Director: Provincial Forensic Services (Ref No. DOTP 98/2026) at Western Cape Department of the Premier

Minimum Requirements

• An appropriate qualification at NQF level 7 as recognised by SAQA.
• A minimum of 5 years’ experience at a middle/senior managerial level.
• Successful completion of the Certificate for entry into the SMS (Senior Management Service) prior to appointment: The nominated candidate will be required to complete the Senior Management Pre-entry Programme (Nyukela) before the candidate can be appointed into this post.

Recommendation

• None

Key Performance Areas
Line Management:

Strategic management, advice and guidance in respect of the following functional areas:

• Drive the compilation and implementation of a reactive forensic services operational plan on an annual basis.
• Provide input and drive the development and maintenance of the Forensic Services Methodology which is in conformance with best practices.
• Provide input during the compilation and regular review of the Forensic Services’s mandate.
• Contribute to the development and drive implementation of a client relation strategy, which promotes delivery of forensic services.
• Provide the oversight structures with relevant information based on the result of reactive initiatives for effective discharge of responsibilities (e.g. feedback to SCOPA and regular update of Audit Committees, etc).
• Develop capacity building interventions for the team.
• Review and approve the investigation approach, scope and legal compliance of all cases.
• Assess each reported case to determine merit.
• Overall supervision, review and guidance of execution of work, ensuring proper investigation methodology and qualitative evidence supporting findings.
• Review the final reports, ensuring that it is factual based on the evidence and process evaluated.

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.
• Continuously evaluate the Directorate's performance, proactively report on delivery and emerging risks, adapt plans, and reallocate resources.
• Report to the Chief Director 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.

People Management and Empowerment:

• Recruit, develop, and retain staff in appropriate numbers and grades to achieve the Directorate’s objectives.
• Motivate, train, and guide employees to achieve excellence in service delivery.
• Manage performance, evaluation, and development of staff.
• Oversee workforce planning, capacity building, and service delivery improvement initiatives.
• Promote sound labour relations and maintain discipline within the Directorate.

Financial Management:

• Manage participation in the Directorate budgeting process, including Annual and Adjustment Budgets.
• Assume accountability for efficient, economic, and effective management of the Directorate’s budget and expenditure.
• Ensure adherence to procurement, tender, and contract management requirements.
• Ensure alignment of expenditure with departmental and strategic objectives.

Competencies
Knowledge of the following:

Proven senior management expertise and practical experience in:

• Legislation and Governance: Deep understanding of modern systems of governance and public administration, including a thorough understanding of the constitutional, legal and institutional frameworks governing the South African public sector, and the application thereof in the Western Cape Government spatial information priorities.
• Regulatory Frameworks: The Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), National and Provincial Treasury Regulations, Labour Relations legislation, and related financial prescripts, directives and collective agreements, with demonstrated ability to ensure compliance, risk management, and sound governance and Data Governance Frameworks.
• Strategic Management: Policy development, strategic planning, monitoring, and evaluation and review of processes aligned with provincial priorities and government outcomes.
• Financial Management: Public finance management, procurement and tendering processes, and human resource and discourse management.
• People and Performance Management: Comprehensive experience in human resource management, team leadership and performance systems to drive accountability and results.
• Operational Systems: Public service procedures, performance management systems, and information and knowledge management systems, enabling efficient operations, evidence-based decision-making and continuous improvement.
• Programme and Project Management: End-to-end programme and project management, including planning, implementation, oversight, reporting and risk mitigation to achieve strategic and operational targets.
• Contextual Awareness: Strong understanding of global, regional and local political, socio-economic and political dynamics, impacting the functioning of Western Cape and activities of provincial government departments, translating insights into informed strategic advice.
• Service Delivery and Innovation: Skilled in operational and knowledge management systems supporting evidence-based decision-making, efficient operations, and continuous improvement.

Skills in the following:

• Effective communication skills.
• Strong ability to conceptualise, formulate and demonstrate thought leadership in complex applications.
• Persuasion and influencing abilities.
• Leadership, team-building and interpersonal skills.
• Planning, organising, and people management skills.
• Proven ability to multi-task, manage ambiguity, and perform efficiently in rapidly changing environments.