National Department of Forestry: Entry level Administration Clerks 2026

The position provides exposure to a wide range of public-sector administrative functions, including:

• General office administration and clerical support.
• Correspondence and document management.
• Records and filing management.
• Meeting coordination and minute-taking.
• Stakeholder and public-entity liaison.
• Strategic and Annual Performance Plan administration.
• Quarterly performance reporting.
• Portfolio Committee presentations and Parliamentary questions.
• Procurement of goods and services.
• Supply Chain Management processes.
• Petty cash and financial administration.
• Travel arrangements and travel claims.
• Preparation and consolidation of financial and non-financial reports.
• Monitoring and follow-up of outstanding submissions and action items.
• Confidential handling and distribution of official documents.

The successful candidate will work closely with officials within the Directorate and may interact with public entities and other stakeholders. The role therefore requires an individual who is professional, approachable, reliable, and able to communicate effectively with people at different levels.

A strong focus will be placed on the candidate’s ability to maintain accurate records, follow established policies and procedures, prioritise tasks, and complete assignments within prescribed deadlines. The successful candidate should be comfortable working with confidential information and must demonstrate a high level of integrity and responsibility.

This position provides an opportunity to gain practical experience in a government environment while developing transferable skills that can support future career opportunities. Individuals who are eager to learn, willing to take on responsibility, and committed to delivering quality administrative support will be well suited to the position.

REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS

Applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:

• Grade 12 certificate or equivalent qualification.
• A post-matric qualification in Administration, Public Administration, Office Management, Business Administration, or a related field will be an added advantage.
• Relevant experience in administration will be an added advantage.
• Good knowledge of general administrative procedures and office practices.
• Ability to provide effective clerical, administrative, logistical, financial, and coordination support.
• Ability to work accurately and efficiently in a professional public-sector environment.
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information responsibly.
• Ability to communicate professionally with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet prescribed deadlines.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The successful candidate will provide comprehensive administrative and logistical support to the Directorate: Governance and Executive Support. Key duties will include:

• Receive, record, register, distribute, and maintain accurate records of incoming and outgoing correspondence.
• Ensure that official correspondence and documentation are processed and distributed promptly to the relevant officials and public entities.
• Liaise with public entities regarding the submission of Strategic Plans, Annual Performance Plans, Shareholder Compacts, quarterly performance reports, Portfolio Committee presentations, and other required documentation.
• Monitor submissions from public entities and follow up on outstanding information and documentation.
• Conduct preliminary analysis of draft performance plans against applicable guidelines, requirements, and prescribed standards.
• Check draft performance plans and related documentation for completeness and identify information that may be missing or require further attention.
• Bring inconsistencies, outstanding information, or other issues identified during preliminary assessments to the attention of relevant officials.
• Arrange and coordinate monthly, quarterly, and ad hoc meetings for the Directorate.
• Provide administrative and logistical support for Directorate meetings.
• Prepare and circulate meeting documentation, agendas, attendance registers, and other relevant materials.
• Assist with the drafting of minutes of Directorate meetings.
• Ensure that decisions, resolutions, and action items arising from meetings are accurately recorded.
• Maintain and update the Directorate’s action list.
• Follow up with responsible officials regarding outstanding action items and agreed deadlines.
• Send reminders to public entities regarding the submission of quarterly performance reports.
• Send reminders and follow up on Portfolio Committee presentations and other required submissions.
• Distribute Portfolio Committee presentations and Parliamentary questions to relevant public entities.
• Monitor responses to Parliamentary questions and other requests for information.
• Prepare and send correspondence to public entities and other stakeholders.
• Follow up on outstanding correspondence, submissions, responses, and requests.
• Maintain professional communication and effective working relationships with public entities, officials, and stakeholders.
• Assist with petty cash requests and related administrative processes.
• Ensure that supporting documentation for petty cash requests is properly completed and maintained.
• Assist with financial administrative processes within the Directorate.
• Assist with monitoring and maintaining records of expenditure and financial transactions.
• Assist with the procurement of goods and services in accordance with applicable policies and procedures.
• Ensure that procurement requests are processed using the correct procedures and through the appropriate channels.
• Maintain accurate procurement records and supporting documentation.
• Distribute official documents promptly and confidentially.
• Ensure that sensitive, confidential, and restricted documents are handled appropriately.
• Make and coordinate travel arrangements for officials within the Directorate.
• Assist with arranging accommodation, transportation, travel itineraries, and other logistical requirements.
• Consolidate and facilitate the processing of travel claims for Directorate officials.
• Ensure that travel claims are supported by the required documentation and submitted within prescribed timeframes.
• Maintain and oversee the filing system of the Directorate.
• Ensure that physical and electronic records are properly organised, classified, stored, and retrieved.
• Maintain accurate records of correspondence, reports, minutes, procurement documents, travel documentation, and other official records.
• Ensure that confidential information and official records are securely maintained.
• Assist with the management of finances within the Directorate.
• Assist with the preparation and consolidation of financial information and supporting documentation.
• Assist with the preparation of quarterly financial performance reports.
• Assist with the preparation of quarterly non-financial performance reports.
• Collect, verify, consolidate, and organise information required for Directorate performance reporting.
• Ensure that reports and supporting information are prepared accurately and submitted within prescribed deadlines.
• Provide general administrative support to the Directorate as required.
• Assist officials with administrative, logistical, clerical, and coordination-related activities.
• Perform any other reasonable administrative duties assigned by management.

CANDIDATE PROFILE

The ideal candidate should possess the following knowledge, skills, competencies, and personal attributes:

Knowledge

• Knowledge of general administrative procedures and office practices.
• Knowledge of public service prescripts, policies, procedures, and administrative requirements.
• Knowledge of government administrative processes and reporting requirements.
• Knowledge of procurement policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of Supply Chain Management procedures.
• Knowledge of financial management procedures.
• Knowledge of records management and document control.
• Understanding of performance management and reporting processes.
• Knowledge of professional communication and stakeholder liaison practices.

Skills and Competencies

• Computer literacy and the ability to use standard office applications effectively.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Good report-writing skills.
• Good minute-taking and document-preparation skills.
• Good interpersonal relations skills.
• Strong organisational and planning skills.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to gather, organise, interpret, and analyse information.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and documentation.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and competing priorities.
• Ability to work independently with minimum supervision.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet strict deadlines.
• Ability to communicate professionally with officials, public entities, and other stakeholders.
• Ability to adhere to policies, procedures, and instructions.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality when dealing with sensitive information.
• Good problem-solving and administrative coordination skills.
• Ability to take initiative and demonstrate a proactive approach to administrative responsibilities.

Personal Attributes

The successful candidate should demonstrate:

• Professionalism and integrity.
• Reliability and accountability.
• Strong work ethic.
• Attention to detail and accuracy.
• Good organisational ability.
• Flexibility and willingness to assist where required.
• Ability to remain calm and productive under pressure.
• Ability to manage deadlines effectively.
• Ability to work extended hours when operational requirements demand it.
• Willingness to learn and develop new administrative skills.
• Ability to maintain positive working relationships with colleagues and stakeholders.
• Commitment to providing a high standard of administrative support.

WHY APPLY FOR THIS POSITION?

This Administration Clerk opportunity offers candidates the chance to build a rewarding career within a professional public-sector environment while gaining valuable experience in governance, administration, performance management, financial administration, procurement, and stakeholder coordination.

Reasons to consider applying include:

• Career Development: Gain practical experience in administration, governance, performance reporting, procurement, financial processes, and public-sector operations.
• Permanent Employment: The position offers permanent employment and an opportunity to develop a stable, long-term career.
• Professional Experience: Work within the Governance and Executive Support environment and gain exposure to important government administrative processes.
• Public-Sector Exposure: Develop knowledge of public service prescripts, administrative procedures, reporting requirements, procurement processes, and government operations.
• Skills Development: Strengthen communication, report-writing, organisational, planning, computer, records-management, and stakeholder-management skills.
• Career Growth: The experience gained can provide a strong foundation for future opportunities in administration, governance, public administration, finance, Supply Chain Management, and related fields.
• Meaningful Contribution: Play an important role in supporting the effective functioning of the Directorate and contributing to efficient government administration.
• Professional Networking: Interact with officials, public entities, and other stakeholders while developing valuable professional relationships.
• Varied Responsibilities: Gain exposure to correspondence, meetings, travel arrangements, procurement, financial administration, reporting, records management, and stakeholder liaison.
• Opportunity to Grow: Develop administrative capabilities, professional confidence, problem-solving skills, and workplace experience in a structured environment.

This position is particularly suitable for candidates who are looking to establish themselves in the administrative and public-sector environment and who are interested in developing a broad range of practical workplace skills.

SCREENING QUESTIONS

Candidates will be required to answer the following questions when applying for this post:

• Do you have a Grade 12 certificate?
• Do you have a post-matric qualification relevant to Administration?
  • A post-matric qualification in Administration, Public Administration, Office Management, Business Administration, or a related field will be an added advantage.
• Do you have relevant experience in Administration?
  • Relevant experience in administration will be an added advantage.

Applicants should ensure that the information provided in response to the screening questions is accurate and consistent with the information contained in their application and supporting documentation.

JOB DETAILS

• Office: Pretoria
• Division: Governance and Executive Support
• Employment Type: Permanent
• Number of Posts: 2
• Salary Level: Level 5
• Salary: R237,453 per annum
• Opening Date: 04 September 2026
• Closing Date: 21 September 2026
• Contact Persons: Ms K Lephogole / Mr M Madingwane
• Telephone: 012 399 9893 / 012 399 9880

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS

Applicants are encouraged to carefully review the requirements, duties, responsibilities, and competencies associated with the position before submitting their applications.

Candidates should ensure that:

• All personal and qualification information provided in the application is accurate.
• Relevant qualifications and administrative experience are clearly indicated.
• Information provided in the application corresponds with the supporting documentation.
• The correct reference number, ODG05/2026, is used when applying.
• Applications are submitted before the closing date.
• Candidates carefully answer all required screening questions.
• Relevant administrative experience is clearly described where applicable.
• All required supporting documentation is provided in accordance with the applicable application requirements.

The successful candidate will be expected to provide professional administrative, clerical, financial, logistical, and coordination support to the Directorate: Governance and Executive Support.

The position requires a highly organised individual who can work accurately, maintain confidentiality, communicate effectively, manage competing priorities, and ensure that administrative processes are completed within prescribed deadlines.

Applicants who meet the minimum requirements and possess the required skills and competencies are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity and submit their applications before the closing date.

Reference: ODG05/2026

Closing Date: 21 September 2026