Department of Water and Sanitation Senior Administrative Officer Vacancy 2026

The Department of Water and Sanitation is inviting applications for the position of Senior Administrative Officer within the Pongola-Umzimkhulu Catchment Management Agency (PUCMA). Based in Durban, the position involves administrative support for water use licence applications, regulatory processes, committee activities, records management, and applicant assistance.

The opportunity is suited to candidates with an NQF Level 6 qualification (National Diploma) in Public Management or Administration and at least three years of experience in administration and a regulatory environment.

Why Work at the Department of Water and Sanitation?

The Senior Administrative Officer position provides an opportunity to work within a specialised water resources management environment while gaining experience in regulatory administration and water use licensing processes.

The role offers exposure to:

• Water Use Licence Application administration and regulatory procedures.
• Administrative support for Licence Assessment Advisory Committee activities.
• Database, register, correspondence, and document management.
• Applicant support and communication regarding statutory and procedural requirements.
• Coordination of meetings, minutes, recommendations, and follow-up actions.

Department of Water and Sanitation Senior Administrative Officer Vacancy 2026 Overview

The Senior Administrative Officer will provide administrative support for the processing of Water Use Licence Applications and related regulatory activities. The position includes assisting applicants with statutory and procedural requirements, preparing documentation for review, coordinating site inspections, maintaining records, and supporting the preparation of licences and related correspondence.

The successful candidate will also provide secretariat support to the Licence Assessment Advisory Committee and perform administrative duties relating to Stream Flow Reduction Activity Licence Applications. Supervision of staff is an essential responsibility of the position.

Job Details

• Post: Senior Administrative Officer
• Reference No.: PUCMA 40
• Branch: Pongola-Umzimkhulu Catchment Management Agency
• Post Level: Level 08
• Centre: Durban
• Salary: R413,001 per annum
• Application Closing Date: 16 October 2026 at 4:30 PM
• Enquiries: Mr Shaun Naidoo
• Contact: 082 884 9564

Requirements and Expectations

Applicants should meet the following requirements:

• An NQF Level 6 qualification (National Diploma) in Public Management or Administration.
• At least three years of working experience in administration and a regulatory environment.
• A valid, unexpired driver’s licence.
• Experience maintaining registers and databases.
• Experience in report writing and drafting submissions.
• Knowledge and understanding of administrative procedures.
• People and Diversity Management skills.
• Excellent client orientation and customer focus.
• Good communication skills.
• Good accountability and ethical conduct.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Senior Administrative Officer will be responsible for:

• Advising applicants on statutory and procedural requirements relating to Water Use Licence Applications.
• Processing applications and collating documentation for review.
• Preparing applications for preliminary and final review by the Water Use Licence Assessment Advisory Committee.
• Setting up and notifying applicants about site inspections.
• Preparing and submitting applications to the National Office.
• Drafting and preparing licences for the Regional Director.
• Drafting related correspondence and updating schedules.
• Maintaining registers and databases.
• Conducting photocopying and filing.
• Performing administrative duties related to Stream Flow Reduction Activity Licence Applications.
• Identifying the need for and coordinating site inspections and re-inspections.
• Providing copies of permits and licences.
• Processing changes of land ownership.
• Reporting alleged unlawful plantings.
• Providing administrative and secretariat support to the Licence Assessment Advisory Committee.
• Managing the committee diary and coordinating meeting dates for the year.
• Preparing agendas.
• Proofreading documents for review.
• Taking, compiling, and typing minutes.
• Ensuring follow-up actions relating to drafting letters and recommendations.
• Providing feedback to applicants.
• Advising applicants on statutory and procedural requirements.
• Providing telephone assistance with completion of forms.
• Responding to general enquiries, invoice enquiries, and statement enquiries.
• Supervising staff.

How to Apply

Applications for the Senior Administrative Officer position should be submitted online through the Department of Water and Sanitation eRecruitment platform.

To apply:

1. Visit the vacancy page using the application link below.
2. Review the complete vacancy information and confirm that you meet the requirements.
3. Select the Apply option on the vacancy page.
4. Complete the online application and submit the required information and supporting documentation.

Online Application: https://erecruitment.dws.gov.za/vacancy-details/?id=63a6f58e-6cbd-f111-a05c-7ced8d0c96b3

Applicants should ensure that their applications are submitted before the closing time of 4:30 PM on 16 October 2026.

Tips to Boost Your Application

Applicants can strengthen their applications by clearly demonstrating their administrative and regulatory experience.

• Clearly state your NQF Level 6 National Diploma in Public Management or Administration.
• Highlight at least three years of relevant administration and regulatory-environment experience.
• Demonstrate experience maintaining registers and databases.
• Highlight your report writing and submission-drafting experience.
• Emphasise your knowledge of administrative procedures and regulatory processes.
• Demonstrate strong client service, communication, accountability, and ethical conduct.
• Mention relevant experience coordinating meetings, preparing agendas, taking minutes, or supporting committees.
• Include your valid driver’s licence information where applicable.

The Department of Water and Sanitation Senior Administrative Officer vacancy offers an opportunity for an experienced administrator to contribute to water use licensing and regulatory processes within the Pongola-Umzimkhulu Catchment Management Agency. Eligible candidates should complete their online applications before the 16 October 2026 at 4:30 PM deadline.