IEC recruiting election staff: How to apply and how much you can earn

The South African Electoral Commission (IEC) is currently seeking electoral staff to support the upcoming 2026 Local Government Elections, set to occur on November 4. Interested South Africans can apply for these positions online from today until August 31. Vacancies are advertised for Presiding Officers, Deputy Presiding Officers and Electoral Officers. To apply, candidates must first create an IEC e-Recruitment profile on the official IEC website, after which they can commence applying for the available electoral jobs.

A Presiding Officer oversees the voting process at the station, managing staff and election materials. They must demonstrate supervisory and leadership skills, along with a thorough understanding of election procedures. A Deputy Presiding Officer assists the Presiding Officer during the voting process, ready to take on supervisory duties if needed.

The Electoral Officer plays a similar role to that of a Deputy Presiding Officer, focusing on ensuring the smooth execution of the voting process. This includes managing voter queues, checking the voters' roll, applying voting ink, issuing ballots, and monitoring voting booths.

The IEC is placing significant importance on candidates with supervisory experience for the key leadership positions at the voting stations. They are also keen on offering employment opportunities to the unemployed and individuals with disabilities. Presiding and Deputy Presiding Officers can anticipate a remuneration package between R3,580 and R4,500 for the period of the event.

However, this figure may vary by region and is subject to statutory deductions. Electoral Officers, on the other hand, can expect an inclusive package ranging from R1,320 to R3,000 for the duration of the event.