Senior Manager: Spectrum Planning and Research

Independent Communications Authority of SA; Centurion; On-site; ZAR 1,406,000 - 1,903,000; Full time

Job summary

Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) invites applications for the Senior Manager: Spectrum Planning and Research to lead spectrum planning, research initiatives, and regulatory frameworks. Based at ICASA Head Office in Centurion, you will drive strategic spectrum policy and collaboration with institutions.

The role reports to the Executive: Engineering and Technology and requires senior engineering credentials with leadership experience in telecom or broadcasting

Qualifications

• Undergraduate Degree in Engineering (Electronic or Electrical) (NQF Level 7/8) with a postgraduate in Engineering Management/Technology and Innovation Management.
• 5 years of managerial experience in telecommunications or broadcasting.
• Minimum 6 years in telecom/broadcasting with 2+ years in spectrum planning/management/research.

Responsibilities

• Spectrum planning oversight for regulatory compliance.
• Lead and manage research initiatives and technical fora participation.
• Develop and manage department business plan within budget and timelines.
• Manage Network Systems and Research Department budget under PFMA.
• Implement internal controls and reporting; collaborate with research institutions.

Skills

Creativity and innovation

Teamwork

Self-confidence

Interactive communication

Analytical thinking

Results-driven

Attention to detail

Decision making under pressure

Interpersonal skills

Excellent communicator

Education

Undergraduate Engineering (Electronic/Electrical)

Postgraduate Engineering Management/Technology & Innovation

Job description

JOB TITLE: Senior Manager: Spectrum Planning and Research

LOCATION: Independent Communications Authority of South Africa

POSITION STATUS: Permanent

JOB LEVEL: D4

SALARY: Total Annual Package (CTC) – R1,654,674.00

LOCATION:ICASA (HeadOffice – Centurion)

Purpose of the job To manage the day-to-day operations of the Network Systems and Research department, ensuring that the frequency spectrum is planned effectively and efficiently to facilitate the roll-out of electronic communications networks by licensees. In addition, manage the planning of the future use of frequency spectrum – for broadcasting and other forms of radiocommunication – including managing research into technologies and frameworks for the use of frequency spectrum, as well as research into the use of network systems, for enabling ICASA to effectively regulate according to its mandate – also in challenging areas such as the universal provision of broadband services

Key Outputs: The successful candidate will report to the Executive: Engineering and Technology, and their responsibilities will include:

• Spectrum planning
• Research initiatives
• Participation and contributions to international and national technical fora
• Regulatory frameworks
• Developing and managing the Network Systems and Research Department’s business plan within the approved timelines and budget
• Managing the Network Systems and Research Department’s budget within the PFMA framework
• Implementing and managing appropriate Network Systems and Research Departmental internal controls and reporting systems in order to meet performance expectations
• Collaborating with Research institutions on technology and spectrum related matters.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Undergraduate Degree in Engineering (Electronic or Electrical) (NQF Level 8)OR Undergraduate Degree in Engineering ( Electronic/Electrical) (NQFlevel 7) complimented by Postgraduate Degree in Engineering (EngineeringManagement/Technology and Innovation Management (NQF Level 8 or higher)
• 5Years managerial experience intelecommunications and/or broadcastingenvironment
• Minimum 6 years’ experience working in atelecommunications and/or broadcasting environment of which at least two years should be in spectrum planning /assignments andmanagement/ research.

Key Competenciesand Attributes:

• Creativity and innovation
• Teamwork
• Self-confidence
• Interactive communication
• Analytical thinking
• Resultsdriven
• Attention to detail
• Able to work and make decisions under pressure
• Interpersonal Skills
• Excellent communicator (written and verbal/ presentationskills).

Closing Date: 15 October 2026

ICASA is committed to the achievement and maintenance of diversity and equity in employment. Preference will be given to suitable candidates from designated groups whose appointments will contribute towards the achievement of equitable demographic representation as outlined within the Employment Equity Plan of ICASA.

• Only candidates who meet the requirements should apply.
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• If you do not hear from us within three months of the closing date, please regard your application as unsuccessful.
• It is the applicant`s responsibility to have foreign qualifications evaluated by the SouthAfrican Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
• It is also the responsibility of the applicant to obtain evaluation and certification of the Recognition for Prior Learning (RPL).
• ICASA actively pursues the sourcing of persons with disabilities.
• ICASA is an equal opportunity employer.
• ICASA reserves the right not to make an appointment.
• Appointment is subject to getting a positive security clearance, verification of the applicant’s documents (Qualifications), and reference checks.
• Correspondence will be entered into with shortlisted candidates only.
• CVs from Recruitment Agencies will not be accepted.