Re-Advertisement: Senior Manager Regional Office at Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA)

Key Performance Areas:

• Stakeholder Relations Management: Act as the primary liaison between the MQA and key stakeholders, building and maintaining constructive long-term relationships
• Develop and implement stakeholder mapping, engagement plans, and communication approaches in support of approved programmes and organisational priorities
• Guide stakeholders on matters relating to skills development, training planning, stakeholder participation, and project implementation support
• Organise and facilitate stakeholder engagements, including workshops, roundtables, public meetings, regional forums, and support platforms
• Maintain an accurate stakeholder database and ensure proper records and audit trails of stakeholder engagements
• Gather, analyse, and share stakeholder intelligence, feedback, risks, and stakeholder sentiment with relevant internal stakeholders
• Provide strategic support and advice on provincial developments, local economic drivers, and stakeholder expectations relevant to MQA delivery
• Contribute to broadening awareness of the MQA and strengthening stakeholder confidence in its programmes and services.
• Discretionary Grants (DGs) Projects: Inform and guide stakeholders on the application process for Discretionary Grants Support stakeholders in identifying suitable funding opportunities aligned to MQA priorities
• Conduct due diligence on DG applications and recommend appropriate projects for funding
• Facilitate the conclusion of MOAs following approval of grant allocations
• Oversee implementation of DG project agreements, including contract management, management of funds, timelines, and delivery verification Monitor project performance and identify improvements, controls, and stakeholder feedback that may strengthen future implementation.

1. Discretionary Grants Management (Strategic Projects-Project Administration, Project Finance & Project M&E):

• Oversee the implementation of MQA strategic projects within the assigned portfolio and ensure alignment with approved plans, budgets, timelines, and governance requirements Oversee the management of contracts, partnership commitments, and project-related agreements in support of implementation
• Manage project reporting, monitor delivery progress, and track risks, outcomes, and stakeholder commitments Gather and assess information on potential collaborators and co-funders aligned to MQA priorities and funding policies
• Monitor resource utilisation and financial expenditure against approved project plans and partnership commitments Support the close-out of projects, including validation of implementation evidence and use of funds.
• Mandatory Grants: Advise stakeholders on the compilation, planning, and submission of mandatory grant-related reports and requirements Support stakeholders to improve understanding of submission requirements, compliance obligations, and reporting expectations
• Promote awareness of MQA processes, programmes, and stakeholder obligations to strengthen participation and submission levels Liaise with stakeholders and respond to queries in a manner that supports a positive organisational image and improved stakeholder responsiveness.
• Compliance Management: Develop and manage the MQA compliance schedule in respect of legislation, regulations and other legal requirements Advise Management of strategic and operational compliance risks with proposed mitigating actions Advise the MQA on the latest legislative changes and ensure compliance to all prescripts, regulations and requirements Ensure compliance with the MQA Constitution and other legislative prescripts Ensure compliance with the company’s Memorandum and Articles of Association and effecting any changes to meet the needs of the company Provide inputs into the MQA’s corporate governance framework.
• Risk Management and Compliance: Ensure ongoing maintenance, updating, and communication of relevant policies and controls Ensure mitigation of risks relating to the unit’s operations and stakeholder-related activities
• Maintain and manage the Risk Register for the unit Drive compliance with applicable regulatory and legislative standards
• Maintain ISO standards.
• Audit Management: Monitor the implementation of audit recommendations and strengthen internal controls where required
• Resolve all audit queries and ensure that corrective action is implemented Manage the preparation and submission of documentation to the internal and external auditors Manage both internal and external audit activities relating to the unit.
• Career Guidance: Advise stakeholders on the compilation, planning, and submission of mandatory grant-related reports and requirements
• Support stakeholders to improve understanding of submission requirements, compliance obligations, and reporting expectations
• Promote awareness of MQA processes, programmes, and stakeholder obligations to strengthen participation and submission levels
• Liaise with stakeholders and respond to queries in a manner that supports a positive organisational image and improved stakeholder responsiveness.
• Financial Management: Monitor expenditure relating to approved stakeholder and project activities
• Review monthly expenditure and explain and / or action all areas of discrepancy Investigate and address any areas of over-expenditure Manage costs in line with the approved budget Compile budgets for approval.
• People Management: Drive own professional development
• Lead by example in driving MQA’s values and vision Ensure that performance contracts are in place prior to the beginning of each financial year in line with the unit’s plans Ensure the development, guidance, and empowerment of the team to deliver on unit targets Manage team performance.

Key requirements: qualifications, experience, and competencies

Qualifications:

• National Senior Certificate (NQF 4)
• Bachelor Degree (NQF 7) preferred in Public Administration, Communications, Business management or Social Sciences.
• A relevant post-graduate degree or equivalent at a NQF 8 level in the fields of Public Administration, Communications, Business management or Social Sciences will be an added advantage.

Experience:

• Minimum of 10 years’ relevant work experience of which 5 years must have been spent at Management level.
• Excellent knowledge of the SETA landscape and the relevant policies, legislation and regulations that governs it.
• Engagement with Board and/or Senior Public Servants and experience in the SETA environment will be advantageous.

COMPETENCIES:

• knowledge: Knowledge of government development policy, the public sector environment, and the broader macro-economic context Strong understanding of project management and stakeholder engagement within a development-focused environment Knowledge of applicable legislation, governance frameworks, and regulatory requirements, including PFMA and Treasury Regulations Ability to build and manage effective relationships across diverse stakeholder groups and provide sound strategic advice Strong communication, facilitation, reporting, analytical, and digital stakeholder management capability.
• Skills: Problem Solving and Negotiations skills Judgment and Decision Making Monitoring Systems analysis Facilitation skills Interpersonal skills Political savvy Creativity & innovation Change management.
• Attributes: Strong analytical and technical abilities Results orientated Stake holder orientation Resilience Emotional Intelligence, situational sensitivity, decisiveness, People orientation.

The candidate should also be willing to:

• Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage multiple priorities within demanding timeframes, including extended working hours when required. Work with a variety of internal and external stakeholders. Candidates must be available to travel and spend time away from home when required by operational needs. Engage in a lifelong learning process relative to the context of the workplace.