The Department of Trade Industry and Competition is offering an exciting career opportunity for experienced administrative professionals who are looking to advance their careers in the public sector. The department is currently recruiting for a Personal Assistant position under Reference Number CMSB-007. This role is based in Sunnyside Pretoria and offers a starting salary of R338 106 per annum at Salary Level 07.
The position forms part of the Chief Directorate Legal Services and focuses on providing professional secretarial and administrative support to the Chief Director. The successful candidate will play an important role in ensuring the smooth operation of the office while supporting executive decision making and administrative efficiency.
For individuals with strong organizational skills excellent communication abilities and experience in office administration this vacancy presents an excellent opportunity to work in a respected government department while gaining valuable experience within a professional environment.
About the Personal Assistant Role
A Personal Assistant is responsible for supporting senior managers and executives with administrative tasks scheduling communication and office management functions. The role requires someone who can handle multiple responsibilities while maintaining high levels of professionalism and confidentiality.
Within the Chief Directorate Legal Services the Personal Assistant serves as a key support resource for the Chief Director. The position involves managing appointments coordinating meetings handling correspondence preparing reports and ensuring that office operations run efficiently.
This role is ideal for candidates who enjoy working in a fast-paced environment and who possess strong administrative capabilities.
About the Department of Trade Industry and Competition
The Department of Trade Industry and Competition plays a significant role in South Africa’s economic development. The department works to strengthen industry promote investment support economic growth and improve competitiveness across various sectors.
Employees within the department contribute to national development initiatives that have a direct impact on businesses communities and the broader economy.
Working for the department provides professionals with the opportunity to contribute to meaningful public service while building valuable career experience.
Salary and Employment Benefits
The Personal Assistant position offers a commencing salary of:
R338 106 per annum
This salary reflects the responsibilities associated with supporting executive management within a government department.
Government employment often provides several additional advantages including:
- Stable employment
- Career development opportunities
- Professional training
- Exposure to government administration
- Structured work environments
- Valuable work experience
For many professionals public sector employment provides long-term career security and growth opportunities.
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Minimum Requirements
Applicants must meet specific educational and experience requirements.
Educational Qualification
Candidates must possess:
- A Senior Certificate
- A Secretarial Certificate or Diploma
These qualifications provide the administrative knowledge and office management skills required for the position.
Secretarial training helps develop competencies in communication document preparation scheduling and office administration.
Work Experience
Applicants must have:
- One to two years of experience in a Secretarial or Office Management environment
Previous experience helps candidates understand executive support responsibilities office procedures and administrative processes.
Experience working with senior management will be advantageous.
Essential Skills and Competencies
The Personal Assistant position requires a broad range of professional skills.
Secretarial Support Skills
The successful candidate should have experience providing administrative and secretarial support to senior managers.
Responsibilities often include:
- Managing schedules
- Handling correspondence
- Organizing meetings
- Maintaining records
- Supporting office operations
Strong secretarial skills contribute directly to executive productivity.
Telephone and Reception Management
The role requires excellent telephone and reception skills.
The Personal Assistant will:
- Receive telephone calls
- Direct calls appropriately
- Respond to routine enquiries
- Manage communications professionally
Effective communication creates a positive impression for stakeholders and visitors.
Diary Management
Managing the Chief Director’s schedule is one of the most important responsibilities.
The Personal Assistant must:
- Record appointments
- Coordinate engagements
- Schedule meetings
- Prioritize requests
Efficient diary management helps ensure effective use of executive time.
Typing and Document Preparation
The position requires advanced typing and document preparation abilities.
Responsibilities may include:
- Drafting correspondence
- Preparing reports
- Creating briefing notes
- Compiling meeting documents
Professional document preparation supports effective communication throughout the organization.
Report Compilation
The successful candidate must be able to compile accurate and professional reports.
Report preparation requires attention to detail organizational skills and strong written communication abilities.
Well-prepared reports assist management in making informed decisions.
Records Management
Maintaining records and filing systems forms an important part of the role.
The Personal Assistant will be expected to:
- Organize files
- Store documents securely
- Maintain information systems
- Ensure easy retrieval of records
Effective record management supports accountability and operational efficiency.
Meeting Coordination Skills
The role involves coordinating various meetings and events.
The successful candidate should be capable of:
- Preparing agendas
- Compiling meeting packs
- Taking minutes
- Following up on action items
Good meeting management helps support organizational effectiveness.
Travel Coordination
The Personal Assistant will arrange official travel for the Chief Director.
Responsibilities include:
- Travel bookings
- Accommodation arrangements
- Travel advances
- Subsistence and travel claims
Strong organizational skills help ensure smooth travel arrangements.
Computer Literacy
Applicants must possess good computer literacy skills.
Knowledge of Microsoft Office packages is essential including:
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
Computer proficiency enables efficient management of information and administrative processes.
Confidentiality and Professional Conduct
The role involves handling confidential information and interacting with various stakeholders.
Candidates must demonstrate:
- Integrity
- Professionalism
- Discretion
- Respect for confidentiality
These qualities are essential when supporting senior management.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
The successful candidate will perform a wide range of duties within the Chief Directorate Legal Services.
Providing Secretarial and Reception Services
One of the primary responsibilities is providing direct secretarial support to the Chief Director.
This includes:
- Receiving calls
- Managing communications
- Handling enquiries
- Operating office equipment
These activities help maintain efficient communication and office operations.
Managing Executive Appointments
The Personal Assistant will manage appointment schedules and executive engagements.
Responsibilities include:
- Scheduling appointments
- Recording commitments
- Managing priorities
- Advising on urgent meeting requests
Effective scheduling supports executive productivity.
Administrative Support Services
The role includes providing comprehensive administrative assistance.
Key tasks include:
- Managing information
- Maintaining records
- Drafting correspondence
- Responding to enquiries
Administrative support helps ensure efficient office operations.
Information and Document Management
The successful candidate will be responsible for safeguarding documents and ensuring the effective flow of information.
This includes:
- Filing documents
- Organizing records
- Managing correspondence
- Maintaining document security
Proper information management contributes to organizational effectiveness.
Travel Administration
Travel arrangements are another important aspect of the role.
The Personal Assistant will:
- Coordinate travel plans
- Arrange accommodation
- Prepare travel advances
- Process travel claims
Attention to detail is essential for ensuring compliance with departmental procedures.
Meeting Support
The position requires significant involvement in meeting administration.
Responsibilities include:
- Reviewing meeting documents
- Preparing meeting packs
- Drafting briefing notes
- Recording minutes
- Monitoring follow-up actions
Strong meeting support helps improve communication and accountability.
Coordinating Logistics
The successful candidate will coordinate logistics for meetings and staff sessions.
This may involve:
- Booking venues
- Preparing materials
- Confirming attendance
- Organizing resources
Efficient coordination contributes to successful events and meetings.
Budget Administration Support
The Personal Assistant will support the Chief Director with budget-related activities.
Responsibilities include:
- Collecting budget documents
- Monitoring expenditure
- Tracking commitments
- Reviewing BAS reports
Financial administration supports responsible resource management.
Office Financial Support
The role also includes monitoring office expenditure and supporting financial administration activities.
This contributes to effective budget control and accountability.
Office Management Functions
The Personal Assistant will assist with broader office management activities.
Responsibilities include:
- Organizing Directorate meetings
- Preparing annual schedules
- Supporting management meetings
- Monitoring office resources
These activities help ensure smooth daily operations.
Procurement and Requisition Management
The successful candidate will assist with office procurement requirements.
Responsibilities include:
- Ordering stationery
- Requesting office equipment
- Processing requisitions
- Maintaining office resources
Ensuring that supplies are available helps support productivity across the office.
Career Development Opportunities
The Personal Assistant role provides valuable experience that can support future career advancement.
Employees gain exposure to:
- Executive support
- Government administration
- Budget management
- Office coordination
- Meeting administration
- Records management
These skills may lead to future opportunities such as:
- Senior Personal Assistant
- Executive Assistant
- Administrative Officer
- Office Manager
- Executive Support Specialist
The experience gained in this role can form a strong foundation for long-term professional growth.
Employment Equity Considerations
The Department of Trade Industry and Competition is committed to promoting diversity and transformation within the workplace.
Preference will be given in accordance with Employment Equity objectives to:
- African Males
- Coloured Females
- Coloured Males
- Indian Females
- Indian Males
- White Males
- Persons with disabilities
This approach supports equal opportunities and workforce representativity.
Contact Information
Applicants seeking additional information may contact:
Ms U Pitse
Tel: (012) 394 1563
L Mdashe
Tel: (012) 394 3103
V Mazibuko
Tel: (012) 394 5608
These contacts can assist with enquiries regarding the vacancy and application process.