Paterson Grade: D3
Remuneration: R1, 058, 580.31 CTC (plus a possible 20% performance bonus)
The Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA) is a Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) operating under the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET). The MQA is mandated by the Skills Development Act (SDA) 97 of 1998 to drive skills development within the mining and minerals sector (MMS). Its scope covers a diverse range of sub-sectors, including Coal Mining, Gold Mining, Platinum Group Metals (PGM) Mining, Diamond Mining, other mining commodities, Cement, Lime, Aggregates, and Sand, as well as services related to the mining industry, Diamond Processing, and Jewellery Manufacturing.
Role Purpose: To implement and promote learning programmes related to Artisan Development, Artisan Aides, Artisan recognition of Prior Learning and Artisan Centres of Specialisation.
Key Performance Areas
Strategic Planning and Implementation: Develop an operational plan to implement the strategic objectives for the business unit. Identify best practices in the SETA industry and how these impact on the business unit and the department.
Projects Management: Coordinate the call for applications for the Artisan Development and related projects. Execute the evaluation and approval of applications for the Artisan Development projects. . Monitor learner uptakes and adherence to conditions of allocations. Manage unit projects to ensure timely completion and quality deliverables in accordance with set timelines and allocated budget. Develop and Implement action plans to deliver on targets allocated. Procure the required service providers to meet project objectives. Formulate contractual service agreements with service providers. Monitor implementation of service agreements with contractors. Lead and direct the implementation of all projects in line with the approved policies, processes, and procedures. Manage Learner and Employer contracts for allocated projects. Follow up and facilitate project closure.
Database Management: Maintain Artisan Development and related projects component of the Learner Management Information System. Build capacity of users of the MQA database system in relation to the project. Control and maintain an effective document filing and retrieval system.
Grants Disbursement: Prepare planning documents before implementation of grants. Manage the discretionary grants advertising process. Administer discretionary grant applications and allocate to relevant project managers. Co-ordinate board review of the MQA’s funding policy in respect of the Artisan Development and related projects and ensure approval is obtained. Ensure criteria documents, terms of reference and standard operating procedures are in place for committees handling discretionary grants to facilitate approval. Assist the Senior Manager Learning Programmes: Operations on managing day-to-day running of discretionary grants committees. Assist the Senior Manager in managing contracts with service providers and co-ordinate reviews and updates of changes.
Document and Quality Management: Manage the unit ‘s contribution to maintain the ISO certification for the organisation. Develop and Implement learning Programmes policies, procedures and systems pertaining to the Business Unit deliverables. Ensure ongoing maintenance, updating and communication of policies. Develop, seek approval, and communicate the Unit process flows and ensure compliance. Prepare reports in line with the MQA’s governance framework and submit to the relevant structures. Manage the electronic and manual filing of documents within the unit. Create a centralised document management system for all project information under the control of the LP Unit.
Customer Focus: Internal and External Stakeholder Management: Provide a professional service to MQA Stakeholders and attend to correspondence related to the projects including customer queries. Co-ordinate stakeholder participation, communication, and reporting for the projects. Facilitate meetings and workshops Internally and Externally. Attend communication forums and meetings. Exceed customer expectations by giving all the relevant information, business advice, and support to internal and external customers and stakeholders. Collaborate with other business units/teams to ensure a consistent approach concerning query resolution and approach.
Risk Management: Develop and oversee the Operational Risk Register for the Unit and ensure mitigation of risk. Maintain and manage the Risk Register for the Learning Programmes unit. Ensure mitigation of risk when delivering the business of the MQA.
Financial Management: Develop, manage, and oversee the efficient utilisation of the LP Unit project budgets. Monitor the commitments and accruals and reconcile projects with the commitment register. Ensure that the projects operate within the approved budget and in line with valid legal contracts. Review monthly expenditure and explain and/or action all areas of discrepancy.
Reporting: Compile accurate and timely reports on the progress of the project for monthly, quarterly and annual reporting. Extract the relevant reports and information from the database system. Generate ad hoc reports as requested.
People Management: Oversee the implementation of the performance management system in the Learning Programmes Unit. Ensure the development, guidance, and empowerment of the team to deliver on the learning programmes targets. Manage teams’ performance in line with expectations and identify skills development and training opportunities to address performance gaps. Ensure that the performance contracts are in place prior to the beginning of each financial year. Ensure that reviews are conducted in line with the MQA performance management policy.
Unit and Committee Meetings Management: Co-ordinate unit meetings. Manage the Governance and Strategy Committee (GSC) support processes. Develop GSC documents.
Key requirements: qualifications, experience, and competencies Qualifications:
- National Senior Certificate (NSC) or National Certificate: Vocational (NCV) (NQF 4)
- A Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resource Management, Human Resource Development, Training, Business/Public Administration, at NQF Level 7
- Post-graduate degree or an equivalent qualification at NQF Level 8 in above mentioned fields will be an added advantage.
Experience:
Minimum of 8 years’ work experience within the education, training, and development field of which 3 years must be at middle management/ supervisory level.
Competencies: Knowledge, Skills, and Attributes:
- Budgeting and Financial Management. Business Development and Process Engineering. Effective Communication. Multiple Projects Management. Understanding of Skills Development in South Africa.
- Project Management Skills. Communication Skills. People and Leadership Skills. Interpersonal Skills. Computer Proficiency. Drafting / Reporting Skills. Presentation Skills. Supervisory Skills.
- Perseverance. Decisiveness. Results orientation. Confidentiality. Professional. Ethical. Team effectiveness.
The candidate should also be willing to: Work under pressure inclusive of longer than normal offices hours if required • Work with internal and external stakeholders • Travel away from home if required • Engage in a lifelong learning process relative to the context of the workplace. The successful candidate will be required to sign a performance agreement in terms of MQA Performance Management System.
Closing Date: 17 September 2025. Late applications will not be considered.
Vacancy Application Form: please ensure that you complete the below application form and submit it together with your application
Interested candidates should submit their applications which shall consist of a comprehensive curriculum vitae, certified copies of their qualifications, a valid drivers’ license, and valid proof of identification to: recruitment@mqa.org.za
The MQA is an Equal Opportunity Employer; therefore, the filling of the position will be in line with its Employment Equity Plan.
Preference will be given to Male (African, White, Coloured, Indian), Female (White, Indian) People with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Recommended candidates will be expected to undergo a professional competency assessment and vetting processes.
Successful applicant will be required to disclose their financial interest.
Should you not hear from the MQA within 4 weeks of the closing date, you must regard your application as unsuccessful.
The MQA reserves the right not to appoint any person for this position.
To apply for email your details to recruitment@mqa.org.za