Published: 12 June 2026
Category: Government Jobs | Administration Careers | Executive Support Opportunities
Department of Tourism Opens Personal Assistant Vacancy in Pretoria
The Department of Tourism has announced a new Personal Assistant: Office of the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) vacancy for 2026, offering qualified professionals an opportunity to work within a senior executive environment while earning an annual salary of R338,106 excluding benefits.
Based in Pretoria, the position is aimed at experienced administrative professionals who possess strong organisational, communication, and executive support skills.
As government departments increasingly rely on skilled executive support personnel to manage complex operations, Personal Assistant positions remain among the most valuable administrative career pathways in the public sector. These roles provide direct exposure to strategic decision-making, financial administration, leadership processes, and high-level government operations.
For candidates seeking career progression beyond traditional administration roles, this vacancy presents an opportunity to gain experience at executive management level.
Why Personal Assistant Careers Are Highly Valuable
Many professionals underestimate the strategic importance of executive support roles.
Modern Personal Assistants often perform responsibilities that extend far beyond diary management and administrative support.
They frequently contribute to:
- Executive coordination
- Budget administration
- Stakeholder management
- Project coordination
- Information management
- Strategic planning support
- Organisational governance
Because of this exposure, Personal Assistant positions often become stepping stones into management, executive administration, office management, and corporate governance careers.
Position Details
Job Title
Personal Assistant: Office of the Chief Financial Officer
Reference Number
DT 42/2026
Salary
R338,106 per annum (Level 7)
Benefits excluded.
Location
Pretoria, Gauteng
Department
Department of Tourism
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must possess:
- Secretarial Diploma (NQF Level 6) or equivalent qualification
Experience
- Minimum of three years’ experience providing support services to senior management
The Department is specifically seeking candidates with proven experience operating in executive or senior management environments.
Essential Knowledge Requirements
Candidates should demonstrate knowledge of:
- Public sector legislation
- Government policies and procedures
- Administrative prescripts
- Executive office operations
- Financial administration principles
- Office management systems
Knowledge of government processes can provide a significant advantage when supporting senior executives.
Key Skills and Competencies
The ideal candidate should possess:
Administrative Excellence
- Advanced organisational skills
- Document management
- Scheduling and planning abilities
- Records administration
Communication Skills
- Strong verbal communication
- Professional written communication
- Stakeholder engagement skills
- Telephone etiquette
Personal Attributes
- Reliability
- Professional presentation
- Self-management
- Initiative
- Motivation
- Confidentiality
- Tact and discretion
Because Personal Assistants often work with sensitive information, trustworthiness and professionalism are essential.
Main Responsibilities
Executive Office Management
The successful candidate will support the Chief Financial Officer by:
- Managing appointments
- Coordinating schedules
- Recording engagements
- Managing executive correspondence
This role serves as a central coordination point for the CFO’s office.
Information and Document Management
Responsibilities include:
- Managing document flow
- Safeguarding confidential records
- Preparing executive files
- Organising reports and submissions
Efficient information management helps executives make informed decisions.
Stakeholder Coordination
The Personal Assistant will:
- Respond to enquiries
- Liaise with internal and external stakeholders
- Coordinate meetings
- Facilitate communication between departments
Strong relationship management skills are therefore essential.
Meeting and Travel Coordination
The position involves:
- Arranging meetings
- Coordinating travel logistics
- Preparing meeting documentation
- Recording minutes and decisions
- Following up on action items
These functions help ensure smooth executive operations.
Budget and Financial Administration Support
One of the most valuable aspects of this role is exposure to financial administration.
Responsibilities include:
- Assisting with budget-related documentation
- Monitoring expenditure commitments
- Reviewing BAS reports
- Tracking expenditure allocations
- Supporting Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) processes
- Identifying potential over- or underspending trends
This experience can significantly strengthen future career prospects in administration and finance.
Procurement and Resource Management
The successful candidate will also:
- Manage procurement of office supplies
- Coordinate stationery requirements
- Support operational resource planning
- Obtain required approvals and signatures
These duties provide valuable exposure to government procurement systems.
Staff Supervision Responsibilities
The role includes supervision of employees and support staff where required.
This leadership component provides practical management experience that can enhance future promotion opportunities.
How This Role Can Increase Future Earning Potential
Executive support professionals often develop a unique combination of administrative, financial, and leadership skills.
These competencies are highly transferable and can lead to future careers in:
- Executive Office Management
- Office Management
- Project Administration
- Corporate Governance
- Public Administration
- Financial Administration
- Executive Coordination
- Chief Directorate Support Services
Professionals who gain experience supporting senior executives frequently become strong candidates for higher-paying management and specialist positions.
Why Executive Support Experience Is Valuable
Working directly with a Chief Financial Officer provides exposure to:
- Strategic decision-making
- Budget planning
- Financial governance
- Public finance management
- Executive leadership processes
This experience is difficult to obtain in many entry-level administrative positions and can significantly strengthen a professional profile.
Employment Equity Considerations
The Department of Tourism has indicated that preference may be given to:
- Coloured candidates
- White candidates
- Youth applicants
- Persons living with disabilities
Applications from suitably qualified candidates across all groups are encouraged.
How to Apply
Email Applications
Recruitment4226@tourism.gov.za
Enquiries
Ms M. Maponya
Email: mmaponya@tourism.gov.za
Final Analysis
The Department of Tourism’s Personal Assistant vacancy offers far more than a traditional administrative role. It provides direct exposure to executive leadership, financial administration, strategic planning, and government management processes.
With a salary of R338,106 per year, executive-level responsibilities, and valuable exposure to the Office of the Chief Financial Officer, this position presents a strong career development opportunity for experienced administrative professionals.
For candidates with a Secretarial Diploma and senior management support experience, this role could serve as a pathway toward higher-level executive administration, office management, and public sector leadership opportunities.
Sources and References
- Department of Tourism Vacancy Circular 2026
- Public Finance Management Act (PFMA)
- National Treasury Regulations
- Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) Guidelines
- Public Service Regulations
- Department of Tourism Recruitment Notice
Editorial Transparency
This article has been independently prepared using information contained in an official Department of Tourism vacancy advertisement. The content is intended for informational and educational purposes. Applicants should verify all requirements, application procedures, and closing dates through official government sources before applying.
