To apply for these positions, please click on the application link provided at the end of each job description. We wish you all the best with your applications.
SENIOR SPECIALIST: DATA MANAGEMENT & ANALYSIS
Closing Date: November 13, 2025
All-Inclusive Salary Package: R1,059,105 – R1,247,574 per annum
Benefits: This is an all-inclusive remuneration package. The successful candidate may structure the total package to include a 13th cheque. The employer’s contributions to housing, medical aid, and pension are included in the total package.
Contract Type: Permanent
The South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) is a statutory public entity responsible for overseeing the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) under the NQF Act, No. 67 of 2008. SAQA works to develop, promote, and maintain a unified and transparent national system for recognizing learning achievements. This ensures that South African qualifications meet high standards, are comparable to international ones, maintain quality in education and training, and support access, mobility, and progression in education, training, and career paths.
SAQA is looking to appoint a Senior Specialist: Data Management & Analysis. This role involves implementing the data strategy and business processes needed to create, maintain, and improve data quality. Reporting to the Senior Manager: Data Management & Analysis, the successful candidate will handle the daily management of key data assets, provide guidance and oversight for assigned datasets, and ensure effective data management.
Requirements
Minimum Qualifications:
- An appropriate, recognized qualification at NQF Level 7 or equivalent.
- A relevant qualification at NQF Level 8 will be an advantage.
Minimum Experience:
- Eight years of relevant work experience, including at least two years working with large relational databases.
- Experience in the post-school education system will be an advantage.
Knowledge, Skills, and Competencies:
- Strong knowledge of the laws and regulations in the education sector.
- Advanced understanding of data and information management principles.
- Good grasp of data management practices and compliance standards.
- High-level skills in data analysis and interpretation.
- Ability to prepare complex reports for executive and board-level audiences.
- Advanced proficiency in tools such as SQL, R, Python, Power BI, Excel, and similar software.
- Experience in leading projects and managing technical initiatives.
- Strong attention to detail and quality assurance skills.
- Effective communication and engagement with stakeholders at all levels.
- Skills in training and building capacity for internal teams and external partners.
- People management abilities, including coaching and mentoring team members.
Key Performance Areas:
- Manage critical data assets to ensure governance, accuracy, and compliance with data standards.
- Provide oversight for assigned datasets to maintain high-quality data management.
- Develop, update, and improve Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for data management and analysis.
- Offer expert advice on data quality, validation, and compliance issues.
- Lead, plan, and complete complex technical projects and initiatives successfully.
- Prepare and present technical reports to SAQA’s governance structures, including executive and board-level committees.
- Conduct or oversee high-level, data-driven research to provide insights and recommendations that support SAQA’s strategy and decisions.
- Represent SAQA in high-level forums, contributing to discussions on data management and analytics.
- Facilitate training for external data suppliers on using SAQA’s load specifications and data validation tools.
- Design and deliver training programs to improve SAQA staff’s data literacy and analytical skills.
- Coach, mentor, and train team members to enhance their analytical capabilities.
SAQA will verify credit records, criminal records, and qualifications. SAQA reserves the right not to fill the position and will only contact shortlisted candidates.
SENIOR MANAGER: FINANCE & SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT
Closing Date: November 5, 2025
All-Inclusive Salary Package: R1,266,714 – R1,492,122 per annum
Benefits: This is an all-inclusive remuneration package. The successful candidate may structure the total package to include a 13th cheque. The employer’s contributions to housing, medical aid, and pension are included in the total package.
Contract Type: Permanent
The South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) is a statutory public entity responsible for overseeing the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) under the NQF Act, No. 67 of 2008. SAQA works to develop, promote, and maintain a unified and transparent national system for recognizing learning achievements. This ensures that South African qualifications meet high standards, are comparable to international ones, maintain quality in education and training, and support access, mobility, and progression in education, training, and career paths.
SAQA is seeking to appoint a Senior Manager: Finance & Supply Chain Management. This role provides strategic oversight and leadership for finance and supply chain management functions, in line with the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) and National Treasury requirements. The focus is on ensuring unqualified audit outcomes. Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer & Corporate Services Executive, the position is accountable for budget, finance, and procurement processes that align with SAQA’s Annual Performance Plan (APP) and financial goals.
Requirements
Minimum Qualifications:
- An appropriate, recognized qualification at NQF Level 8.
- A relevant qualification at NQF Level 9 will be an advantage.
- Certification with a recognized professional accounting body will be an added advantage.
Minimum Experience:
- Eight years of relevant work experience, including at least five years in a management role.
- Proven experience with the PFMA, Income Tax Act, VAT Act, and National Treasury regulations.
- Experience in the education sector will be an advantage.
Knowledge, Skills, and Competencies:
- Knowledge of accounting and payroll software packages.
- Experience with CaseWare software.
- Understanding of GRAP (Generally Recognised Accounting Practice) standards.
- Strategic leadership skills.
- Financial management expertise.
- Business acumen.
- Resilience, attention to detail, and sound judgment.
- Stakeholder relations management.
- Transformational leadership with strong influencing abilities.
- Good knowledge of the education sector’s legislative and regulatory environment.
- People management skills.
Key Performance Areas:
- Achieve an unqualified audit opinion.
- Develop and implement a finance and supply chain management strategy.
- Ensure timely completion and submission of financial and supply chain management reports, and prepare all financial statements.
- Oversee preparations for internal and external audits.
- Manage the acquisition, recording, logistics, and disposal of assets.
- Review SAQA’s budget.
- Manage SAQA’s budget and provide input for the APP budget.
- Develop and implement a procurement plan to support the APP and budgets.
- Oversee payroll and related functions.
- Ensure compliance with auditing standards as required by the PFMA and related laws.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders.
- Oversee internal and external reporting.
- Ensure adherence to internal policies and external regulations.
- Develop and manage the unit’s budget.
- Manage, mentor, and guide staff.
- Foster a culture of creativity, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
- Manage stakeholder relations.
- Provide strategic advice to SAQA executives.
SAQA will verify credit records, criminal records, and qualifications. SAQA reserves the right not to fill the position and will only contact shortlisted candidates.
We wish you all the best with your applications.