ASSISTANT DIRECTOR: BILATERAL RELATIONS

Job Overview

The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture is hiring two Assistant Directors for Bilateral Relations based in Pretoria (Salary: R487 197 per annum, Level 09). Applicants must possess an NQF level 6/7 qualification in International Relations, Political Science, International Law, or Diplomatic Studies, alongside 2-3 years of relevant experience. Key responsibilities include facilitating bilateral cooperation agreements, maintaining foreign partnerships, conducting policy research, coordinating official visits, and ensuring alignment with international frameworks.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Senior Certificate/Matric Certificate /Grade 12 Certificate or equivalent qualification
• Minimum three-year National Diploma (NQF level 6) / Degree (NQF level 7) as recognised by SAQA in International Relations, Political Science, International Law, Diplomatic studies or any relevant qualification
• 2-3 years relevant experience with at least 2 years as an Officer in international relations, diplomacy, bilateral cooperation, intergovernmental relations, or any relevant environment
• Knowledge of Public Service Regulations
• Knowledge and understanding of international relations and diplomacy
• Knowledge and understanding of Bilateral and multilateral cooperation processes and protocols
• Knowledge of government policies and international cooperation frameworks
• Research and policy analysis skills
• Stakeholder and relationship management
• Project and programme coordination
• Negotiation and facilitation skills
• Planning and organising skills
• Communication and interpersonal relations
• Computer literacy
• Ability to work under pressure and interact with officials from other countries
• Adapts to changing demands and conditions
• Diplomacy, tact, and cultural sensitivity

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Facilitate and strengthen bilateral cooperation programmes and agreements with partner countries in support of departmental priorities
• Coordinate and facilitate bilateral engagements, including preparatory meetings and follow-ups with designated partner countries
• Maintain relationships with foreign governments, embassies, commissions, and international partners
• Negotiate, draft, conclude, and renew bilateral agreements and cooperation frameworks
• Implement and coordinate agreements, programmes, and action plans, ensuring alignment with national cultural diplomacy and international relations frameworks
• Monitor, evaluate, and report on progress against bilateral commitments, deliverables, signed agreements, and Memorandums of Understanding (MoU)
• Maintain a centralised database and records system for all international agreements and cooperation instruments
• Coordinate the preparation of official documentation, including Ministerial submissions, DG submissions, briefing notes, reports, and correspondence
• Conduct research on international trends, cultural diplomacy practices, policy developments, and sector-specific developments affecting bilateral relations
• Prepare country profiles, policy briefs, and strategic analyses to identify opportunities for international collaboration and partnerships
• Coordinate bilateral meetings, official visits, conferences, workshops, cultural exchanges, and international forums
• Manage logistical and programme arrangements for official visits, liaising with protocol units, DIRCO, embassies, and hosting institutions

Enquiries & Contact