The Department of Employment and Labour, through the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF), has announced a massive recruitment drive for 70 Assistant Director positions within the Labour Activation Programmes (LAP). These 3-year contract roles are pivotal for driving South Africa’s job preservation and employability initiatives.
As an Assistant Director, you will facilitate high-level engagements with stakeholders regarding the Temporary Employer-Employee Relief Scheme (TERS) and the Business Turnaround and Recovery Programme. This is a leadership role requiring a sophisticated blend of project management expertise and legislative knowledge.
Job Facts: UIF Assistant Director 2026
| Feature | Details |
| Organization | Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) |
| Post Title | Assistant Director: Labour Activation Programmes |
| Contract Type | 3-Year Fixed Term Contract |
| Salary | R468 459 per annum (+ 37% in lieu of benefits) |
| Total Posts | 70 (Nationwide) |
| Closing Date | 08 April 2026 (16:00 Walk-in / 23:59 Online) |
Regional Breakdown & Reference Numbers
Candidates must use the specific reference number for the province where they intend to serve:
| Province/Office | Posts | Reference Number |
| UIF Pretoria (HQ) | 10 | HR4/4/3/2ASDLAP/UIF |
| Gauteng | 15 | HR4/4/3/2ASDLAP/GP |
| KwaZulu-Natal | 11 | HR4/4/3/2ASDLAP/KZN |
| Eastern Cape | 9 | HR4/4/3/2ASDLAP/EC |
| Western Cape | 6 | HR4/4/3/2ASDLAP/WC |
| Free State | 5 | HR4/4/3/2ASDLAP/FS |
| Mpumalanga | 4 | HR4/4/3/2ASDLAP/MP |
| Limpopo | 4 | HR4/4/3/2ASDLAP/LP |
| North West | 3 | HR4/4/3/2ASDLAP/NW |
| Northern Cape | 3 | HR4/4/3/2ASDLAP/NC |
Technical Insight: The LAP Management Mandate
The Assistant Director role focuses on the strategic execution of the Labour Activation Framework. Key responsibilities include:
- Stakeholder Facilitation: Managing relations with businesses in distress to implement the Temporary Employer-Employee Relief Scheme.
- Project Monitoring: Overseeing “Employability of the Unemployed” projects to ensure they meet the mandate of the Fund.
- Governance & Compliance: Ensuring all projects align with the PFMA and Skills Development Act (SDA).
- Resource Management: Supervising the human and financial resources within your sub-directorate to ensure project deliverables are met on time and within budget.
Mandatory Requirements
- Education: Undergraduate qualification (NQF 6) in Public/Business Admin, Project Management, Social Science, or Accounting.
- Experience: Four (4) years total experience, of which:
- 2 Years must be functional experience in LAP, Enterprise Development, or Project Management.
- 2 Years must be at a Supervisory Level.
- Methodologies: Knowledge of PMBOK and Project Management Principles (PMP).
How to Apply: Email Directory
- Pretoria (HQ):
[email protected] - Gauteng:
[email protected] - KZN:
[email protected] - Eastern Cape:
[email protected] - Western Cape:
[email protected] - Free State:
[email protected] - Limpopo:
[email protected] - Mpumalanga:
[email protected] - North West:
[email protected] - Northern Cape:
[email protected]
CRITICAL: The “Z83 + CV” Rule
The UIF will disqualify any application that does not follow these technical specs:
- Format: One (1) combined PDF document.
- Form: Must use the New Z83 form.
- Subject Line: Must indicate the Job Title and the correct Reference Number.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the total salary including the 37% allowance?
The 37% is calculated on the basic salary of R468 459, adding approximately R173 329, totaling roughly R641 788 per annum before tax.
2. Is PMBOK certification required?
While the ad asks for “Knowledge” of PMBOK methodologies, having a formal certification (like PMP or CAPM) is a major advantage for Assistant Director-level roles.
3. What happens after the 3-year contract?
Contract roles are finite, but the experience gained in managing national relief schemes is highly sought after in both the public and private sectors.
4. When is the walk-in closing time?
Walk-in applications close at 16:00 on 08 April 2026. Online applications are accepted until 23:59.