Assistant Director: Local Economic Development Planning

Departments: Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 469 000; Full time

Job summary

A government department is seeking an Assistant Director for Local Economic Development Planning in Pretoria. The role requires a National Senior Certificate and a recognized degree, along with 3-5 years of relevant experience. Responsibilities include coordinating economic development policies, facilitating partnerships, and monitoring implementation of LED programs. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and a valid driver’s license are essential. A competitive salary package is offered, and the position is within a government entity where integrity and performance are paramount.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years’ experience in a related field required.
• Driver’s License and ability to travel necessary.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate development of economic development policy and strategies.
• Facilitate alignment of Local and Provincial plans to national priorities.
• Assist in mobilizing donor funding and coordinating donor activity in LED.
• Monitor implementation of the LED policy framework.

Skills

Planning and organising

Problem solving and decision making

Coordination

Project Management

People management and empowerment

Client orientation and customer focus

Team leadership

Diversity management

Communication (verbal and written)

Education

National Senior Certificate and a three-year National Diploma or Bachelor's Degree in Development Planning/ Economics

Tools

Microsoft Office Software (MS Word, MS PowerPoint, MS Teams, MS Excel, Outlook)

Job description

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR: LOCAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PLANNING

REF NO: AD_LED

SALARY: R468 459 per annum (Level 09)

CENTRE: Pretoria

Requirements

A National Senior Certificate and a three-year National Diploma or Bachelor’s Degree in Development Planning/ Economics or equivalent qualification at NQF level 6/7 as recognised by SAQA. 3-5 years’ experience in a related field. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Software packages (MS Word, MS PowerPoint, MS Teams, MS Excel and Outlook e.t.c). Driver’s License and travelling.

Generic Competencies:

• Planning and organising.
• Problem solving and decision making.
• Coordination.
• Project Management.
• People management and empowerment.
• Client orientation and customer focus.
• Team leadership.
• Diversity management.
• Communication (verbal and written).

Technical Competencies:

• Local Economic Development.
• LED Policy.
• Development Planning.
• Economic Development Trends.
• Public Administration.

Duties

• Coordinate development of economic development policy and strategies across government to support implementation of LED.
• Facilitate the alignment of Local and Provincial plans and policies to national priorities and local economic development initiatives.
• Facilitate LED programmes through collaborative partnerships.
• Assist in mobilizing donor funding and coordinating donor activity in LED.
• Monitor implementation of the LED policy framework to strengthen implementation of local economic development programs in Municipalities.

Enquiries

Ms V Sibelekwana at 064 8508 841

Applications

Applications must be submitted electronically via email to: [e-mail]. For application enquiries contact Vanessa Cox Tel No: [phone].

Closing Date

30 January 2026

Application Process Note

Applicants are advised that a new application for employment (Z83) has been in effect since 1 January 2021. The new application for employment form can be downloaded at http://www.dpsa.gov.za/dpsa2g/vacancies.asp. Applications submitted using the old Z83 form will not be accepted. Applications must be accompanied by a comprehensive CV, with specific starting and ending dates in all relevant positions and clarity on the levels and ranks pertaining to experience, as well as current remuneration package, as well as at least 2 contactable references. A recommended CV template is available on the department’s website on www.cogta.gov.za, click on the jobs tab. Only shortlisted candidates will be requested to submit certified documents/copies on or before the interviews. It is the applicant’s responsibility to have foreign qualifications evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). Incomplete applications or applications received after the closing date will not be considered. All shortlisted candidates, including the SMS, shall undertake two pre-entry assessments. One will be a practical exercise to determine a candidate’s suitability based on the post’s technical and generic requirements and the other must be an integrity (ethical conduct) assessment. Following the interview and technical exercise(s), the selection panel will recommend candidates to attend a generic managerial competency assessment (in compliance with the DPSA directive on the implementation of competency-based assessments). The competency assessment will be testing generic managerial competencies using the mandated DPSA SMS competency assessment tools. Core competencies: Strategic capacity and leadership. People management and empowerment. Advanced programme and project management. Change management. Financial management. Process Competencies: Knowledge management. Service Delivery Innovation. Advanced problem‑solving and analysis. Client orientation and customer focus. Advanced communication skills (written and verbal).

The successful candidate will be appointed to positive results of a pre-employment screening process which includes criminal, credit, citizenship checks and verification of educational qualification certificates. The successful candidate will be appointed to probation for a period of 12 months and will be required to sign a performance agreement. It is important to note that it is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that all information and attachments in support of the application are submitted by the due date. Correspondence will be limited to short‑listed candidates only. If you have not been contacted within three months of the closing date of the advertisement, please accept that your application has been unsuccessful. The Department reserves the right to make an appointment. The below post is a senior management post. The requirements for appointment at Senior Management Service level include the successful completion of Senior Management Pre‑entry Programme as endorsed by the National School of Government, which can be accessed using the following link: https://www.thensg.gov.za/training-course/sms-pre-entry-programme/. Candidates must provide proof of successful completion of the course prior to appointment. Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.