Senior Admin Clerk at Department of Basic Education

The Department of Basic Education (DBE) is inviting applications from qualified and motivated South African youth to fill the permanent position of Senior Administration Clerk based at their head office in Pretoria, Gauteng. This public sector role is tailored for entry-level candidates holding a Grade 12 qualification who are eager to build an impactful administrative career within the national government. Operating at salary Level 05, the incumbent will play a crucial role in maintaining supply chain integrity, managing asset distribution, handling delivery reconciliations, and supporting educational administrative services across South Africa.

Key Responsibilities

• Goods Receipt and Verification: Efficiently receive incoming stock and supplies from contracted service providers, ensuring rigorous physical verification against official purchase orders, invoices, and delivery notes.

• Specification Compliance: Carefully confirm that all delivered items strictly align with agreed quantities, quality standards, and technical specifications detailed in tender and procurement documents.

• Discrepancy Reporting: Promptly identify, record, and escalate any variances, shortages, or damaged consignments to relevant supervisors and supply chain stakeholders for speedy resolution.

• Stock Control and Inventory: Assist with routine stock counting, store audits, shelf labelling, and reconciliation while flagging obsolete, slow-moving, or expired inventory.

• Administrative Recordkeeping: Maintain structured paper and digital records in compliance with national archiving standards, departmental guidelines, and asset registers.

• Statutory Compliance: Perform day-to-day administrative duties in alignment with the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) and National Treasury Regulations.

Why Join the Company

Working for the Department of Basic Education places you at the heart of South Africa's public service delivery, directly impacting learners, schools, and educational infrastructure nationwide. DBE offers comprehensive public sector benefits, including state pension fund contributions, medical aid subsidy, standard leave allocations, and robust job stability. Employees gain valuable exposure to government procurement systems, supply chain protocols, and administrative operations, establishing an exceptional foundation for long-term career progression within the civil service.

Application Strategy (Exclusive)

• Emphasize Detail Orientation: In your CV, highlight your accuracy in numerical tasks, data capture, or inventory checks to demonstrate readiness for reconciling purchase orders against deliveries.

• Showcase Supply Chain Awareness: Mention any basic coursework, certificates, or personal familiarity with the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) and standard procurement workflows.

• Demonstrate Microsoft Office Competency: Outline specific projects or tasks where you utilized Microsoft Excel and Word to generate reports, track lists, or manage digital files.

Interview Preparation

Candidates shortlisted for this position should expect scenario-based questions evaluating their problem-solving and ethical standards:

• "How would you handle a situation where a supplier delivers fewer items than stated on the official purchase order, and insists you sign the delivery note immediately?"

• "Which specific steps do you follow to ensure accuracy when capturing large volumes of inventory data into a spreadsheet?"

You can effectively practice structuring your responses using the YouthNextStep Interview Simulator to build confidence before your panel interview.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted using the standard Government Z83 application form accompanied by a comprehensive, recently updated CV. You can download the Z83 form here or use the free online Z83 form filler to complete it digitally.

Please ensure that you clearly quote the reference details on your Z83 form:
Position: Senior Administration Clerk
Reference: DBE/79/2026
Remuneration: R237 453 per annum (Level 05)

Applications can be submitted via any of the following channels:

• By Post: Private Bag X895, Pretoria, 0001

• By Hand Delivery: The Department of Basic Education, 222 Struben Street, Pretoria

• By Email: 📧 [email protected]

• Online Portal: Click here to apply for this role

Note: Only shortlisted candidates will be requested to submit certified copies of identity documents, qualifications, and academic records.

• Grade 12 / Matric certificate.

• No prior work experience required (Entry-level).

• An appropriate Degree or National Diploma will be an added advantage.

• Basic knowledge of accounting principles and inventory management.

• Familiarity with the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), Treasury Regulations, and Supply Chain Management policies.

• Strong computer literacy skills (Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint).

• Good verbal and written communication skills in English.

• Solid planning, organizational, and record-keeping abilities.

• Sound interpersonal, client relations, and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to work effectively both independently under pressure and collaboratively as part of a team.