Director: Economic Development Integration (DEDAT 07/2025) at Western Cape Government

Job Purpose    

• The Department of Economic Development and Tourism,Western Cape Government, has an exciting employment opportunity for a suitably qualified and competent individual on a Senior Management Services level to drive strategic coordination, integration and implementation of Western Cape economic strategy and strategic plans in WCG, municipalities, businesses, academia and civil society.

Minimum Requirements    

• Relevant B-degree (on NQF level 7) as recognised by SAQA;
• 5 years’ middle or senior management experience in an economic development research environment; and 
• The successful completion of the Senior Management Pre-entry Programme (see paragraph 4 in notes below).

Recommendation    

• A valid code B drivers’ license; 
• Additional qualifications/certifications in facilitation, design-thinking, data visualisation, and legal will be considered beneficial.

Key Performance Areas    

Line Management

• Manage, facilitate and oversee the integration and execution plans of provincial economic delivery of various economic stakeholders to achieve policy objectives.
• Manage the convening and coordination of the WC economic policy transversally.
• Drive coordination of the development and implementation of key transversal economic projects and programmes within the economic agenda of the WCG.
• Oversee the reporting requirements to demonstrate the value of initiatives aligned to the economic policy.
• Provide critical collaboration and oversight support to policy delivery teams.
• Manage and foster intra- and intergovernmental relations internally and externally with economic stakeholders partners.

Strategic Management (including change management)

• Define and review on a continual basis the purpose, objectives, priorities and activities of the Directorate.
• Drive the Directorate’s strategic planning process.
• Drive the development and management of the strategic and business plans for the Directorate.
• Evaluate the performance of the Directorate on a continuing basis against pre-determined key measurable objectives and standards.
• Report to the Chief Director Financial Management on a regular basis on the activities of the Directorate and on matters of substantial importance relating to operational managagement support.
• Monitor and ensure compliance with relevant legislation and prescripts in respect of adequate and appropriate record keeping of the activities of the Directorate, and of the resources (people, finances and assets) employed by it.
• Foster and promote a culture of innovation within the Directorate, and the Department.
• Diligently perform all duties assigned to the post of Director.

People Management

• Participate in the recruitment of employees in the numbers and grades appropriate to ensure the achievement of the Directorate’s Business Plan.
• Motivate, train and guide employees within the Directorate, to achieve and maintain excellence in service delivery.
• Actively manage the performance, evaluation and rewarding of employees within the Directorate.
• Monitor information capacity building within the Directorate.
• Ensure involvement in the compilation of a workforce plan, a service delivery improvement programme, and an information resources plan for the Directorate.
• Promote sound labour relations within the Directorate.
• Actively manage and promote the maintenance of discipline within the Directorate.

Financial Management

• Manage participation in the budgeting process at Directorate level.
• Ensure the preparation of the Annual and Adjustment Budgets for the Directorate.
• Assume direct accountability for the efficient, economic and effective control and management of the Directorate’s budget and expenditure.
• Assume direct accountability for ensuring that the correct tender and procurement procedures are adhered to in respect of purchases for the Directorate.
• Assume direct accountability for ensuring contracts are managed effectively and efficiently for the Directorate.
• Ensure that all spending is aligned with the strategic objectives of the Directorate and Department.
• Report to the Chief Director and relevant oversight role players/committees on all aspects of the Directorate’s finances.
• Assume overall accountability for the management, maintenance and safekeeping of the Directorate assets.
• Assume direct accountability for ensuring that appropriate risk management procedures are in place and adhered to for the Directorate.
• Ensure that full and proper records of the financial affairs of the Directorate are kept in accordance with any prescribed norms and standards.

Competencies    
Knowledge of the following:

• Proven knowledge of and working experience with the legislation, regulatory frameworks, policies and best practices that have a bearing on the line functions.
• Proven knowledge and understanding of information systems that aid in the management of knowledge and information pertaining to the line function.
• Proven knowledge and understanding of programme and project management.
• Proven knowledge and understanding of procurement and tendering processes.
• Proven knowledge and understanding of policy development, and strategy management, monitoring and review processes.
• Proven knowledge and understanding of modern systems of governance and administration.
• Proven knowledge and understanding of public service procedures, processes and systems.
• Proven knowledge and understanding of the global, regional and local political, economic and social affairs impacting on the provincial government of the Western Cape.
• Proven knowledge and understanding of Constitutional, legal and institutional arrangements governing the South African public sector.
• Proven knowledge and understanding of public finance, human resources and discourse management processes.
• Proven knowledge and understanding of the Public Finance Management Act, National and Provincial Treasury Regulations, other financial policies, prescripts, directives and collective agreements.
• Proven knowledge and understanding of the functioning of the Province and the activities of sister departments.
• Proven knowledge and understanding of the policies of the government of the day.
• Basic knowledge and understanding of Labour Relations legislation and regulations.
• Proven knowledge and understanding of performance management in general.