Caretaker and Driver

The Goethe-Institut Johannesburg is looking for a reliable, professional, and service-oriented Caretaker and Driver to support the day-to-day operations of the Institute from 1st of April 2026. The contract is for 40 hours a week and limited to a 1-year contract with a salary based on the applicable remuneration scheme of the Goethe-Institut South Africa.
This role plays a key part in ensuring the smooth functioning of facilities, logistics, events, and transport services, while providing operational support to the Operations Officer.

ABOUT THE GOETHE-INSTITUT SOUTH AFRICA

The Goethe-Institut is the cultural institute of the Federal Republic of Germany with a global reach. We promote knowledge of the German language abroad and foster international cultural cooperation. We convey a comprehensive picture of Germany by providing information on Germany's cultural, social and political life. The Goethe-Institut in Johannesburg regulates the work in the Sub-Saharan countries. Its activities in this region have a special focus on strengthening the pan-African dialogue, and on promoting mobile access to information and education.
For more information, visit www.goethe.de/johannesburg.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Facilities, Premises & Grounds 
  • Responsible for the upkeep and basic maintenance of the Institute’s premises and parking areas.
  • Ensure cleaning, waste management, and general facilities functions are carried out.
  • Monitor and liaise with external service providers and handymen when required.
  • Report on maintenance and safety issues promptly
• Operational & Event Support
  • Prepare, set up, and coordinate venues for events, exams, and Institute activities.
  • Handle furniture movement, equipment placement, and logistical support.
  • Provide reception cover when required.
• Driving & Logistics
  • Safely drive the Institute’s vehicle for official duties
  • Transport staff, guests, and service providers as required
  • Conduct deliveries, collections, and errands
  • Maintain accurate vehicle logbooks
• Vehicle Management
  • Ensure the vehicle is clean, roadworthy, and adequately fueled
  • Ensure license disc validity and coordinate regular vehicle checks and servicing
  • Report any mechanical or safety issues immediately
• General Duties
  • Perform general operational and housekeeping duties in line with operational instructions
  • Carry out opening, lock-up, and basic security procedures when required
  • Comply with all health and safety requirements and training
• Minimum Requirements:
  • Valid Code B South African driver’s license (minimum of 3 years’ driving experience)
  • Previous experience in caretaking, facilities support, maintenance assistance, or a similar operational role.
  • Valid South African work permit (if applicable)
  • No criminal record or pending cases and clear accident record
  • Contactable references

• Skills & Competencies
  • Very good English communication skills
  • Professional, respectful, and well-presented
  • Confident interacting with staff, guests, suppliers, and service providers
  • Reliable, punctual, honest, and trustworthy
  • Ability to work independently and follow instructions accurately
  • Good knowledge of routes in and around Johannesburg and Pretoria
  • Computer literate (basic email and digital tools)
• Working Hours
  • Willingness to work flexible hours, including weekends and after-hours when required
  • Physically able to perform light maintenance, repair work and setup tasks
• Education & Experience                

Relevant educational background in caretaking, driving or a similar role or field.

• Additional Requirements:

South African work permit, non-South African applicants need to have a valid work permit for South Africa.

How to apply

Please send your detailed CV, copies of relevant certificates and driver’s license and a short motivation letter exclusively by e-mail to careers.johannesburg@goethe.de no later than 20 February 2026.  Please consider your application unsuccessful if you haven’t received a reply by 10 March 2026.

Please add the following declaration of consent to your application:
“I consent to the processing of my personal data contained in the application documents for the purposes of the admission procedure at the Goethe-Institut.”

Important note on the application procedure:

Only complete applications will be considered. We reserve the right not to fill this position.