission.
Make sure that Restitution projects are of high quality and conform to policy objectives of poverty eradication and sustainable development.
Make sure of effective governance, accountability and adherence to relevant legislation.
Drive organisational performance, transformation and service delivery.
Coordinate strategic planning and compilation of APP.
Provide financial management services to the Commission.
Provide legal support to Commission in terms of restitution issues.
Provide risk and compliance services to the Commission.
Manage Commission finances, human resource and assets.
Coordinate service delivery.
Provide strategic management and direction to the Branch: Develops Restitution strategic plan in agreement with the Director-General: Department of land Reform and Rural Development.
Develop and reports on annual Restitution operational and work plans linked to the Restitution Act.
Prepare financial reports/statements on a monthly, quarterly and annual basis.
Estimates progress review and budget adjustments on an annual basis.
Prepare technical procedures and standards according to policy.
Sets realistic goals and objectives for the Commission and the Branch to be attained.
Coordinate the development and maintenance of Branch system and controls.
Ensure protection of the Branch from risk and fraud at all times.
Develop a well-defined communication strategy for the Branch.
Provide strategic direction towards an effective and efficient commission: Oversee implementation towards establishing schedule 3 (A) Entity.
Approves business Case and legislation.
Redesign the settlement models in sector categories.
Foster stakeholder relations and partnerships across government, business and civil society.
Lead and Manage the Business unit in accordance with good Governance: Make sure of participation at Quality Control Committees (QCC) and signing approval of claims.
Manage Restitution Legal Matters including Litigation and Compliance matters.
Manage IT Systems.
Manage expenditure risk.
Make sure that revised institutional form is implemented.
Develop a detailed business process linked to the standard operating procedures and time frames to ensure effective information and records management.
Make sure that the Statutory commission meetings are held in adherence to the Restitution.
Decide on request for access to information in terms of PAIA: Undertake functions as the information officer of the Commission.
Manage the identification and locate records.
Make sure that the third parties are notified where required.
Take decisions on whether to grant/deny access.
Manage the calculated charges applicable to fees.
Provide access to records if the decision is to grant access.

REQUIREMENTS

To be considered, you should meet these requirements:

Minimum requirements: Applicants must be in a possession of a Grade 12 Certificate and Honours Degree / Advanced Diploma in Social Sciences / Economics / Natural Sciences / Law or Development Studies (NQF Level 8) and a Nyukela certificate (Pre-entry Certificate to the SMS) submitted prior to appointment.
At least 8 years of experience at senior managerial level in Land Reform / Restitution Environment.
Demonstrated leadership in a large complex organisation.
A valid driver's licence.
Knowledge needed: Understanding of key priorities of government, as well as the Comprehensive Rural Development Programme (CRDP), Infrastructure planning and implementation, Public Service Act, Public Financial Management Act, Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act, Project management, Programme management, Strategic capacity and planning, Budgeting, Expenditure reporting, Monitoring and evaluation, Human resource management, Supply chain management, Knowledge of the Constitution and Land Reform legislation.
Skills needed: Communication (Both verbal and written), Strategic planning and leadership, Presentation and facilitation, Report writing, People management, Financial management, Business management / Public management, Monitoring and evaluation, Negotiation and conflict resolution, Customer focus and Computer literacy.

HOW TO APPLY

Download the NEW Z83 form from the DPSA website and complete it in full.
Prepare a detailed CV with your qualifications, experience and contact details.
Write the reference number 3/1/1/1/2026/274 on your application.
Submit as instructed: Nominations or applications can be hand delivered during office hours to: 600 Lilian Ngoyi Street (formerly known as Van Der Walt Street) Berea Park, Pretoria, 0001 or by email to Post274@dlrrd.gov.za
Make sure your application reaches the department by 23 October 2026 at 16:00.

Enquiries: Dr AF van Staden Tel No: (012) 312 9626

Important notes:

Read the full advert in the circular for the department's specific submission rules.

TIPS TO STRENGTHEN YOUR APPLICATION

Match your CV to the requirements above. Show the exact qualification, years of experience and skills that are listed.
Read the whole advert, including the notes section, because each department has its own rules on how to submit.
Use the NEW Z83 form (effective 01 January 2021), sign and date it, and make sure every section is completed.
Prepare certified copies of your ID, qualifications and proof of experience. Shortlisted candidates are usually asked for them.
Posts at senior management level (Level 13 and above) require the SMS pre-entry certificate from the National School of Government (Nyukela programme), so confirm you qualify before you apply.

RELATED JOBS TO APPLY

Source: DPSA Public Service Vacancy Circular 36 of 2026. Always confirm details with the advertising department. OneCareer is not the employer and never charges for applying to a government post.

Chief Land Claims Commissioner, Department of Land Reform and Rural Development