Director : Planning and Local Economic Development

Moqhaka Municipality; Kroonstad; On-site; ZAR 400 000 - 500 000; Full time

Job summary

A local municipality in Free State seeks a Director for Planning and Local Economic Development to manage and execute economic development projects. This role requires a Bachelor's Degree in relevant fields and five years of experience in middle management within local government. The ideal candidate should possess strong strategic leadership skills, a solid understanding of local governance, and experience with project management. The position includes opportunities for fostering economic growth and community development.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Building Sciences / Architecture / Town Regional Planning.
• Five years’ relevant experience in a Middle Management position.
• Good knowledge of relevant policy and legislation.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute Local Economic Development projects.
• Align Council activities with Provincial Growth and Development Strategy.
• Facilitate investment promotion within the Municipality.

Skills

Strategic leadership and management

Governance, ethics and values in the public sector

Report writing and presentation skills

People management and interpersonal skills

Analytical thinking

Conflict management

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Building Sciences / Architecture / Town Regional Planning

Registration as a Professional Planner

Tools

Geographical Information Systems

MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint

Job description

Job title

Director : Planning and Local Economic Development

Job Location

Free State, Kroonstad

Deadline

December 15, 2025

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• Reporting to the Municipal Manager, the Director Planning & Local Economic Development (LED) is a custodian of Local Economic Development & Rural Development Planning, Housing & Property functions within the Municipal value chain. In this regard, the position is responsible for the development of Operational Strategy aligned to the Municipal Strategy and for executing all Local Economic Development, Rural Development, Planning, Housing & Property related projects as per the requirements.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Building Sciences / Architect / Bachelor’s Degree in Town Regional Planning & Development Studies or equivalent.
• Registration as a Professional Planner in terms of the Planning Professional Act, 2002 (Act 32 of 2002), as verified by the SA Council for Planners (SACPLAN), which will include an accredited and appropriate qualification in Planning; A valid driver’s license Certificate in Municipal Finance Management Programmes as prescribed by National Treasury, Government Gazette No 29967 dated 15 June 2007 will be an added advantage or attainment of this competency requirement within 18 months in terms of the Treasury Regulations.

Experience

• Five years’ relevant experience in Middle Management position within Local Government / economic environment.

Knowledge

• Good knowledge and understanding of relevant policy and legislation.
• Good understanding of institutional governance systems and performance management.
• Knowledge of Geographical Information Systems.
• Knowledge of Spatial, Town and Development Planning.
• Knowledge of legislation applicable to Local Government and application of various pieces of legislation / area within functions of Local Economic.
• Sound knowledge and understanding of Local, Provincial and National Department in relation to IDP.
• Demonstrate high level of problem solving and people management capabilities working knowledge of project management.
• Demonstrate high level of managing complex team capabilities.
• Excellent communication and report writing skills.
• Sound understanding of computer (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Skills and competencies

• Strategic leadership and management, Strategic Financial Management. Governance, ethics and values in the public sector.
• Ability to manage departmental finances and submit necessary reports on a monthly basis.
• Ability to interact with other people.
• Report writing and presentation skills.
• People management and interpersonal skills.
• Stakeholder’s relations.
• In-depth knowledge of current trends in innovations and practices to be able to analyze and evaluate the feasibility of options and alternative in the delivery of quality services that comply with statutory provisions.
• Strategic capacity and leadership.
• Analytical thinking.Policy conceptualization and implementation.
• Conflict management, Risk and change management, Mediation skills, Diversity management and Project management.

Key performance areas

• Ensure alignment of SDBIP with IDP and PMS.
• Align Council activities and municipal strategy to Provincial Growth and Development Strategy (PGDS) and National Development Perspective (NSDP).
• Facilitate and coordinate investment promotion within the Municipality.
• Manage, facilitate and coordinate SMME’s, BEE, Co-operatives and Entrepreneurship Development.
• Assist in promoting skills development and understanding in the area of economic development.
• Assist with the monitoring of municipal performance in relation to Local Economic Development and Tourism.
• Facilitate the development of holistic economic research programme aimed at boosting Local Economic Development and Tourism initiative and understanding with the Municipality.
• Prepare business plan to source funding for the implementation of the Local Economic Development projects.
• Design and implement SMME Support Programme.
• Manage Local Economic Development, Tourism functions and attend meetings as and when required.
• Manage and coordinate marketing plans and attend various National and Provincial Tourism Indaba exhibitions.
• Liaise with Government Department, companies, NGO’s, CBO’s and Fezile Dabi District Local Economic Development Forum.

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