Assistant Director: Market Access Support at Department of Small Business Development

REQUIREMENTS :

• A Bachelor’s Degree (NQF level 7) in Economics / Business Management / Development Studies / Development Finance/ Retail Business Management/ or equivalent / related as recognised by SAQA.
• A minimum of three (3) years’ experience at a Functional Specialist level in Enterprise Development / Supplier Development / Market Access Support/ Value Chain Environment and related fields.
• Knowledge of Market access and enterprise development principles, Sound knowledge of the Public Procurement Act, 2024 (Act No. 28 of 2024), Understanding of the National Small Enterprise Act and the MSME development ecosystem, knowledge of small enterprise development policies and programmes, understanding of the Preferential Procurement Framework, knowledge of government planning, monitoring and reporting frameworks, understanding of public sector governance and accountability frameworks and Knowledge of monitoring, evaluation and performance information management.
• The candidate must possess the following skills and competencies: Project and programme management, Research, analysis and report writing, Stakeholder engagement and partnership management, Planning, organising and coordination, Communication and Presentation skills, Research, Statistical analysis. Service Delivery Innovation, Client orientation and customer focus.
• Additional requirements include computer literacy (MS Office 365 Packages), Post graduate qualification in Economics / Business Management / Development Studies / Development Finance/ Retail Business Management/ equivalent or related qualifications as recognised by SQA and a valid driver’s licence. 

DUTIES :

• Conduct research and feasibility assessments on products, industries, market requirements, trends, digital commerce opportunities, and sector performance to identify viable growth, diversification, value-addition, and new business opportunities for MSMEs. Provide advice to small enterprises in respect of market opportunities, marketing information and market linkages.
• Develop methods and models to link small enterprises to domestic markets. Support the development and implementation of systems, platforms, and applications that connect small enterprises with market opportunities.
• Design and implement localisation and digital enterprise development initiatives, including enterprise networks, digital technologies, and market participation systems, to enhance local production, productivity, competitiveness, and market access for small enterprises.
• Draft correspondence, reports, presentations, and policy submissions; provide technical advice and stakeholder presentations; and support awareness and capacity-building initiatives to promote MSME growth, market access, and participation in the digital economy.