Deputy Director: Editing and Research at National Treasury

Purpose of the Role

• To assist the Editor in Chief with the editing of Budget and related publications and the implementation of an editorial strategy for the National Treasury, as well as to research, edit, review and draft strategic content for the Director General.

Qualification/s Requirements

• A Grade 12 is required, coupled with a minimum Honours Degree (equivalent to NQF level 8) in Economics, Finance or Journalism;
• A minimum 5 years’ experience in a business journalism, economic research, professional editing or financial communications environment;
• In-depth knowledge of macroeconomic and fiscal issues and financial markets; 
• Detailed knowledge of the South African public finance landscape, the budget process and government policy processes; and
• Knowledge of digital media platforms.

Key Performance Areas

Manage editing of the Budget Review and Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement:

• Assist the Editor in Chief and external service providers to review chapters and annexures for clarity, quality, flow, style, consistency and tone;
• Work with chapter and annexure authors to fact-check and verify the accuracy of content and ensure alignment with National Treasury editorial guidelines;
• Work with the Budget Office and editors to manage the editing, copy editing and sign-off processes for the Budget Review and Medium Term Budget Policy Statement and ensure deadlines are met;
• Co-ordinate writer training for chapter authors and budget analysts in order to improve the quality of the budget documents and expand the National Treasury’s pool of authors; and
• Monitor the use of artificial intelligence in the drafting of National Treasury documents and other content to prevent the inappropriate use of AI.

Assist with strategic messaging and reputation management for the Director General:

• Research, draft, review presentations, speaking notes and other content;
• Coordinate the implementation of regular monitoring and analysis of social media and other media coverage, to identify opportunities for public engagement;
• Monitor media and social media coverage to assist reputation management for the Office of the Director General and support the National Treasury to stay ahead of emerging reputational risks and opinion changes;
• Coordinate, research and create content for the Director General’s social media pages and for other senior officials.