Vacancy: Personal Assistant to the Chief of Staff

Advertiser: Department of Home Affairs

REF NO: HRMC 54 / 14 / 4

(Contract position linked to the term of office of the Minister)

SALARY: A basic salary of R227 802 to R268 338 per annum (Level 8). In addition, a range of competitive benefits are offered.

CENTRE: Head Office, Pretoria, Office of the Minister

REQUIREMENTS: A relevant 3 year Diploma / Degree or an equivalent NQF level 6 qualification with 1 year experience and / or Grade 12 Certificate with 3 years’ experience A post graduate qualification will be an added advantage Knowledge of the Public Service Regulatory Framework, Human Resource legislations and prescripts as well as basic financial management Must be computer literate Client orientation and customer focus, people management and empowerment, planning, organizing, report writing, listening, analytical and problem solving skills Willingness to work extended hours Travelling maybe required.

DUTIES: The successful candidate will be responsible for, amongst others, the following specific tasks: Receive telephone call in an environment where, in addition to the calls for the Chief of Staff, discretion is required to decide to whom the call should be forwarded Performs advanced typing work Operates and ensure that office equipment’s are in good working order Record the engagement of the Chief of Staff Utilizes discretion to decide whether to accept / decline or refer to other employees requests for meetings, based on the assessed importance and urgency of the matter Coordinate with and sensitize / advises the Chief of Staff regarding engagements Compile realistic schedules of appointments Ensure the safekeeping of all documentation in the office of the Chief of Staff in line with relevant legislation and policies Scrutinize routine submissions / reports and make notes and / or recommendations for the Chief of Staff Respond to enquiries received from internal and external stakeholders Draft documents and file for the manager and the unit where required Collect, analyze and collate information requested by the Chief of Staff Clarify instructions and notes on behalf of the Chief of Staff Ensure that travel arrangements are well coordinated Prioritize issues in the office of the Chief of Staff Manage the leave register and telephone accounts for the unit Handle the procurement of standard items like stationary, refreshment etc. for the activities of the Chief of Staff and the unit Obtain necessary signature on documents such as procurement advices and monthly salary reports Records minutes / decisions and communicate to relevant role players, follow- up on progress made Prepares briefing notes for the Chief of Staff as required Coordinate logistical arrangements for meetings when required Collect and coordinate all the documents that relate to the Chief of Staff budget Assist the Chief of Staff in determining funding required for purposes of MTEF submissions

ENQUIRIES: Ms P Reddy, Tel No: (012) 406 7263

Are you looking for an exciting and challenging career in a rapidly changing organisation? The Department of Home Affairs has embarked on an extensive turnaround programme, aimed at developing a culture of responsiveness and improved service delivery. We are looking for committed, passionate and talented individuals to form part of a new leadership team, equipped with the right skills to deliver a world-class service. If you have what it takes to serve the needs of South Africa’s citizens, residents and visitors - and your credentials meet the requirements of any of the following positions - then respond before the closing date. Join our leadership team in transforming our vision into a reality. The Department of Home Affairs is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. It is our intention to promote representivity (race, gender, disability) through the filling of positions. Candidates whose appointment / transfer / promotion will further the objective of representivity will receive preference.

CLOSING DATE: 1 August 2014

APPLICATIONS: Applications must be sent in time to the correct address as indicated at the bottom of the circular, to reach the address on or before the closing date. Applications send to a wrong address and / or received after the closing date or those that do not comply with the requirements, will not be taken into consideration. In the event of hand-delivery of applications, applicants must sign an application register as proof of application.

NOTE: Applications must be submitted on the Application for Employment Form (Z.83), obtainable from any Public Service department or at www.gov.za and should be accompanied by a comprehensive CV, including the details of at least two contactable referees (should be people who recently worked with the applicant) and certified copies of qualifications and identity document (with an original certification stamp). It is the responsibility of applicants in possession of foreign qualifications to submit evaluated results by the South African Qualifications Authority. Where a valid driver’s licence is a requirement, applicants must attach certified copies of such licences. No faxes or e-mailed applications will be considered. If no contact is made within three months of the closing date, please accept that the application was unsuccessful.

Successful candidates will be required to enter into a performance agreement and be subjected to security clearance procedures. Successful candidates may be required to undergo a competency assessment. Candidates who possess a tertiary qualification, as well as those who promote representivity (especially People with Disability), are encouraged to apply.



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.