The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), in partnership with the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC), has opened applications for Assistant Archivist positions under the Seventh Presidential Employment Stimulus Programme (PESP7). The recruitment drive forms part of the Digitization Project for the National Archives and Records Services of South Africa (NARSSA) and Provincial Archives.
The programme aims to provide employment opportunities for unemployed South African graduates and youth while preserving and digitising the country’s valuable archival records. Successful applicants will contribute to records management, digital preservation, oral history, conservation, and archival services across South Africa.
Applications are open to qualified South African citizens aged 35 years and younger who meet the minimum academic requirements for the advertised positions.
Overview
- Programme: Presidential Employment Stimulus Programme (PESP7)
- Project: Digitization Project for National Archives and Records Services of South Africa (NARSSA)
- Position: Assistant Archivist
- Employment Type: Contract
- Project Start Date: 24 August 2026
- Application Closing Date: 03 August 2026 at 16:00
Job Reference Number: WC.01 – Assistant Archivist
Location: Western Cape – Cape Town
Job Name: Assistant Archivist – Arrangement and Description, Digitisation of Archival Records, Client Services, Oral History, Appraisal, Records Management, Capacity Building
Minimum Requirements: Four-year diploma or three-year degree in Archival Studies / Information Science / Film Studies / Sound Engineering
Number of Positions: 10
Job Reference Number: KZN.01 – Assistant Archivist
Location: KwaZulu-Natal – Ulundi, Durban, Pietermaritzburg
Job Name: Assistant Archivist – Arrangement and Description, Digitisation
Minimum Requirements: Four-year diploma or three-year degree in Archival Studies / Information Science / Film Studies / Sound Engineering
Number of Positions: 22
Job Reference Number: NW.01 – Assistant Archivist
Location: North West – Mafikeng
Job Name: Assistant Archivist – Oral History, Arrangement and Description, Digitisation, Videography and Editing
Minimum Requirements: Four-year diploma or three-year degree in Archival Studies / Information Science / Film Studies / Sound Engineering
Number of Positions: 22
Job Reference Number: LMP.01 – Assistant Archivist
Location: Limpopo – Polokwane, Makwarela, Giyani, Lebowakgomo
Job Name: Assistant Archivist – Arrangement and Description, Appraisal, Records Management, Digitisation, Oral History
Minimum Requirements: Four-year diploma or three-year degree in Archival Studies / Information Science / Film Studies / Sound Engineering
Number of Positions: 20
Job Reference Number: MP.01 – Assistant Archivist
Location: Mpumalanga – Mbombela
Job Name: Assistant Archivist – Appraisal, Arrangement and Description
Minimum Requirements: Diploma or Degree in Archival Studies / Information Science / Film Studies / Sound Engineering
Number of Positions: 22
Job Reference Number: EC.01 – Assistant Archivist
Location: Eastern Cape – Qonce, Gqeberha, Mthatha
Job Name: Assistant Archivist – Arrangement and Description
Minimum Requirements: Three-year Bachelor’s Degree in Archives and Records Management or Postgraduate Diploma in Archives and Records Management
Number of Positions: 22
Job Reference Number: GP.01 – Assistant Archivist
Location: Gauteng – Kagiso, Johannesburg
Job Name: Assistant Archivist – Records Management, Arrangement and Description, Preservation and Conservation
Minimum Requirements: Four-year diploma or three-year degree in Archival Studies / Information Science / Film Studies / Sound Engineering
Number of Positions: 22
Job Reference Number: NC.01 – Assistant Archivist
Location: Northern Cape – Kimberley Districts (Frances Baard, JTG, ZFM, PKS, Namakwa)
Job Name: Assistant Archivist – Oral History, Conservationist, Digital Archiving, Arrangement and Description, Appraisal and Disposal, Records Management
Minimum Requirements: Diploma or Degree in Archival Studies / Information Science / Heritage Studies / Film Studies / Information Communication Technology
Number of Positions: 22
Job Reference Number: FS.01 – Assistant Archivist
Location: Free State – Bloemfontein
Job Name: Assistant Archivist – Arrangement and Description, Strong Room Maintenance, Reading Room Management, Digitisation, Records Management
Minimum Requirements: Four-year diploma or three-year degree in Archival Studies / Information Science / Film Studies / Sound Engineering
Number of Positions: 15
Job Reference Number: NARSSA.01 – Assistant Archivist
Location: National Archives and Records Services of South Africa – Pretoria
Job Name: Assistant Archivist – Arrangement and Description, Strong Room Maintenance, Reading Room Management, Records Management, Digitisation, Oral History, Conservation, Sound Preservation
Minimum Requirements: Four-year diploma or three-year degree in Archival Studies / Information Science / Records Management / Film Studies / Sound Engineering
Number of Positions: 23
Who Can Apply?
Applications are invited from:
- South African citizens.
- Unemployed graduates and youth aged 35 years or younger.
- Candidates who meet the qualification requirements for the relevant vacancy.
- Applicants willing to work at the selected provincial archive or national office.
Applicants who previously participated in Presidential Employment Stimulus Programme (PESP) projects are discouraged from applying.
For provinces with multiple work locations, the preferred site should be clearly indicated in the application.
Required Documents
Applications must include the following:
- Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Certified copy of South African ID
- Certified copy of driver’s licence (Code 10 and PDP where applicable)
- Certified copies of qualifications and academic certificates
Incomplete applications may not be considered.
Selection Process
Successful candidates will undergo:
- South African citizenship verification
- Criminal record checks
- Qualification verification
Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. If no response is received within 30 days after the closing date, the application should be regarded as unsuccessful.
How to Apply
- Applications must be submitted by email to: [email protected]
- Use the relevant Job Reference Number as the subject line of the email application.
- Applicants applying for vacancies in provinces with multiple work sites should specify the preferred location.
Important Dates
- Closing Date: 03 August 2026
- Closing Time: 16:00
- Expected Project Start Date: 24 August 2026
Eligible graduates seeking employment in archives, records management, information science, film studies, heritage preservation, and related disciplines are encouraged to submit applications before the closing date. This nationwide recruitment initiative provides an opportunity to gain valuable practical experience while contributing to the preservation and digitisation of South Africa’s documentary heritage.
