Public Service Administrator

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to serve as a Public Service Administrator. A Public Service Administrator provides a structured programme for public officials that work in support of senior management officials, promotes administrative efficiency within governmental departments by rendering administrative services and support aligned to governmental policies, and provides for service delivery objectives in all the three spheres of government. A qualified learner will be able to: • Administer workplace outcomes of a unit. • Administer human resources, finances, and supply chain records in a unit.

Employment in the Public Service is highly regulated to ensure that the implementation of the Government's policies provide services accordingly to the electorate. One of the aims of Government is to have a professionalised Public Service for a developmental State. Effective and efficient administration in the public sector is key to a successful economy. This qualification is a blend of administration skills relevant in the context of the public sector and is aiming at rapid building of the skills base within the public sector. It ties in with the overall objectives of the public sector to skill learners in line with the strategic need of identified broad competences. The extended Public Service is organised in three spheres of Government each one made up of specialised departments employing occupational functionaries at different levels of responsibility and management. This qualification is aimed at providing the administrative and clerical workers within the public service with the requisite knowledge, skills and attitude required to serve in the public service across different functional units to create a sound communication base between the respective units and different levels of responsibility. These administrative and clerical workers are mostly appointed direct from school without any previous work experience and requires to be focused on the generic public service procedures. Consultation took place with key personnel in National and Provincial Departments, Department of Public Service and Administration, the Local Government Sector Education and Training Authority, Public Service Sector Education and Training Authority, the National School of Government, the Public Service Co-ordinating Bargaining Council, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, and major private training institutions. Other qualifications under consideration or currently being developed are for elementary workers in the public service, junior and middle manager, and senior managers functioning at the strategic level. This qualification will benefit newly appointed administrative and clerical workers and provide them with the skills to function as administrative and clerical workers. It is envisaged that both the public and business will benefit by improved administration of service delivery in general. This should have a positive impact on the economy and social development. Administrative and clerical workers should be able to function in their respective units with confidence and cooperate with ease across services within, and between the three spheres of Government.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): • Learners will gain access to the qualification through RPL for Access as provided for in the QCTO RPL Policy. RPL for access is conducted by accredited education institution, skills development provider or workplace accredited to offer that specific qualification/part qualification. • Learners who have acquired competencies of the modules of a qualification or part qualification will be credited for modules through RPL. RPL for access to the external integrated summative assessment Accredited providers and approved workplaces must apply the internal assessment criteria specified in the related curriculum document to establish and confirm prior learning. Accredited providers and workplaces must confirm prior learning by issuing a statement of result. Entry Requirements: The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is: • NQF Level 4 qualification.

• Prepare communication and record keeping documents demonstrating an informed understanding of the key rules and principles of the public service practices.
• Demonstrate an understanding of personnel management at unit level.
• Report on financial, and procurement related activities in accordance with prescribed organisational and professional ethical codes of conduct at unit level.