defence jobs

The successful candidates will be expected to perform the following duties:

Functional Leadership

• Facilitate and manage the legitimate movement of goods at the Port of Entry, whilst preventing and mitigating the illegitimate movement of illicit goods.
• Manage the integration of multiple work streams under a single command and control. Oversee the prevention of and combating of illegal activities within the Port of Entry, border law enforcement area as well as the vulnerable segments of the border line. Facilitate the development, review and implementation of the framework, systems and procedures relating to cross-border crime.
• Ensure the security and sterility of the Port of Entry by rendering inspections regarding Plant Health Quality and food hygiene.
• Oversee promotion, prevention, and control of animal diseases.
• Manage the Border Law Enforcement frontline functions and operations at the Port of Entry.
• Oversee the facilitation of revenue collection at the Port of Entry.
• Oversee the execution of powers of entry, search, seizure, arrest and detention at the Port of Entry.
• Manage the powers relating to vessels within the Maritime Border Law Enforcement Area. Report on a regular basis on the Port of Entry performance.
• Manage routine inspections and searches and seizures, arrest and detention at the Port of Entry.
• Oversee Border Law Enforcement Area surveillance and patrolling for the Border Guard. Manage and oversee the support functions at the Port of Entry. These include Human Capital, Finance, ICT, and Asset Management.

Stakeholder Management and Relations

• Manage the service efficiency within the land, air, maritime ports of entry and border law enforcement areas.
• Oversee the establishment and management of community cross-border forums to ensure consistency, efficiency and accountability.
• Ensure the development and effective stakeholder relations management with both local and international communities in support of national objectives and regional priorities. Facilitate stakeholder relationships within the border control environment.
• Liaise with the various organs of state, industry partners and international organizations to enhance border management efficiencies and safety protocols.
• Contribute to the development and management of MOUs with strategic national and international stakeholders.
• Lead the identification and mitigation of internal systems and procedural barriers to enhance excellent customer service.
• Represent and participate in the BMA’s committees and tasks teams.
• Lead the implementation of timeous communication on progress and challenges in achieving the strategic and operational plans to impacted stakeholders.
• Attend industry related forums, conferences and workshops to gain industry insight for the purpose of business improvement, and positioning of the BMA.

Governance,Risk and Compliance

• Prepare and present reports for submission to the BMA Management/Executives and other stakeholders.
• Manage and facilitate compliance protocols to ensure enforcement of legislation, policies and procedures relating to border control services.
• Manage and facilitate implementation of the regional, continental and international standards, regulations and protocols related to Ports of Entry and the border law enforcement area.
• Lead the conceptualising of the unit’s risk register.
• Ensure the mitigation of the units’ risk profile through the application of fraud controls and risk prevention principles and implementing of sound governance and compliance processes and tools to identify and manage risks.
• Lead the coordination and maintenance of quality risk management in line with the relevant requirements.
• Ensure effective support in the provision of evidence to all internal and external audit requirements.
• Manage all Service Level Agreements to minimise business risk and ensure business continuity.
• Ensure adherence in the team to all relevant laws, policies and Standard Operating Procedures throughout the BMA.
• Create and advocate an ethical culture within the BMA.
• Enforce counter corruption framework and systems.

Budget and Financial Management

• Compile and manage the budget of the Port of Entry by ensuring financial stability. Ensure expenditure is in line with budget requirements.
• Monitor financial control, budget management and the procurement process to ensure compliance with the legislation e.g. (PFMA, PPFA, and BBBEE).
• Maximise revenue and reduce expenditure through effective cost control measures.

People Management

• Build and lead an effective and cohesive team through the effective management of departmental resources.
• Lead the implementation of talent acquisition, succession planning, development, and retention strategies for the department.
• Lead the enhancement of relevant knowledge and skills through continuous coaching, mentoring and nurturing of departmental talent.
• Lead and drive a high-performance culture by translating and communicating the annual performance goals and measures based on agreed upon objectives.
• Drive a working environment that augments employee engagement, recognition and productivity.
• Lead and drive the management of poor performance and disciplinary matters in line with the BMA’s policies and procedures.

Minimum Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

• Matric (Grade 12)
• An undergraduate qualification (NQF level 7) in Social/Life/Natural Sciences/ Management/Security/Defence, or International Relations Studies as recognized by South African Quality Authority (SAQA).

Minimum Experience:

5 years' experience at middle management/ specialist/ professional in border law enforcement or related environment.

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of the South African Constitution.
• Knowledge of the Border Management Authority Act.
• Understanding of International and Regional Protocols.
• Knowledge of South Africa’s Foreign Policy. Understanding of the Aviation Industry requirements.
• Understanding of legislation and prescripts applicable in the border environment. Knowledge of applicable international Conventions elating to migration, biosecurity, environmental and human health.
• Knowledge and understanding of the port security risks in relation to port health, immigration, bio-security and environmental risk.
• Understanding of broad security risks in the border environment.
• Knowledge of the National Treasury and Risk Management Framework.
• Knowledge of the Public Service Act and Regulations as well as the Public Finance Management Act.
• Knowledge of applicable human resource legislature.

Other requirements:

• Flexibility in working hours will be required to meet demands of the role.
• Extensive travelling.
• May be required to work overtime.
• Valid driver’s License.

The BMA is an equal opportunity employer committed to employment equity and workforce diversity preference may be given to suitably qualified candidates from designated groups in line with the BMA employment equity plan. The BMA reserves the right not to make an appointment to the advertised positions.

• It is the applicant’s responsibility to have all foreign qualifications evaluated by South African Qualification Authority (SAQA), confirm the appropriate NQF level and to provide proof of such evaluation report.

• Shortlisted candidates may be subjected to an interview and technical assessment(s) (which assesses the candidate's demonstrated professional and technical competency against the job requirements and duties).
• Candidates potentially considered suitable after the interview and technical test(s) for senior positions, will be subjected to a competency assessment (which tests the candidate's demonstrated proficiency in the professional dimensions attached to the level of the post);
• Employment suitability checks will be conducted on the shortlisted candidates (credit, criminal, citizenship, employment references and qualification verifications);

• Appointments will be subjected to a mandatory vetting/security clearance appropriate to the level of the position.

NB: This position is being re-advertised, and candidates who previously applied are encouraged to reapply should they still be interested in the position.

Closing date: 26 August 2026