The Department of Employment and Labour (DEL) has announced a vacancy for the position of Commissioner at the Compensation Fund, inviting experienced senior executives to apply for one of the department’s highest-ranking leadership roles.
The Pretoria-based position comes with an all-inclusive annual salary package of R1,885,710 and is aimed at attracting candidates with extensive management experience and expertise in business, finance or operational leadership.
Senior Leadership Opportunity at the Compensation Fund
The successful candidate will head the Compensation Fund, providing strategic direction and overseeing its overall operations.
The commissioner will be responsible for shaping the fund’s long-term vision, mission and strategy while ensuring that its objectives align with government priorities.
The role also involves strengthening governance structures, improving organisational performance, leading transformation initiatives and building the institution’s capacity to deliver services effectively.
In addition, the commissioner will manage the senior executive team and represent the fund in engagements with key stakeholders.
Minimum Qualifications and Experience Required
Applicants must hold a qualification at NQF Level 8, recognised by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA), in one of the following fields:
- Business management
- Finance
- Accounting
- Operational management
Candidates are also expected to have at least eight years of senior management experience, demonstrating the ability to lead complex organisations and manage large-scale operations.
Knowledge Areas and Core Competencies
The department is seeking a leader with a solid understanding of the Compensation Fund’s strategic objectives, service delivery systems and the broader legislative environment governing labour and public administration.
Successful applicants should have expertise in areas such as risk management, corporate governance, budgeting, financial oversight and stakeholder management.
Familiarity with legislation including the Labour Relations Act, Employment Equity Act, Public Finance Management Act, Occupational Health and Safety Act, Constitution of South Africa and other related laws will be essential.
Beyond technical knowledge, the ideal candidate should possess strong leadership, communication and decision-making abilities, along with skills in strategic planning, programme management, financial management, conflict resolution, innovation and people development.
Main Responsibilities of the Commissioner
The commissioner will oversee the overall management of the Compensation Fund by developing strategic plans and directing operational activities.
Key responsibilities include ensuring legal and regulatory compliance, maintaining sound internal controls, strengthening corporate governance, promoting institutional transformation and managing relationships with both internal and external stakeholders.
The successful candidate will also be expected to enhance the fund’s service delivery while leading organisational change and supervising the senior management team.
How Interested Candidates Can Apply
Applications must quote Reference Number HR4/26/07/01/CF and include a fully completed, initialled and signed new Z83 application form, together with a recently updated comprehensive curriculum vitae detailing previous employment experience.
Applicants are instructed to submit only these two documents in one combined PDF file.
The department will not accept ZIP, JPEG or IMG files, and applications sent via fax will not be considered.
The email application should be addressed to the Chief Director: Human Resource Management, marked for the attention of the Sub-directorate: Human Resources Planning Practices and Administration, Compensation Fund, and sent to Jobs-CF1@labour.gov.za.
Applicants must include both the job title and reference number in the subject line of the email.
Completing the Z83 Form Correctly
The department has reminded applicants that Sections A, B, C and D of the Z83 form must be completed in full.
For Sections E, F and G, where space is limited, applicants may indicate “refer to CV” or “see attached”.
However, all questions relating to conditions preventing reappointment under Part F must still be answered, and the declaration section must be signed.
Failure to use the latest version of the Z83 form or to provide the required documentation will result in the application being disqualified.
Additional Recruitment and Assessment Requirements
Candidates shortlisted for the post will later be required to provide certified copies of their qualifications and supporting documents.
Applicants with qualifications obtained outside South Africa must also submit a SAQA evaluation report once shortlisted.
Because this is a Senior Management Service (SMS) position, applicants must complete the Nyukela SMS Pre-entry Programme, offered by the National School of Government, at their own cost before appointment.
Shortlisted candidates will also undergo technical and integrity assessments, competency evaluations and a range of personnel suitability checks, including criminal, credit, citizenship, qualification and employment verification.
Equity Commitment and Important Closing Information
The Department of Employment and Labour says the appointment process will support its Employment Equity Plan by promoting representivity across race, gender and disability where applicable.
The department also reserves the right not to fill the position.
Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted, and candidates who do not receive feedback within eight weeks after the closing date should regard their application as unsuccessful.
Applications close on June 31, 2026, at 11:59pm.
Applicants are advised to follow all submission instructions carefully, as incomplete, late or incorrectly submitted applications will not be considered.
The department added that all personal information supplied during the recruitment process will be handled in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act.
