Assistant Director: Bilateral Relations

REQUIREMENTS

• Senior Certificate/Matric Certificate /Grade 12 Certificate or equivalent qualification; Minimum three-year National Diploma NQF level 6 / Degree NQF level 7 as recognised by SAQA in International Relations/ Political Science/ / International Law/ Diplomatic studies or any relevant qualification;
• 2-3 years relevant experience at least 2 years as an Officer in international relations, diplomacy, bilateral cooperation, intergovernmental relations, or any relevant environment;
• Knowledge of Public Service Regulations; Knowledge and understanding of international relations and diplomacy; Knowledge and understanding of Bilateral and multilateral cooperation processes and protocols; Knowledge of government policies and international cooperation frameworks; Research and policy analysis; Stakeholder and relationship management;
• Project and programme coordination; Negotiation and facilitation skills; Planning and organising skills; Communication and interpersonal relations; Computer literacy; Ability to work under pressure; Ability to Interact with other officials from other countries; Adapts to changing demands and conditions; Diplomacy, tact, and cultural sensitivity.

DUTIES

• The purpose of this post is to facilitate and strengthen bilateral cooperation programmes and agreements with partner countries in support of the departmental priorities; Facilitate the implementation of bilateral agreements to strengthen cooperation and achieve tangible outcomes-Coordinate and facilitate bilateral engagements, including preparatory meetings and follow-ups with designated partner countries; Maintain relationships with foreign governments, embassies, commissions, and international partners;
• Negotiate, draft, conclude, and renew bilateral agreements and cooperation frameworks; Implement and coordinate agreements, programmes, and action plans; Ensure alignment of bilateral agreements with national cultural diplomacy and international relations frameworks;
• Monitor and track bilateral engagements and programme delivery status; Enhance and strengthen bilateral cooperation in sport, arts, culture and heritage to advance South Africans interest and cultural diplomacy-Facilitate implementation of signed agreements, Memorandum of Understanding MoU, and action plans;
• Monitor, evaluate, and report on progress against bilateral commitments and deliverables; Provide technical and administrative support during negotiations and review processes; Maintain a centralised database and records system for all international agreements and cooperation instruments; Ensure compliance with approved protocols, governance frameworks, and international obligations;
• Prepare implementation progress reports and updates for relevant stakeholders; Strengthen and maintain cordial relations between the Department and its bilateral partners-Coordinate the preparation of official documentation, including Ministerial submissions, DG submissions, briefing notes, reports, and correspondence;
• Facilitate internal coordination between branches and line function managers to ensure policy and operational alignment; Engage with relevant stakeholders; Coordinate participation of departmental officials and cultural practitioners in international programmes; Facilitate international travel arrangements; Assist with intergovernmental and multilateral coordination;
• Maintain stakeholder engagement records and communication logs; Conduct research, policy analysis, and international scanning-Conduct research on international trends, cultural diplomacy practices, and policy developments; Analyse political, economic, social, and sector-specific developments affecting bilateral relations; Prepare country profiles, policy briefs, and strategic analyses;
• Identify opportunities for international collaboration and partnerships; Benchmark departmental programmes against international best practice; Provide evidence-based input for negotiation and strategic decision-making; Manage international events, delegations, and protocol processes-Coordinate bilateral meetings, official visits, conferences, workshops, cultural exchanges, and international forums; Organise and facilitate incoming and outgoing international delegations;
• Manage logistical and programme arrangements for official visits; Support protocol and diplomatic engagement processes; Liaise with protocol units, DIRCO, embassies, and hosting institutions to ensure seamless execution of engagements; Compile post-event reports and evaluation summaries.