Vacancy: Maritime Safety Liaison Officer

Advertiser: Department of Transport

REF NO: DOT/HRM/07/17
Branch: Maritime Transport
Chief Directorate: Implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation)
Directorate: Maritime Safety, Security and Environment)
Sub-Directorate: Maritime Safety
SALARY: R227 802 per annum
CENTRE: Pretoria

REQUIREMENTS: An appropriate Degree or National Diploma in Maritime Studies, Public Management or Economics with two (2) years relevant experience in the Maritime field. The following will serve as a recommendation: Knowledge of South African Maritime Transport Environment; Knowledge of Merchant Shipping Act and Relevant Maritime Regulations; Knowledge of International Maritime Treaties/Protocols; Basic Research skills; Excellent Communications and writing skills; Advance computer literacy skills; Good organizational skills.

DUTIES: The incumbent will be responsible to: Provide support in the facilitation of the development and implementation of legislative/regulatory framework for the safety on inland waterways; Provide support in the facilitation of the conveying of the Courts of Marine Enquiry as required in the Merchant Shipping Act and the Courts of Marine Enquiry Regulations; Provide support in the coordination or maritime stakeholder & incident investigations; Provide support in the administration of International Organisation Voluntary Audit Scheme; Provide support providing the sub-directorate with maritime safety matters that are dealt with by International Maritime Organisation; Render administrative support services to the subdirectorate.

ENQUIRIES: Mr Vusi Nkosi, Tel: (012) 309 3573

The Department of Transport is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer with clear employment equity targets. Women and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

APPLICATIONS: Department of Transport, Private Bag X193, Pretoria, 0001 of hand deliver at the Forum Building, Cnr Struben and Bosman Street, Pretoria for attention Recruitment Unit. Room 4042. Employees are reminded to quote the relevant reference numbers when applying for these posts.

Closing date: 28 July 2014

NOTE: Applications must be accompanied by form Z83, obtainable from any Public Service Department, (or obtainable at www.gov.za) and a recent updated comprehensive CV (previous experience must be comprehensively detailed, i.e. positions held and dates), as well as certified copies of all qualifications and ID document. Failure to submit the requested documents/information will result in your application not being considered. It is the applicant’s responsibility to have foreign qualifications evaluated by the South African Qualification Authority (SAQA). The Department reserves the right not to fill the posts. The successful candidates must be willing to sign an oath of secrecy with the Department. Applicants will be expected to be available for selection interviews and assessments at a time, date and place as determined by the Department. All appointments are subject to the verification of educational qualifications, previous experience, citizenship, reference checks and security vetting. Please note: Correspondence will only be entered into with shortlisted candidates.



Interview Hints and Tips

Arrive on time for the interview. Plan your trip and leave early if you have to or if you are unfamiliar with the area. Give yourself enough time to find the building as well as parking. You also need keep your diary open after the interview. Your interview might be running longer than anticipated.

Remember to take a few extra copies of your CV with you. One copy is for you should you have to refresh your memory. The other copies are for the interviewer and anyone else sitting in on the interview. You only need to produce these if there is a need for them.

Be careful not to over- or under-dress for an interview. The golden rule is to look professional and smart even if everyone else at the company is wearing jeans. Speak to your employment agency for guidance with specific acompanies.

Women:
- More conservative outfit and coordinate all the colours
- Moderate shoes
- Limited jewellery
- Make sure your hairstyle is neat and hair clean
- Not too muck make-up and perfume
- Nails must be neat and clean

Men:
- Conservative suit with a white long sleeve shirt
- Conservative tie (no cartoon characters)
- Dark socks, professional shoes
- Limited jewellery
- Make sure your hairstyle is neat and hair clean
- Not too much aftershave
- Nails must be neat and clean
The interviewer will be judging the effect of your appearance on customers as well as staff. Your "look" must project the fact that you are the perfect '"fit" for that specific position and company.

Get rid of chewing gum and check your overall appearance before walking into the organisation's premises.

Switch your cellphone off once the interviewer knows that you have arrived for the interview - never, ever take a call during an interview. If there is a medical emergency in your family and your phone needs to be on then inform the interviewer and ask for permission to leave your phone on. In most cases the person will agree to it.

Remember to take a file with pen paper with you to the interview. This will assist you in making notes and to write down questions you might want to ask later.

The interview starts when the first question is asked. Right? Wrong. The interview starts the minute you arrive at the company and you will be under scrutiny by everyone who knows that interviews are being held. Be friendly with cleaning staff, secretaries and everyone else you encounter on your way to the interview. This will make you feel more positive as well as leave positive people in your wake. The last thing you need is for a staff member to mention how rude you were before the interview. Or for the secretaries to tell the manager that you had an attitude with them and you thought you were important!

Studies have shown that most interviewers make up their mind within the first few minutes. You therefore need to greet your interviewer by making comfortable eye contact, shaking hands firmly and introducing yourself in a confident manner.

Make a connection and build a relationship with the interviewer. Remember that they are already happy with your CV and now wants to check you out. Your attitude will be more important than most of your answers.

Only sit down when offered a chair.

If you are offered any coffee or tea you have three choices: Coffee, tea or nothing. Do not go and ask for something not offered - the organisation might not have it on the premises and the interviewer could feel embarrassed.

Keep an eye on your body language and avoid fidgeting, biting your nails, playing with your car keys, etc.