Public management is a rewarding career choice. Professionals work in the public sector to help improve the well-being of citizens. As the population increases, public management jobs are more relevant than ever in helping disburse services and resources efficiently.
While the government employs public managers in South Africa, they work in various industries, including healthcare, education, urban planning, and law. They are involved in local governance, community development, and all aspects of public life.
The article will cover the types of public management jobs in government, the qualifications required, and the responsibilities of a public servant.
Table of Contents
What are the Types of Public Management Jobs in Government?
When we examine the various public management jobs in government, we can notice some profiles are similar to those available in the private sector, such as HR Manager or Accountant. At the same time, there are certain profiles which are specific to public management jobs, such as Urban Planning Manager.
Public management jobs are available in various industries, including finance, security, education, and supply chain management.
Let us take a short overview of some public management jobs.
1. Municipal Managers
They are the head of a municipality and are responsible for helping meet its objectives. They are also in charge of efficiently distributing services within their domain while conducting best accounting practices.
2. Policy Analysts and Advisors
These professionals deeply understand public policy and help review current frameworks to understand its benefits and recommend improvements. They also help conduct research and identify new areas for policy implementation. This is one of the most important public management jobs in government.
3. Public Finance Managers
These finance managers are responsible for budgeting and allocating public funds for various projects and programmes. These roles are available locally and nationally and can be found within government departments and companies.
4. Human Resources Managers in Government
This job profile is similar to that of the private sector and carries similar responsibilities. Human Resources Managers in Government are responsible for recruitment, training, payroll, and handling employee conflicts.
5. Programme and Project Coordinators
They are in-charge of a project from conception to implementation and are responsible for budgeting, staffing, allocating resources, and monitoring progress to stay on track.
Read more on Public Management Salary in South Africa
What are the Key Responsibilities in Public Management Jobs?
Individuals working in public management are responsible for the upliftment of local communities, policy implementation, and the success of public programmes. They reduce inequality and help citizens access basic necessities.
While private-sector jobs are responsible for improving sales, increasing reach, and achieving greater profits, in the public sector, managers are responsible for ensuring efficiency in the allocation and distribution of services and resources.
These are some responsibilities of public management jobs in government.
1. Policy Formulation and Implementation
- Responsible for studying the effects and benefits of existing policies
- Suggests improvements to existing policy
- Help to identify new areas of reach that could benefit current policies
- instrumental in designing new policies to meet the government agenda.
2. Budgeting and Financial Oversight
- Use public funds efficiently
- Follow accounting principles
- Stay within budget.
- Prepare financial documents
3. Supervising Public Service Delivery
- Ensure services are delivered on time
- Initiate quality checks
- Find solutions for service gaps
4. Ethical Leadership
- Transparency in public spending
- Prevent corruption
- Eliminate bribes
- Accountability
Read more on What is Public Management
What are the Qualifications for Public Management Jobs?
While most public management jobs are in the government sector, they are also available in private companies that operate in the public sphere. Most of these jobs require candidates to have a deep understanding of public policy, governance, and local laws.
One of the best qualifications that students can complete is an undergraduate degree in public management, which is supported by community projects and internships. The School of Management at Regenesys offers various programmes in Public Management at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
Certain public management jobs in government might be available in technical fields that do not require knowledge of core public management subjects. These can be IT and engineering-related roles.
These are some of the required public management job qualifications.
Educational Requirements
The following accredited programmes are available at Regenesys and can be completed offline or online.
- Higher Certificate in Public Management
- Bachelor of Public Management
- Postgraduate Diploma in Public Management
- Master in Public Management
Essential Skills
Public managers acquire these necessary skills when they enrol in a public management programme. They are essential in helping them navigate the unique challenges they might face in public sector roles.
- Leadership: Strong leaders can better communicate their goals and motivate internal and external stakeholders to meet targets. This is a key skill for public management jobs in government.
- Negotiation: Effective negotiation skills are necessary for resource allocation and trying to convince communities to change age-old practices.
- Communication: Strong communicators can quickly convey the organisation’s message and the project’s goals, benefits, timeline, etc.
- Solution-oriented: Instead of focusing on the problem, public managers are skilled in finding prompt solutions that help to keep their projects on track.
What are Some Entry-Level Public Management Jobs in Government?
Students who complete public management gain entry into public sector roles through entry-level public management jobs. To help gain practical experience, students should participate in outreach programmes, community development projects, and internships. This will help boost their resumes and, in some cases, might allow them to bypass entry-level jobs.
The Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) manages public management jobs in South Africa and updates vacancies weekly.
These are some entry-level public management jobs in government that students can apply to post-graduation.
- Administrative Officer
- Budget Assistant
- Social Services Support Officer
- Public Policy Assistant
- Graduate in Training Programme
What are Some Mid-Level and Senior Public Management Positions?
As individuals gain experience, they can rise to middle and senior-level management. Professionals can serve in the same department or request a transfer. Public managers can also complete specialised courses or training programmes that will benefit their careers and make them attractive candidates for promotions.
Mid and senior-level roles require work experience where candidates have displayed effective leadership and have contributed to successful public programmes.
These are some middle and senior public management jobs in government.
- Programme Manager
- Departmental Manager
- Deputy Director General
- Chief Financial Officer
- Ambassador
How to Apply for Public Management Jobs in the South African Government?
The DPSA helps manage public sector vacancies in South Africa and releases a weekly circular online. These include open posts at the provincial and national levels.
Jobs are also advertised on the websites of government departments and the Vuk’uzenzele newspaper in South Africa. In addition to this, many departments also advertise internships and learnerships on their websites.
The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) runs a Career Development Services Centre, which can also guide fresh graduates regarding job opportunities and the application process.
These are the steps students can follow to learn how to apply for public management jobs in South Africa.
- Review the job advert available on DPSA, the department website, or the Vuk’uzenzele newspaper.
- If you meet the criteria, create an account on DPSA to fill the application.
- Fille the application
- Attach all required documents
- Resume
- Certified copy of educational qualification(s)
- Certified copy of ID document
- Cover Letter
- Submit your application
- If shortlisted, prepare for an interview
- Accept offer
What are the Benefits of Working in Public Management in Government?
Public sector jobs are valuable in implementing the government’s agenda and improving the lives of the citizens of South Africa. Skilled public managers are in high demand to help lead public sector companies and to convert them into profitable and efficient enterprises.
In addition to a competitive salary, public sector employees also earn additional benefits like housing allowance, paid maternity leave, and a pension plan. Public sector jobs also offer job security, and most people stay in public sector jobs until retirement.
These are some attractive benefits of public management jobs in government.
- Job security: Government jobs are secure, and they do not face layoffs, such as in the private sector.
- Benefits: Public management jobs often include health insurance, housing allowance, pension, and paid holidays.
- Salary: According to Talent.com, most entry-level positions in public management roles start from R228,000 as of 2024.
- Impact: Public management roles create a positive impact on communities and help to bridge socio-economic inequality.
- Training and development: Public sector employees also undergo regular training to help improve service delivery.
Conclusion
Public management is essential to helping governments provide resources and services to their citizens. It also contributes to implementing development programmes and social reforms.
Students interested in working in public management should enrol in an undergraduate programme in public management. They can follow that with work experience in public management jobs in government before completing a specialised master’s.
Those who are interested in a career that has helped impact thousands of lives should check out the programme details for the Bachelor of Public Management offered by Regenesys’ School of Public Management.
Public Management Jobs in Government – FAQs
What are public management job qualifications?
It would be helpful if public managers had an undergraduate degree in public management. Additionally, they must be problem solvers, strong leaders, and decision-makers.
How to apply for public management jobs in South Africa?
Students should check the DPS website for all open public sector vacancies. The website is updated weekly. If they meet the requirements, they can submit the document with the required documents online.
What Are Some Entry-Level Public Management Jobs in Government?
Some entry-level jobs include Administrative Officer, Budget Assistant, and Social Services Support Officer.
What are the benefits of working in public management?
Public management jobs are meaningful and have a direct impact on society. These roles also pay a competitive salary and additional benefits, and offer job security.
What is Public Management?
Public management is the efficient management and distribution of public services and resources. Public managers play a key role in local governance, healthcare, education, infrastructure, and other vital public sectors.
