Introduction
Are you passionate about or experienced in secretarial work? If so, the Senior Secretary vacancy at the Department of Defence might be your ideal career opportunity. This role is within the Finance Management division, offering a chance to contribute to a vital sector of public service. Your skills and experience could make a significant impact in this dynamic environment.
The vacant position is specifically within the Financial Service Chief Directorate, under the Directorate: Finance Support Service. This role offers a unique opportunity to work in a specialized area of finance management, providing essential support to the department’s operations. Your responsibilities will be crucial in maintaining the smooth functioning of financial services within the department.
If you are interested in this opportunity, please ensure to quote the relevant reference number, CFO 19/1/9, within your application form. This will help in the efficient processing of your application and ensure it reaches the right department. Don’t miss out on this chance to advance your career in a prestigious and impactful role.
Description
The successful candidate will be stationed in Pretoria, where they’ll earn a competitive R163,563 annually—a level 5 salary that reflects the demands of the role. To qualify, you need at least a Grade 12 certificate, paired with a computer literacy qualification. A background in general secretarial work is non-negotiable. Bonus points if your Grade 12 includes Commercial subjects.
This isn’t just any secretary job. The Senior Secretary position at the Department of Defence demands precision and adaptability. You’ll need to be fluent in Word, PowerPoint, and Excel, handle calls with professionalism, juggle multiple tasks without losing your cool, and balance people skills with strict time management. Punctuality, reliability, and a polished appearance aren’t optional—they’re table stakes.
Once hired, your responsibilities will be hands-on and varied. You’ll be the Director’s right hand, drafting minutes with razor-sharp accuracy, typing everything from memos to reports, and keeping their schedule—both personal and professional—on lock. Managing correspondence, calls, and visitors becomes second nature, while coordinating travel, meetings, and even refreshments ensures nothing slips through the cracks.
Beyond the basics, you’ll maintain the office’s pulse: updating inventories, spotting faulty equipment, and filing everything from agendas to procurement requests. The Director won’t just need support—they’ll need it delivered flawlessly, on time, and without a single loose end.
How to Apply
Applications for this position must be submitted by February 22, 2019, adhering to one of two submission methods. The first option is to send your application by post to the Financial Management Division, DFSS, Career Management Section, at Private Bag X 137, Pretoria, 0001. Alternatively, you may hand-deliver your application to the Department of Defence at the Poynton Building, 195 Bosman Street, Pretoria, where it must be placed in wooden post box 5 at Reception. Both methods ensure your submission reaches the correct administrative section for processing.