Deputy Director General – Human Settlements Planning (2026): Salary, Requirements, and How to Apply

Deputy Director General – Human Settlements Planning (2026): Salary, Requirements, and How to Apply

If you are an experienced professional in urban planning, infrastructure, or housing development, this senior government role offers one of the most rewarding career opportunities in South Africa. The Department of Human Settlements is hiring a Deputy Director General for Human Settlements Planning, a leadership position with a competitive salary package of over R1.8 million per year.

This role places you at the center of national development, where your decisions directly shape sustainable communities, housing delivery, and long-term infrastructure planning. If you meet the requirements, this position gives you both career growth and national impact.

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Table of Contents

• Job Overview
• Key Responsibilities
• Minimum Requirements
• Required Skills and Competencies
• Salary and Benefits
• Application Process
• Important Notes for Applicants
• Tips to Increase Your Chances
• Call to Action

Job Overview

The Deputy Director General: Human Settlements Planning role is a Senior Management Service (SMS) position responsible for driving policy, planning, and execution of large-scale housing and infrastructure programmes.

Key Job Details

• Department: Department of Human Settlements
• Location: Johannesburg
• Reference Number: refs/044103
• Salary: R1,813,182 per annum (all-inclusive)
• Closing Date: 17 April 2026
• Number of Posts: 1

This position suits professionals with strong leadership experience in human settlements, urban planning, or infrastructure delivery.

Key Responsibilities

As a Deputy Director General, you will lead strategic initiatives that impact thousands of citizens. Your responsibilities include:

Strategic Leadership

• Lead research and policy development for the human settlements sector
• Provide strategic guidance on integrated planning for sustainable communities
• Align programmes with national frameworks like NSDP and infrastructure standards

Programme and Project Oversight

• Oversee large-scale housing and infrastructure projects
• Ensure compliance with procurement and delivery management standards
• Monitor housing subsidy programmes and beneficiary administration

Development and Innovation

• Drive informal settlement upgrades and rapid land release initiatives
• Support development of long-term infrastructure asset management plans
• Introduce service delivery innovations

Management Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Human Settlements Planning unit
• Compile management and performance reports
• Ensure compliance with relevant legislation and policies

Minimum Requirements

To qualify for this senior role, you must meet strict academic and professional criteria:

Educational Qualifications

• Matric certificate
• NQF Level 8 qualification in one of the following:
  • Town Planning
  • Urban and Regional Planning
  • Architecture
  • Civil Engineering
  • Public Management
• A Master’s degree gives you an advantage

Experience

• Minimum of 8 years experience at Senior Management level
• Proven background in infrastructure or housing delivery

Additional Requirements

• SMS Pre-Entry Certificate before appointment
• Valid driver’s license
• Knowledge of:
  • Construction Industry Development Board Act (2000)
  • Infrastructure procurement frameworks
  • Property registration systems
  • National Spatial Development Perspective

Required Skills and Competencies

This leadership role demands a mix of technical and managerial strengths:

Core Competencies

• Strategic leadership and decision-making
• Financial and project management
• Change management and innovation
• Problem-solving and analytical thinking

People and Communication Skills

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to lead and empower teams
• High level of customer focus and responsiveness

Personal Attributes

• Self-management and accountability
• Creativity and adaptability
• Strong report-writing skills

Salary and Benefits

This position offers a highly competitive compensation package:

• Annual Salary: R1,813,182
• Includes full benefits package
• Opportunity to work at a national strategic level
• Long-term career stability in government

Application Process

To apply for this role, follow these steps carefully:

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Visit the official Gauteng jobs portal
2. Complete the online application form
3. Upload:
   • Updated Z83 form
   • Comprehensive CV
4. Submit your application before the deadline

Important

• Applications must be submitted online only
• No email or fax submissions accepted

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Important Notes for Applicants

Before applying, take note of these critical points:

• Closing Date: 17 April 2026
• Late applications will not be accepted
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted
• If no response within 3 months, consider your application unsuccessful

Selection Process

• Practical assessment
• Integrity assessment
• Competency-based evaluation

Employment Equity

The department promotes:

• Equal opportunity
• Diversity and inclusion
• Preference for underrepresented groups

Tips to Increase Your Chances

Competition for this role is high. Use these strategies to stand out:

Strengthen Your Application

• Highlight senior leadership experience clearly
• Focus on measurable achievements in infrastructure or housing
• Tailor your CV to match the job responsibilities

Prepare for Assessments

• Review policy frameworks and legislation
• Practice case study scenarios in urban planning
• Prepare for leadership and ethical assessments

Ensure Compliance

• Get your SMS Pre-Entry Certificate early
• Verify qualifications with SAQA if required

Call to Action

If you have the experience and qualifications to lead at a national level, this is your opportunity to make a lasting impact in human settlements and urban development.

Submit your application before 17 April 2026 through the official Gauteng recruitment portal.

Take the next step in your career and position yourself as a leader in infrastructure and housing development.

APPLY HERE

Deputy Director General Human Settlements Planning Job 2026 in South Africa: Requirements, Salary, and Application Guide

Apply for the Deputy Director General Human Settlements Planning job in Johannesburg. Learn salary, requirements, duties, and step-by-step application process before the 17 April 2026 deadline.

READ: How to Register on the GPG Professional Job Centre Website for Gauteng Government Vacancies