DIRCO Vacancies

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DIRCO is South Africa’s foreign ministry, with a 2023–24 budget of R6.9 billion, around 1,993 employees (plus 1,276 foreign staff), headquartered at the OR Tambo Building in Pretoria. The current Minister of International Relations and Cooperation is Ronald Lamola, appointed on 30 June 2024, with a ministerial salary of R2,211,937 per annum.

The mission of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) is to promote South Africa’s national interests and values, the African Renaissance, and the creation of a better world for all.

Updated Salary Ranges for DIRCO Staff

Here’s a revised estimate based on recent advertised posts and internship data:

Position Salary Range (ZAR/month) Annualised (PA)
Intern / Cadet R7,044 – R8,584 ~R84,528 – R103,008
Junior Officer R10,000 – R15,000 R120,000 – R180,000
Assistant-level Manager (ARF) ~R48,537 (level 10 ≈ ⋅582,444 PA) R582,444
Project Manager (Level 12) ~R88,259 (≈ R1,059,105 PA) R1,059,105
Deputy Director (Level 11) ~R62,021 (≈ R744,255 PA) R744,255
Manager / Director R35,000 – R70,000 R420,000 – R840,000

  • Recent external listings show Assistant Manager, Project Manager, Assistant Project Manager, Finance Manager, and M&E Manager roles at ARF with packages from ~R582k to R1.06 m per year .

  • The recent Deputy Director position (Internal Audit) is advertised at R744,255 p.a. (Level 11)

Requirements & Eligibility

  • Internships / Cadet Programmes 

    • 24‑month duration, stipend R7,450.63/month, 15 interns and ~25 cadets

    • Applicants must be SA citizens aged 18–35 with NQF Level 7 degree.

  • Entry to mid-level positions:

    • Assistant Manager roles typically require NQF 6/7 plus 3–5 years relevant experience (junior supervisory level) in project management, finance, or M&E – with knowledge of PFMA/Treasury, reporting systems.

  • Senior posts (e.g., Deputy Director):

    • RQF Level 7 or equivalent in Internal Auditing, Accounting or Forensic Auditing, with IIASA registration.

Essential Skills & Competencies

To excel in a Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) role, certain skills and competencies are essential. These may include excellent communication skills, analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, cross-cultural understanding, diplomacy, and teamwork. Additionally, proficiency in multiple languages is beneficial.

Across all vacancy types, the following are critical:

  • Excellent verbal and written communication, diplomacy, computer literacy

  • Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving, stakeholder engagement, project/programme management

  • Competencies honed include teamwork, attention to detail, adaptability, and cultural awareness .

Latest DIRCO Vacancies

Types of Job Vacancies at Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO)

    1. Administrative positions

These positions involve providing administrative support, handling correspondence, and maintaining records for {organization} departments.

    1. Diplomatic positions

Diplomatic positions focus on representing {organization} abroad, establishing and maintaining relationships with foreign governments, and handling diplomatic negotiations.

    1. Policy development positions

These positions involve researching and developing policies related to international relations and cooperation, analyzing global trends, and providing policy advice to the government.

    1. Consular positions

Consular positions are responsible for assisting and providing support to South African nationals abroad, including consular services, visa processing, and emergency assistance.

    1. Protocol positions

Protocol positions are involved in managing official visits, organizing events, and ensuring proper diplomatic protocol is followed during international meetings and conferences.

Application Process

  • Download and complete Z83 form (use 2021 edition) and prepare certified copies (ID, qualifications, transcripts).

  • Submit via email addresses per vacancy or hand-deliver to OR Tambo Building, Pretoria.

  • Ensure reference codes are correctly quoted in subject lines.

  • Intern/Cadet applications are completed online for posts 35/31 and 35/32.

Learnerships & Internships

  • The Cadet Programme: 25 places, stipend R7,450/month, 24 months.

  • The General Internship Programme: 15 spots, similar terms and stipend level.

  • Legal internships showed stipends of R7,043–R8,584 depending on qualification.

Why Work for DIRCO?

  • Global impact: Representing South Africa in bilateral/multilateral settings and promoting its national interests.

  • Career mobility: Structures for growth across policy, diplomatic postings, financial management and international development.

  • Skill development: Exposure to project implementation, M&E, auditing, diplomacy, and intercultural communication.

  • Reputation & Network: Enhanced prestige and connections within international and domestic spheres.

Preparing for a DIRCO Interview

  • Deep-dive DIRCO: Understand its mission, current foreign-policy priorities, and multilateral engagements.

  • Stay current: Be conversant in recent SA international news, continental partnerships, and global issues.

  • Showcase core strengths: Use examples to demonstrate diplomacy, problem-solving, and project oversight.

  • Communicate clearly: Be articulate, confident, and professionally attired.

  • Highlight compliance knowledge: Especially for finance/M&E candidates—reference PFMA, Treasury regs, GRAP, DORA.

Application Tips

  • Double-check all required documents (Z83, CV, certified IDs and transcripts).

  • Always include the job reference number and correctly formatted subject line.

  • For internship roles, ensure you’re a first-time applicant to cadet/intern programmes.

  • Anticipate security vetting and oath-of-secrecy requirements.

  • Apply early—late submissions are strictly disqualified.

More Information

For more information about DIRCO vacancies, jobs, and learnerships, visit the official website: www.dirco.gov.za

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