Paterson Grade: D3
Remuneration: R 989, 327.39 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). It 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, Cement, Lime, Aggregates, and Sand (CLAS), as well as Services Incidental Mining (SITM), Diamond Processing, and Jewellery Manufacturing.
The MQA requires the services of a competent individual to fill the below-mentioned position.
ROLE PURPOSE:
To provide management and leadership for the Skills Development and Research Unit (SDRU) in executing its role of facilitating skills development in the mining and minerals sector (MMS).
KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS:
Manage the Workplace Skills Plan (WSP) and Annual Training Report (ATR) submission process: Oversee the registration of Skills Development Facilitators (SDFs) and inter-SETA transfers. Organize capacity-building interventions for SDFs to enable them to submit the Workplace Skills Plans – Annual Training reports (WSPs-ATRs) on annual basis. Conduct workshops for SDFs and Skills Development Committees to ensure the submission of compliant WSPs and ATRs. Manage the WSP-ATR system related issues as well as evaluation of all submitted WSPs and ATRs against set criteria. Provide assistance in analysing large datasets such as the WSP-ATR data to produce reports, including the Sectoral Skills Plan (SSP). Develop MG payment reports and ensure their submission to the DHET quarterly or as required.
Project Management: Manage unit projects to ensure timely completion and quality deliverables in accordance with set timelines and allocated budgets. Develop and implement action plans to achieve allocated targets. Procure the required service providers to meet project objectives, including developing Terms of Reference and Specifications for the automated information management system for WSP-ATR submission. Formulate contractual service agreements with service providers. Monitor the implementation of service agreements in line with contractual provisions. Follow up on and facilitate project closure.
Reporting and document management control: Oversee the development and submission of the Unit’s performance information and project reports in accordance with reporting requirements. Compile MG payment reports, verify them with relevant Units, including Finance, and ensure timely submission to DHET on a quarterly basis or as required. Manage electronic and manual document filing within the Sub-Unit and implement a centralised document management system for all project-related information under its control. Prepare documents for and present reports to Governance Strategy Committee (Board Subcommittee) meetings and facilitate staff meetings to discuss issues related to the skills development.
Risk Management and Compliance: Identify and evaluate the risks associated with unit activities. Develop, oversee, monitor, and update the Sub-Unit’s Operational Risk Register. Take appropriate action to control risks by developing and implementing a risk mitigation plan.
Quality Management System: Manage the skills development sub-unit’s contribution to maintaining the ISO certification for the organization. Develop and implement program policies, procedures, and systems pertaining to the Sub-Unit’s deliverables. Ensure the ongoing maintenance, updating, and communication of policies including making inputs into the MQA Funding Policy review process. Develop, seek approval for, and communicate the Sub- Unit’s process flows, ensuring compliance.
Internal and External Audits: Prepare management response pertaining to internal and external audit findings and implement remedial actions for the Sub-Unit. Coordinate submissions of management responses and evidence for the Sub-Unit.
Operational Planning and Implementation: Develop and update the Sub- Unit process flows and standard operating procedures and 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.
Customer Focus: Internal & External Stakeholder Management: Actively build and nurture professional partnerships and working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, displaying excellent abilities to listen, advise, consult, influence, negotiate and present at all levels. Ensure there is a structured communication protocol for engaging with stakeholders and managing feedback loops.
Financial Management: Develop, manage, and oversee the efficient utilisation of the SDR Unit project budgets. Monitor the commitments and reconcile projects with the commitment register. Ensure that the projects operate within the approved budget and in line with valid legal contracts.
People Management: Oversee the implementation of the performance management system in the Sub- Unit through performance contracts, reviews and appraisals. Ensure the development, guidance, and empowerment of the team to deliver on the sub-Unit targets. Manage teams’ performance in line with expectations and identify skills development and training opportunities to address performance gaps.
KEY REQUIREMENTS: QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE AND COMPETENCIES:
Qualifications:
- Minimum: A Bachelors Degree in Social Sciences, Commerce or Human Resources; or equivalent qualification at NQF Level 7
- An Honours Degree in Social Sciences, Commerce or Human Resources with Economics; or equivalent qualification at NQF Level 8 will be an added advantage.
Experience:
- Minimum of 8 years ‘experience in a similar role, of which 3 years must be at middle management / supervisory level.
- Preferred Requirement: Relevant experience in the Public Sector / SETA Environment.
- Project Management experience
Competencies:
Knowledge: Understanding of the SETA Information Management System, corporate governance systems, policy formulation, analysis, and implementation Knowledge of the skills development, and training • Knowledge and understanding of Knowledge of relevant legislation (Skills Development Act, Skills Development Levies Act, PFMA, treasury regulations including SETA grants regulations and other relevant prescripts) for the Seta Environment.
Skills: Report writing • Administration • Interpersonal • Attention to detail • Accuracy • Good Communication Skills • Organizational and time management skills • Interpersonal skills
Attributes: • People orientation • Perseverance • Team player • Integrity.
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: 10 June 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 one-page motivation, Vacancy Application Form, a comprehensive curriculum vitae, certified copies of their qualifications, a valid drivers’ licence 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.
Recommended candidates may be expected to undergo a professional competency assessment and vetting processes.
Successful applicants 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.