The Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services Sector Education and Training Authority (merSETA) is a South African public entity established under the Skills Development Act (Act No. 97 of 1998).
It plays a key role in facilitating skills development across several critical industrial sectors, including metal and engineering, motor retail and components manufacturing, automobile manufacturing, plastics manufacturing, and new tyre manufacturing.
As part of its mandate to strengthen workforce capabilities and address skills gaps in the economy, merSETA has announced an external vacancy for a Client Liaison Officer (C4) within its Client Service Division. This fixed-term position is aligned with the SETA licence term and is based in the Limpopo and Mpumalanga Regional Office.
Purpose of the Client Liaison Officer Role
The primary purpose of the Client Liaison Officer position is to implement and support merSETA’s client services strategy. The role focuses on improving access to training opportunities, enhancing client satisfaction, and ensuring effective delivery of skills development programmes.
The officer will act as a key link between merSETA and participating companies, ensuring that organisations are supported in meeting skills development requirements while contributing to national workforce transformation objectives.
Key Responsibilities
The Client Liaison Officer will be responsible for a wide range of operational and stakeholder engagement duties aimed at strengthening skills development implementation in the region.
Core responsibilities include:
- Supporting companies in the development, implementation, and monitoring of mandatory grant applications
- Assisting organisations in complying with merSETA quality assurance standards and workplace approval requirements aligned with SAQA guidelines
- Promoting and managing participation in training partnerships and learning programmes to meet regional skills targets
- Monitoring training interventions to ensure progress and providing support where gaps are identified
- Encouraging participation in merSETA initiatives and sector development projects
- Supporting capacity-building initiatives across industries and communities, including rural and under-resourced areas
- Compiling accurate reports and maintaining administrative records
- Identifying and promoting best-practice training models and community-based skills development programmes
- Assisting companies with claiming mandatory grants and accessing discretionary funding opportunities
- Evaluating organisations for eligibility to participate in discretionary grant programmes and supporting memorandum of agreement (MoA) processes
Minimum Qualifications and Experience
Applicants are expected to have a strong educational foundation combined with relevant workplace experience in client liaison or technical environments.
Essential Requirements
Candidates must hold:
- A 3-year Diploma (NQF Level 6) or equivalent qualification in one of the following fields:
- Engineering Studies
- Business Studies
- Administration
- Project Management
- Human Resources
- Training and Development
- Occupationally Directed Education, Training and Development Practices (ODETD) or related disciplines
In addition, applicants must have:
- At least 4 years of experience in a client liaison environment
- Technical knowledge related to the manufacturing or engineering sector
Advantageous Requirements
While not compulsory, the following will be considered strong advantages:
- A Bachelor’s Degree (NQF Level 7) in relevant fields such as Engineering, Business, Administration, HR, Project Management, or ODETD-related disciplines
- Qualification as an artisan
- At least 5 years of experience in client liaison and technical environments, particularly with exposure to structured training programmes or skills development initiatives
Skills, Knowledge, and Competencies
The role requires a combination of technical understanding, administrative capability, and strong interpersonal skills.
Key competencies include:
- Strong project management and collaboration skills
- Effective relationship management across stakeholders
- High proficiency in Microsoft Office and related computer applications
- Excellent attention to detail and accuracy in reporting
- Strong understanding of industry operations within manufacturing and engineering sectors
- Clear and professional verbal and written communication skills
- Knowledge of skills development legislation and frameworks
- A valid driver’s licence and access to reliable personal transport
Employment Conditions and Benefits
The position offers a competitive salary package ranging from R598,619.29 to R728,213.47 per annum, depending on experience and qualification level.
This is a fixed-term contract, aligned with merSETA’s operational licence period. The organisation provides the opportunity to work within a dynamic and diverse environment focused on national skills development and transformation.
Application Process and Closing Date
Interested candidates must submit:
- A fully completed merSETA job application form
- A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Applications must clearly quote the reference number CLO/LM/06/05/26 in the email subject line
Applications should be sent to: [email protected]
The closing date for applications is 06 May 2026.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted, and if no response is received within two months after the closing date, applicants should consider their application unsuccessful. merSETA reserves the right not to make an appointment.
Employment Equity Commitment
merSETA is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages applications from suitably qualified affirmative action candidates and persons living with disabilities, in line with its Employment Equity Plan. Preference will be given to candidates who meet these criteria where applicable.
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The Client Liaison Officer position at merSETA represents a significant opportunity for professionals with experience in client engagement, technical industries, and skills development systems. The role contributes directly to improving workforce capability in South Africa’s manufacturing and engineering sectors, while supporting national goals for inclusive economic development and training access.
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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding
