The Department of Defence is recruiting for a Secretary position based at the Department of Defence Headquarters Unit at the Armscor Building in Erasmuskloof, Pretoria. The position is listed as Secretary, Ref No: CSD/32/35/26, and is positioned at Salary Level 05.
The successful candidate will provide secretarial and administrative support to the Deputy Chief of Staff SANDF (DCOS). The role includes managing appointments and correspondence, arranging meetings and travel, processing claims and invoices, maintaining office records, and providing general administrative support.
This vacancy may be relevant to job seekers with secretarial, administrative or office-support skills who meet the requirements listed in the official vacancy information. Applicants should carefully check the requirements and follow the Department of Defence’s prescribed application process because applications that do not comply with the stated instructions may be disqualified.
Job Overview
| Job Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Employer | Department of Defence |
| Job Title | Secretary |
| Reference Number | CSD/32/35/26 |
| Location | Department of Defence Headquarters Unit, Armscor Building, Erasmuskloof, Pretoria |
| Employment Type | The official vacancy advert does not specify an employment type. |
| Department/Division | Department of Defence Headquarters Unit |
| Salary | R237,453 – R279,708 per annum |
| Salary Level | Level 05 |
| Closing Date | 16 October 2026 at 16h00 |
| Vacancy/Advert Number | Post 35/06 |
About the Department of Defence Secretary Position
The Secretary will provide administrative and secretarial support to the Deputy Chief of Staff SANDF (DCOS).
The position involves a range of office-management responsibilities. These include managing the DCOS’s diary and correspondence, arranging meetings and travel, handling invoices and claims, maintaining filing systems and assisting with documents required for meetings.
The role also requires the successful applicant to understand and follow relevant departmental procedures and Public Service prescripts and policies.
Key Responsibilities
The successful candidate will be responsible for duties including:
- Providing secretarial support to the Deputy Chief of Staff SANDF.
- Receiving telephone calls and directing them to the appropriate role or person.
- Recording appointments and events in the DCOS’s diary.
- Operating office equipment such as photocopying and fax machines.
- Liaising with travel agencies to arrange travel for the DCOS.
- Processing travel and subsistence claims.
- Arranging meetings and events.
- Booking venues and inviting relevant role players.
- Organising refreshments and meeting schedules.
- Processing invoices resulting from the activities of the DCOS’s office.
- Recording basic minutes during meetings.
- Drafting routine correspondence and reports.
- Establishing and maintaining the office filing system.
- Administering matters such as leave for the DCOS.
- Handling procurement of standard office items such as stationery and refreshments.
- Collecting documents required by the DCOS for meetings.
- Managing incoming and outgoing correspondence.
- Checking that documents submitted for approval comply with applicable norms and standards.
- Keeping up to date with Department of Defence procedures and processes.
- Studying relevant Public Service and departmental policies and prescripts to ensure they are properly understood and applied.
Minimum Requirements
Education / Qualifications
The supplied vacancy information does not specify a formal qualification requirement for this Secretary position.
Applicants should therefore rely on the official vacancy advert rather than assuming that a particular diploma, certificate or degree is required.
Work Experience
A specific number of years of previous work experience is not specified in the vacancy information provided.
Skills and Competencies
The vacancy identifies the following knowledge, skills and competencies:
- Knowledge of MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
- Good typing skills.
- English language proficiency, both written and verbal.
- Analytical and innovative thinking.
- Problem-solving skills.
- Excellent interpersonal skills.
- Sound organisational skills.
- High level of reliability.
- Ability to act with tact and discretion.
- Good people skills.
- Ability to analyse documents and situations.
- Excellent secretarial skills.
These requirements indicate that the position involves both day-to-day office administration and supporting the work of a senior official.
Other Requirements
The supplied vacancy information states that successful candidates will undergo personnel suitability checks and security clearance processes.
These checks may include verification of:
- Criminal records.
- Citizenship.
- Financial and asset records.
- Qualifications.
- Employment history.
The advert also states that pre-employment screening may include checks of social media profiles.
Successful candidates will be required to undergo full security vetting while employed by the Department, and a negative outcome may nullify the employment contract.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants should assess their eligibility against the requirements contained in the official vacancy information.
The Department states that it intends to promote equity relating to race, gender and disability through the filling of posts, with appointments aimed at promoting representivity in line with the numeric targets contained in its Employment Equity Plan.
The vacancy information provided does not state an additional age, gender, race or disability eligibility requirement for this specific Secretary position beyond the Department’s employment-equity statement.
Salary and Benefits
The Secretary position is advertised at Salary Level 05, with a salary of:
R237,453 – R279,708 per annum
The supplied vacancy information does not provide a detailed list of additional benefits such as medical aid, pension contributions or allowances specifically attached to this post.
Location and Workplace
The position is based at:
Department of Defence Headquarters Unit
Armscor Building
Erasmuskloof, Pretoria
The advert also provides the following physical application delivery address:
Armscor Building 370, corner of Nossob and Boeing Street, Erasmuskloof, Pretoria, 0001.
Closing Date
The closing date for the Department of Defence Secretary vacancy is:
16 October 2026 at 16h00
Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
Applicants should submit their applications well before the deadline rather than waiting until the final day.
How to Apply
Applicants must use the prescribed Z83 application form and submit a detailed CV.
The Department states that the Z83 form must be the prescribed form effective from 1 January 2021. The form can be obtained from Public Service Department offices or through the DPSA website.
The Z83 must be originally signed and dated by the applicant.
Applications may be submitted through one of the following methods stated in the vacancy information:
Post:
Department of Defence Headquarters Unit
Armscor Building
Private Bag X161
Erasmuskloof
Pretoria
0001
Hand delivery:
Armscor Building 370
Corner of Nossob and Boeing Street
Erasmuskloof
Pretoria
0001
Email: Carles.Balie@dod.mil.za
Apply Here – Department of Defence Z83 / Public Service Vacancy Information
DPSA Public Service Vacancy information and Z83 form
Important: The supplied advert does not provide a separate online application portal for this specific post. Applicants should therefore follow the postal, hand-delivery or email instructions stated in the vacancy.
Faxed applications will not be considered.
Documents to Prepare
According to the vacancy instructions, applicants must submit:
- Prescribed Z83 application form, correctly completed, signed and dated.
- Detailed CV containing full particulars of the applicant’s training, qualifications, competencies, knowledge and experience.
Applicants should not initially submit certified copies of qualifications and other related documents unless required at the shortlisting stage. The Department states that only shortlisted candidates will be required to submit certified copies before or on the day of the interview, and these documents should not be older than six months.
Important Application Advice
Before submitting an application for this Department of Defence Secretary vacancy:
- Read the complete official vacancy information carefully.
- Use the prescribed Z83 form.
- Make sure the Z83 is signed and dated.
- Include a detailed CV containing the information requested by the Department.
- Use the correct reference number: CSD/32/35/26.
- If applying for more than one post, submit a separate Z83 and required documentation for each post.
- Do not submit multiple posts on one Z83. The Department states that only the first post listed will be considered in that situation.
- Do not send faxed copies.
- Submit the application before 16 October 2026 at 16h00.
- Make sure your contact details are correct.
- Do not pay anyone who claims they can secure the position for you. Legitimate government recruitment does not require payment to obtain employment.
- Keep copies of your submitted application and supporting documents for your own records.
Applicants should also be aware that shortlisted candidates may be required to complete pre-entry assessments, including a practical exercise and an Integrity (Ethical Conduct) Assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Department of Defence Secretary job salary?
The advertised salary is R237,453 to R279,708 per annum, at Salary Level 05.
Where is the Secretary position based?
The position is based at the Department of Defence Headquarters Unit, Armscor Building, Erasmuskloof, Pretoria.
What is the reference number?
The reference number is CSD/32/35/26.
What qualification is required?
The supplied vacancy information does not specify a formal qualification for the Secretary position. Applicants should consult the full official vacancy information before applying.
Is previous work experience required?
The vacancy information supplied does not state a specific number of years of work experience required.
What documents must applicants submit?
Applicants must submit the prescribed Z83 application form together with a detailed CV containing the information specified by the Department. Certified qualifications and related documents are required later from shortlisted candidates.
How can I apply?
Applications may be submitted by post, hand delivery or email to Carles.Balie@dod.mil.za, using the prescribed Z83 and detailed CV.
When does the vacancy close?
Applications close on 16 October 2026 at 16h00. Late applications will not be considered.
Final Application Reminder
Before submitting your application, verify the reference number, closing date, Z83 requirements and submission method against the official Department of Defence vacancy information.
Applicants should ensure that their application complies with all stated instructions because failure to submit the required documents or use the correct application process may result in disqualification.
Apply Here DPSA Public Service Vacancy information and Z83 form
6. Application CTA
Apply Here – Carles.Balie@dod.mil.za
Applicants should use the prescribed Z83 form and submit it together with the required detailed CV before 16 October 2026 at 16h00.
7. FAQs
The frequently asked questions are included above and cover the salary, location, reference number, qualification requirements, experience, application documents and closing date.
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