Director: Public & Community Liaison Centre Ref No: 08/2025
The Free State Provincial Government invites applications from dynamic and service-driven individuals for the position of Director: Public & Community Liaison Centre. This is a strategic leadership role that ensures a responsive, people-centric government through direct community engagement, the management of service delivery hotlines, conflict prevention, and oversight of Thusong Service Centres and Community Development Worker (CDW) programmes.
This role is crucial for maintaining healthy relationships between government and citizens, enhancing participatory governance, and ensuring public complaints and needs are responded to promptly and efficiently.
Job Overview:
- Job Title: Director: Public & Community Liaison Centre
- Reference Number: 08/2025
- Department: Office of the Premier, Free State Provincial Government
- Location: Bloemfontein
- Salary: R1 266 714 per annum (Level 13, all-inclusive SMS package)
Key Responsibilities:
Direct Liaison & Conflict Prevention
Design and implement proactive strategies to prevent or de-escalate service delivery-related social conflicts.
Develop early warning systems and rapid response mechanisms for community grievances.
Forge strong relationships with community leaders, civil society, and departments for collaborative problem-solving.
Promote citizen trust and transparency through communication strategies and community outreach.
Presidential & Premier Hotline Oversight
Manage the Premier’s and President’s Hotline systems—ensuring effective complaint logging, routing, resolution, and reporting.
Liaise with relevant stakeholders to address service delivery issues swiftly.
Produce analytical reports highlighting trends, systemic challenges, and recommendations.
Thusong Centres & Mobile Services
Oversee the strategic management of Thusong Service Centres and mobile units to increase community access to government services.
Promote inter-departmental collaboration for integrated service delivery hubs.
Monitor performance and recommend improvements to enhance centre effectiveness.
Community Development Workers (CDW) Programme
Provide strategic direction for the CDW programme, ensuring alignment with provincial objectives.
Equip CDWs to act as vital links between communities and government.
Coordinate community needs assessments to inform responsive service delivery strategies.
Community Needs Assessment & Moral Regeneration
Implement comprehensive methodologies (e.g., surveys, focus groups) to determine public needs.
Integrate Moral Regeneration Movement principles into community initiatives and public engagement.
Strategic Resource & Personnel Management
Manage the directorate’s budget, staff performance, and overall operational efficiency.
Facilitate training interventions to improve staff capabilities in community engagement and conflict resolution.
Provide strategic advice and mentorship to officials within the component.
Ensure performance management, succession planning, and skills development processes are in place.
Minimum Requirements:
A NQF Level 7 qualification in Social Sciences, recognised by SAQA.
A minimum of 5 years’ experience at middle/senior management level in a community liaison, stakeholder engagement, or public participation environment.
Successful completion of the SMS Pre-entry Certificate is a requirement (details: NSG SMS Course)
Strong experience in:
Turnaround strategies for service delivery improvement
Policy implementation, project coordination, and stakeholder engagement
Financial and personnel management
Competencies & Skills:
Deep understanding of public participation policies, community development, and intergovernmental coordination
Proven skills in strategic thinking, conflict resolution, and stakeholder management
Excellent organising, planning, problem-solving, and communication skills
High emotional intelligence and the ability to operate under pressure and in complex community settings
Why Join the Office of the Premier?
Be at the heart of government-citizen engagement
Directly influence provincial service delivery and social cohesion
Lead high-impact public platforms like the Premier’s Hotline and Thusong Centres
Work in a dynamic, multi-stakeholder environment shaping real community outcomes
Application Process:
Closing Date: 12 September 2025 at 16:00
Applications must be submitted on the New Z83 form (available at any public service office or DPSA website)
Submit with a comprehensive CV only (certified copies of qualifications and ID will be requested later)
Submit to:
Hand Delivery:
Room 7, Ground Floor, O.R. Tambo House, Bloemfontein
Email: recruitment@fspremier.gov.za
Attention: Mr. Thabo Tsotetsi / Ms. Leanne Terblanche
(Use Ref No: 08/2025 in the subject line)
Enquiries:
Ms. N. Tyali
Acting DDG: Provincial Monitoring and Evaluation
072 408 7322
Important Notes:
The successful candidate must sign a Performance Agreement within 3 months.
Financial disclosures in line with Public Service regulations are mandatory.
All shortlisted candidates will be subjected to:
A technical competency exercise
A DPSA SMS competency assessment (based on the mandated toolset)
The Free State Provincial Government is an equal opportunity employer and strives for representativity. Candidates from previously disadvantaged groups and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
If you do not receive feedback within 4 months after the closing date, kindly consider your application unsuccessful.