Manager: Sector Skills Planning and Research [Ref. 1930/30] at ETDP SETA

Job Purpose:

• The Manager of Sector Skills Planning and Research is responsible for providing a high-quality research capacity to ETDP SETA related to Education, Training, and Development (ETD). This includes ensuring that a skills-planning system is in place and that ETD Sector Skills Plans align with an agreed-upon sector strategy addressing skills needs in the ETD sector. Additionally, the appointee will work closely with the Chief Executive Officer and other senior management to promote integration and coordination of needs-based training in the ETD sector through the development of a Sector Skills Plan (SSP) and Workplace Skills Plans (WSPs) to monitor, evaluate, and report on implementation against these plans, as well as manage and coordinate research. Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the position is based at the ETDP SETA Head Office in Johannesburg.

Minimum Requirements

• Postgraduate Degree (NQF Level 8) or equivalent in Public Administration/ Social Science / Education and Training/Economics /Research/ Business Administration or Business Management.
• A Master’s degree (NQF Level 9) in Business Administration or Business Leadership will be advantageous.
• At least 8 years’ experience working within a strategic planning and research environment, of which 5 years should be at a management / supervisory level.
• SETA experience would be an added advantage.
• Proven experience in research, strategic planning, and the education and training sector, including exposure to skills development initiatives.
• Advanced experience in quantitative and qualitative research methodologies.
• Proven experience in data analysis, interpretation and reporting.
• Good understanding of research methods and approach.
• Experience in managing and leading staff.
• Experience in preparing and delivering against agreed plans and budgets.
• Sound knowledge, understanding and experience of Skills Development Act, Skills Development Levies Act, National
• Skills Development Plan, National Qualifications Framework Act, SETA Grant Regulations, Public Finance Management Act, National Treasury Regulations and other applicable regulations.
• Vast knowledge and understanding of research protocols and monitoring and evaluation frameworks.
• Computer literate, particularly in using the MS suite of programs, with good report writing and data analysis skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Required to work extensive hours and meet deadlines.
• The incumbent may be required to travel as and when necessary and must possess a valid driver’s license.

Personal Attributes, Competencies and Skills

• Strategic Capability and leadership skills
• Stakeholder Management and relations
• Research and Analysis
• Financial and Budget development and management
• Programme and Project Management skills
• People Management
• Business Writing Skills and the ability to design, develop, and implement research and evaluation procedures and programmes.
• Analyse, abstract and transform data and concepts from a range of sources.
• Critically review, consolidate, or extend areas of information.
• Analyse labour market trends and forecast labour demand and supply issues, utilising labour market analysis methodologies and best practice
• Create meaningful reports based on abstracted data
• Consult and develop relevant networks and partnerships
• Be proactive in the identification of research projects
• A team worker with good interpersonal skills

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide strategic, operational, administrative and leadership to the SSP and Research division of the ETDP SETA.
• Design and develop the Strategy and research unit business operational plans and budget, which will feed into the
• Strategic Support organizational strategy and help achieve the ETDP SETA objectives.
• Manage and oversee the development and implementation of the Strategic Plan and the Annual Performance Plan.
• Manage, monitor, control and evaluate Research and Planning unit implementation plans.
• Lead all aspects of qualitative and quantitative research, including study design and tool development, to identify and manage research projects that enhance skills development in the sector.
• Develops policies and processes to sustain viable and responsive research and information dissemination, supporting the ETD sector's skills development and programme implementation.
• Ensure that all research unit deliverables meet the required standards of depth and accuracy of information produced.
• Manage the production and updating of the Annual Sector Skills Plans and ensure that information on scarce and critical skills is communicated to all stakeholders.
• Plan, oversee, and evaluate WSPs and ATRs submitted by all ETD sectors to inform the development of the Sector Skills Plan on an annual basis. Manage the analysis process and produce reports on received WSPs and ATRs.
• Ensure the development and capacitation of disadvantaged and marginalised constituencies and organisations to ensure support and transformation is demonstrated
• Establish partnerships with research institutions to develop the Sector Skills Plan, which will contain lists ofoccupational shortages (scarce skills) and skills gaps (critical/top-up skills) on an annual basis.
• Strategically manage the development and maintenance of the ETDP SETA strategic, annual performance, and work planning policies, regime, and instrument.
• Manage research that informs the development and implementation of the Sector Skills Plan, the Strategic Plan, and the Annual Performance Plan.
• Manage and oversee the data analysis, validation, and capture in an integrated database accessible to all constituencies and stakeholders. Ensure that commissioned research is appropriately managed to deliver the desired outputs on time and within budget.
• Drive and oversee the conducting of sectional technical and analytical research of the sector skills environment.
• Ensure the development of relevant research design procedures.
• Oversee the development of research plans, proposals, and terms of reference for ETDP SETA projects.
• Ensure and compile quality research reports for submission to relevant stakeholders to inform key decision-making.
• Design, develop, and oversee the implementation of guidelines and policies to ensure the implementation of processes and procedures and to ensure sufficient resources for the smooth running of the Strategy & Research unit.
• Manage risk pertaining to the Sector Skills Planning and Research sub-division operations.
• Build and lead an effective and cohesive team by effectively managing divisional resources.
• Create a high-performance culture and manage team performance effectively by translating and communicating the annual performance goals and measures into individual work plans based on agreed-upon objectives.
• Provide relevant and specialised support and advice to applicable stakeholders and provincial offices
• Effectively communicate planning objectives, organizational performance indicators and performance outcomes to internal stakeholders.
• Perform any other additional tasks assigned and required by the Chief Executive Officer.