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JOBS AT DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION

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SUMMARY OF JOB POSTS LISTED

DIRCO Opens Applications for Senior Chief Director Positions for 2026

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has announced several vacancies for Senior Chief Director positions within its Management Echelon. These strategic roles provide experienced senior managers with an opportunity to contribute to South Africa’s foreign policy direction, international engagement, financial governance, and diplomatic capacity-building.

The positions offer a competitive all-inclusive remuneration package of R1,494,900 per annum and are based at DIRCO’s Head Office in Pretoria.

Closing Date: 27 February 2026
Duty Station: Pretoria

Available Chief Director Positions

1. Chief Director: Foreign Service (Bilateral)

Branches:

  • Africa, Asia & Middle East

  • Europe & Americas

This role is responsible for strengthening South Africa’s bilateral political, economic, and cultural relations. The incumbent will provide strategic leadership, advise departmental executives on foreign policy matters, and support South African diplomatic missions abroad.

Minimum Requirements:

  • NQF Level 7 qualification in Political, Social, or Human Sciences

  • Minimum of 5 years’ experience at Senior Management level

  • Extensive knowledge of South Africa’s foreign policy and international diplomacy

  • Nyukela SMS Pre-Entry Certificate

2. Chief Director: Foreign Service – Human Rights & Humanitarian Affairs

Branch: Global Governance and Continental Agenda

This position supports South Africa’s engagement in international and regional human rights processes. Responsibilities include advancing democracy, human rights, the rule of law, and good governance within multilateral platforms.

Minimum Requirements:

  • Degree in Political Science, International Relations, or a related discipline

  • At least 5 years’ senior management experience in international relations

  • Sound knowledge of global human rights frameworks and governance systems

  • Understanding of Agenda 2063 and the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals

3. Chief Director: Financial Management

Branch: Financial and Asset Management

The Chief Director will oversee departmental financial planning, budgeting, reporting, and compliance with the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), including financial oversight of South African missions abroad.

Minimum Requirements:

  • NQF Level 7 qualification in Financial Management or a related field

  • Minimum of 5 years’ experience at Senior Management level

  • Strong knowledge of PFMA, Treasury Regulations, and government financial systems

  • Demonstrated strategic leadership and management skills

4. Chief Director: Foreign Service Training & International School

Branch: Diplomatic Training, Research & Development (DTRD)

This role manages the development and delivery of diplomatic training programmes, including foreign language training, accreditation frameworks, and library services for the South African Foreign Service.

Minimum Requirements:

  • NQF Level 7 qualification or equivalent

  • At least 5 years’ senior management experience in training, diplomacy, or a related environment

  • Knowledge of DIRCO policies, the Foreign Service Act, and government systems

  • Proven project management and leadership capabilities

Application Process

Applicants must submit the following:

Applications must be emailed to the relevant address specified for each post, quoting the post title in the subject line.

Late applications or submissions using outdated Z83 forms will not be considered.

Additional Information

  • Shortlisted candidates will be subject to security clearance, qualification verification, and pre-entry assessments

  • All boards served on must be declared in the CV

  • Foreign qualifications must be evaluated by SAQA

  • Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted

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