Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO)
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer.
Application Process
Applications must be submitted either by email or hand delivery.
Email applications should be sent to the email address specified under each post. Applicants must quote the post name in the subject line of the email to receive an acknowledgement.
Hand-delivered applications may be submitted at the OR Tambo Building, 460 Soutpansberg Road, Pretoria.
Closing Date
The closing date for all applications is 27 February 2026. Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
Important Notes to Applicants
Applications must be submitted on the new Z83 application form, effective from 1 January 2021. The form must be duly completed and hand-signed. It can be obtained from any Public Service department or downloaded from the DIRCO website.
Applications must be accompanied by a detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV). Certified copies of qualifications, Identity Document, driver’s licence, and other relevant documents will be required from shortlisted candidates only. Applications submitted using an incorrect Z83 form will not be considered.
All appointments are subject to security clearance. Applicants with foreign qualifications must ensure that these are evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
Shortlisted candidates will be required to undertake two pre-entry assessments. One will be a practical assessment testing job-related technical competencies, and the other will be an integrity and ethical conduct assessment. Following interviews and technical assessments, candidates may be required to attend a generic managerial competency assessment using DPSA-mandated tools.
Applicants must indicate in their CVs the number of boards they currently serve on, in line with the Cabinet decision of 2 March 2016. Failure to provide this information will result in disqualification.
A pre-entry Nyukela certificate from the National School of Government is required for all Senior Management Service appointments. Successful candidates will be required to complete a Financial Disclosure form annually.
DIRCO reserves the right not to make any appointment. Correspondence will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. If applicants are not contacted within four months after the closing date, they should consider their application unsuccessful.
Management Echelon Vacancies
Post 04/101: Chief Director – Foreign Service (Bilateral)
Branch: Africa, Asia and Middle East; Europe and Americas
Centre: Pretoria
Salary: R1 494 900 per annum (all-inclusive remuneration package)
Successful candidates will be required to sign a performance contract.
Requirements
Applicants must hold an undergraduate qualification at NQF Level 7 in Political, Social or Human Sciences, recognized by SAQA. A minimum of five years’ experience at Senior Managerial level in International Relations or a related field is required. A pre-entry Nyukela certificate from the National School of Government must be submitted prior to appointment.
Required competencies include in-depth knowledge of public service legislative frameworks, national policies, South Africa’s foreign policy, international politics and diplomacy, financial management and PFMA, stakeholder engagement, strategic leadership, people management, project management, negotiation, drafting, and conference diplomacy.
Duties
The role involves promoting South Africa’s bilateral relations, managing political, economic and cultural engagements with foreign countries, advising departmental executives on foreign policy direction, managing stakeholder relations, providing strategic leadership to missions abroad, and overseeing financial, human resource, planning, monitoring, evaluation, and governance functions within the Chief Directorate.
Enquiries
Mr N Sekalo
Tel: (012) 301 8689
Applications
Email applications to [email protected], quoting the post name in the subject line.
Post 04/102: Chief Director – Foreign Service: Human Rights and Humanitarian Affairs
Branch: Global Governance and Continental Agenda
Centre: Pretoria
Salary: R1 494 900 per annum (all-inclusive remuneration package)
Successful candidates will be required to sign a performance contract.
Requirements
Applicants must possess an undergraduate qualification at NQF Level 7 in Political Science, International Relations or related fields recognized by SAQA, with at least five years’ experience at Senior Managerial level in International Relations. A pre-entry Nyukela certificate is required.
Competencies include knowledge of public service legislation, Batho Pele principles, PFMA, strategic leadership, people management, project management, stakeholder engagement, South Africa’s foreign policy, international politics, Agenda 2063, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the South African Constitution, the Bill of Rights, humanitarian principles, and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Duties
The Chief Director will lead and manage the Human Rights and Humanitarian Affairs Directorate, coordinate South Africa’s participation in international and regional human rights processes, promote and protect human rights globally, advance humanitarian policy interests, and oversee governance, financial management, planning, monitoring, and evaluation.
Enquiries
Mr E Mahalefa
Tel: (012) 351 0884
Applications
Email applications to [email protected], quoting the post name in the subject line.
Post 04/103: Chief Director – Financial Management
Branch: Financial and Asset Management
Centre: Pretoria
Salary: R1 494 900 per annum (all-inclusive remuneration package)
The successful candidate will be required to sign a performance contract.
Requirements
Applicants must hold an undergraduate qualification at NQF Level 7 in Financial Management or a related field recognized by SAQA, with at least five years’ experience at Senior Managerial level in Financial Management. A pre-entry Nyukela certificate is required.
Competencies include financial legislation, PFMA, National Treasury Regulations, strategic planning, policy analysis, people management, budgeting, reporting, political and cultural sensitivity, and the ability to work independently and under pressure.
Duties
The position is responsible for departmental budgeting and cash-flow management, financial reporting, revenue and expenditure management, development of integrated financial systems, and overall governance, planning, monitoring, and performance management of the Chief Directorate.
Enquiries
Ms V Beshe
Tel: (012) 351 1327
Applications
Email applications to [email protected], quoting the post name in the subject line.
Post 04/104: Chief Director – Foreign Service Training and International School
Branch: Diplomatic Training, Research and Development
Centre: Pretoria
Salary: R1 494 900 per annum (all-inclusive remuneration package)
Successful candidates will be required to sign a performance contract.
Requirements
Applicants must possess an undergraduate qualification at NQF Level 7 or equivalent recognized by SAQA, with at least five years’ experience at Senior Management level in training related to International Relations, Diplomacy, or related fields. A pre-entry Nyukela certificate is required.
Competencies include knowledge of DIRCO policies, the Foreign Service Act, governmental processes, PFMA, financial management, people management, change management, project management, policy development, communication skills, computer literacy, and knowledge of South Africa’s domestic and foreign policy priorities.
Duties
The Chief Director will oversee diplomatic and foreign service training, language training, interpreting and translation services, quality assurance and accreditation systems, library services, and overall governance, financial management, human resources, planning, monitoring, and evaluation of the Directorate.
Enquiries
Ms J Moepya
Tel: (012) 301 8754
Applications
Email applications to [email protected], quoting the post name in the subject line.
