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Senior Specialist: ICT Certification
Reference Number: SITA/20251031/2608
BPS Vacancy Number: VAC00850/26
Job Title: Senior Specialist: ICT Certification
Job Level: D1
Vacancy Type: Internal & External
Salary Range: R558,347.00 – R837,521.00 per annum
Organisation Name: State Information Technology Agency (SITA)
Division: CDS: Executive Corporate & Digital Strategy
Department: Norms Standards and Quality
Employment Type: Contract
Contract Duration: 3 years
Location: Centurion, South Africa
Number of Openings: 1
Purpose of the Job
The main goal of this role is to carry out and manage interoperability certification services. This must follow relevant ICT standards, the SITA Act and regulations, as well as the enterprise architecture for the South African Government. In this position, you will help ensure that government IT systems work well together and meet high-quality standards to support efficient public services.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop new ICT standards and specifications based on the needs of the government. These will help address potential risks to South African Government operations and promote secure, reliable technology use.
- Verify and certify products from Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) against established Minimum Interoperability Standards (MIOS) to ensure they are compatible and safe for government use.
- Follow the Technology Certification Process strictly. This includes writing detailed reports on all unit activities, such as specifications, evaluations, certifications, and consultations, to maintain transparency and accuracy.
- Provide expert technology consultation and advice to government clients. Help them make informed decisions about IT solutions that align with national standards and goals.
- Conduct focused technology research. This involves working closely with industry standards bodies and OEMs to stay updated on the latest advancements and best practices in ICT.
- Maintain and control the Lab facility and its assets. Ensure everything follows Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and other ICT standards and frameworks for safety, efficiency, and compliance.
- Develop and verify a repository for Lab test results. This will serve as a reliable database for future reference, audits, and continuous improvement.
- Identify and develop new test procedures and benchmarks. These will enhance the certification process and ensure it remains relevant to evolving technology landscapes.
Qualifications and Experience
Minimum Qualifications:
A 3-year National Diploma or Degree in an ICT-related field, at least at NQF Level 6, or an equivalent verified and certified alternative qualification at NQF Level 6.
Preferred Qualifications:
Preference will be given to candidates with a 4-year Degree in Computer or Electronic Engineering, or an equivalent qualification at NQF Level 7. This advanced education will help in handling complex certification tasks more effectively.
Certifications:
CompTIA A+ and N+ certifications, or equivalent such as Cisco certifications, are required. Additional certifications like COBIT, ITIL, or other IT architecture-related qualifications will be an added advantage and demonstrate a broader understanding of IT governance and service management.
Experience:
5 to 6 years of hands-on experience in ICT infrastructure, ICT security, or end-user computing. This should include:
- General experience in the ICT field, showing a solid foundation in technology operations.
- Experience in lab operations, including setting up and managing testing environments.
- Performing testing of ICT products to ensure they meet standards and function correctly.
- Configuration, testing, and maintenance of hardware, such as laptops, servers, network equipment, converged communication systems, multifunction devices, and more.
- Consulting and interacting with relevant stakeholders, including OEMs and industry standards bodies, to gather requirements and resolve issues.
- Compiling vendor-agnostic specifications that are neutral and applicable across different providers.
Experience working with Proofs of Concept (PoCs), pilot projects, and helping to adopt new technologies will be a significant benefit. It shows your ability to innovate and implement cutting-edge solutions in a government context.
Knowledge Required
To succeed in this role, you need a strong understanding of several key areas:
- Corporate and ICT Governance: Knowledge of policies and frameworks that guide IT decisions in organizations.
- Development, Implementation, and Integration Methodologies: Including testing, packaging, and release processes to ensure smooth deployment of IT solutions.
- IT Quality Management: Ensuring high standards in IT services and products.
- Business Operations and Systems: Understanding how IT supports daily government functions.
- Requirements Process and IIBA Principles and Practices: Gathering and managing stakeholder needs effectively.
- Business Process Management: Optimizing workflows through technology.
- IT Security and ICT Standards: Protecting data and systems while complying with national and international standards.
- Legislative Environment and IT Legislation: Awareness of laws like the SITA Act that regulate government IT.
- COTS (Commercial Off-The-Shelf) Products and OSS (Open-Source Software) Products: Evaluating and integrating ready-made and free software solutions.
- Project Management: Planning, executing, and monitoring IT projects to meet deadlines and budgets.
- Application Maintenance and Support: Keeping software running smoothly post-implementation.
- Hosting and Converged Communication: Managing cloud and unified communication systems.
- Enterprise Architecture Frameworks: Such as TOGAF, Zachman, FEAF, MODAF, GWEA Framework, and MIOS, to design scalable IT architectures for government.
Technical Competencies
Database Administration: This involves the installation, configuration, upgrade, administration, monitoring, and maintenance of databases. You will provide support for operational databases in production environments, as well as for internal or testing purposes during development cycles. Your role will include improving database performance and streamlining administration tools and processes, often through automation, to ensure reliability and efficiency.
Database Management: You will handle the manipulation and control of data to meet all necessary conditions across the entire data lifecycle. This includes data collection, storage, processing, analysis, and disposal, ensuring data integrity, security, and accessibility at every stage.
Note: Emailed CVs will not be accepted. All applications must be submitted through the official portal.
Interpersonal and Behavioural Competencies
- Attention to Detail: The ability to ensure all information is complete, accurate, and free from errors, which is crucial for certification processes.
- Analytical Thinking: Identifying issues, gathering relevant information from various sources, comparing data, and proposing alternative solutions to solve complex problems.
- Continuous Learning: A commitment to constantly expanding your skill set through training, research, and staying current with ICT trends.
- Disciplined: Demonstrating a controlled, diligent approach to work, following procedures meticulously to achieve high-quality outcomes.
- Resilience: Effectively handling disappointment, rejection, or setbacks while continuing to perform well, meet deadlines, and maintain productivity.
- Stress Management: Keeping functioning effectively under pressure, maintaining self-control, and staying composed during challenging or adverse situations.
Application Deadline
Closing Date: 12 November 2025
Click here to apply
We wish you all the best with your application.