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SOUTH AFRICAN LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION (SALGA)
PORTFOLIO HEAD: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & INVESTMENTS
(5 Year Fixed-Term Contract)
Based in National Office (Pretoria), Ref: 26/10/01
Municipal Finance, Fiscal Policy and Economic Growth Cluster
Remuneration package: A competitive salary package with benefits
Our promise to our employees is to give them an opportunity to grow their careers through experiences and connections that inspire them to make an impact
ROLE OVERVIEW
Reporting to the Chief Officer Municipal Finance, Fiscal Policy & Economic Growth this role will require active demonstration and support to the Chief Officer with the development and implementation of effective advocacy and lobbying strategies in order to protect the rights of Local Government and to disrupt the systems hindering municipal performance.
THE CANDIDATE PROFILE
■ Understanding of relevant government policy, legislative and regulatory directives (International, National and provincial)
■ Good understanding of Local Government Sector, challenges and mandates
■ Knowledge of the SALGA business and sustainability requirements
■ Understanding of management principles
■ Practical knowledge of financial management and budgeting principles and practices
■ Working knowledge of the political dynamics and developments in the country
■ Knowledge of policies and governing structures
■ Working knowledge of legislative, regulatory, fiscal and policy directives governing economic development and trade and investment
■ Strong leadership skills with specific reference to the display of thought leadership in complex applications
■ Business Acumen and Planning (Business, Financial, Action Applied strategic)
■ Ability to draft, analyse and interpret reports/ SALGA positions in a professional and quality manner for the working groups, PEC and NEC
■ Political Savvy
■ Stakeholder Management and Influencing skills (Lobbying and Advocacy skills with an activist profile)
■ Strong analytical ability towards opportunity identification and problem-solving skills
■ Ability to manage in a multidisciplinary environment
■ Decision making and sound judgement
■ Business Communication and writing skills (opinions, positions, feedback & presentation)
■ Diversity Facilitation
■Culture fit: SALGA desires an individual who will share and buy-in, in our core values, mission and vision, demonstrating a commitment to our ethos beyond just doing the job
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
■ Minimum relevant Master’s Degree (NQF9) in Public Administration, Local Government, Economic Development
■ 10 years’ experience operating at a senior management level within a medium to large sized organisation; Previous management experience in a multidisciplinary unit is essential
■ Valid Driver’s Licence and extensive travel ■ Proven track-record in successful Lobbying and Advocacy of critical issues
■Sound track record in managing complex stakeholder relationships and a well-developed lobbying and advocacy skillset;
■ Previous management experience in a multidisciplinary environment; and
■ Proven experience in developing and implementing strategy.
KEY PORTFOLIO AND PERFORMANCE FOCUS AREAS
■ Business Integration: To undertake benchmarking and knowledge sharing of best practices to ensure effective service delivery within a local municipal context. Actively participate and support the Chief Officer with the development of the Cluster business plan, in ensuring that provincial member needs inform the strategy. Actively participate in the integrated planning process by developing and implementing the business plan for the portfolio, in line with the overall strategy and APP of SALGA. Develop and oversee the implementation of SALGA decisions in the portfolio, so that all requirements laid down by SALGA are achieved.
■ Strategic and Business Planning: Actively participate and support SALGA strategy in ensuring that the development of the Cluster business plan with reference to the provincial member needs. Ensure effective representation of the Local Government sector by managing a team of Specialists, Senior Advisors and Advisors in an integrated portfolio. Manage, develop and implement the Cluster business plan for the portfolio to ensure that policy and procedures are in line with overall mandate. Lead and strategically influence the SALGA strategy and approach to support municipalities with Economic Development and Trade and Investment.
■ Financial and Budget Management: Support the development of the Cluster Budget and ensure the processing of all expenses within budget and in compliance with SCM regulations. Monitor expenditure and budget allocations on a monthly basis to ensure accuracy and alignment with financial requirements. Contribute to the building of value-added service offerings to develop alternative revenue streams. Fulfil revenue generation requirements SALGA has of all Senior Managers and source funding for various interventions.
■ People Management and Promoting a High-Performance Culture: Lead, manage and equip staff so that they achieve their work objectives and work within an environment conducive to achieving required results. Promote team work and in line with the SALGA organisational culture, role model and educate staff on the importance of alignment of personal and organisational values for improved performance. Support the Chief Officer in building a high-performance culture in SALGA and in area of responsibility. Implement the performance management and recognition and reward processes in SALGA and drive high performance through day-to-day management of staff performance.
■ Corporate Governance and risk management: Ensure SALGA compliance with related Legislative frameworks. Uphold sound corporate governance principles in the day-to-day operation of the portfolio and ensure compliance with organisational policies and procedures. Identify and mitigate reputational, organisational and operational risks identified in the Portfolio Ensure that relevant systems and processes are implemented and in place to facilitate an effective portfolio.
■ Stakeholder Management: To support SALGA in achieving its organisational mandate through its Trade and Investment Portfolio by engaging with external stakeholders to unlock Trade and Investment opportunities for municipalities. Liaise with entities with a similar mandate and foster project cooperation. Create and maintain professional relationships with key internal and external strategic stakeholders in the Trade and Investment space. Represent SALGA at various intergovernmental and other forums. Attend various meetings on behalf of SALGA. Attend and make presentations at various internal governance structures. Monitor and participate in various trade and investment conference initiatives. Engage and partner with key stakeholders relating to the portfolio and manage key SALGA partnerships with a variety of institutions, including the private sector and international organisations. Represent SALGA at all relevant IGR and other fora in alignment with SALGA strategy and frameworks in order to protect Municipal rights and disrupt the system of governance where it is hampering Municipal service delivery. Network with other Senior SALGA Staff, Government Departments etc, so that there is an understanding of the challenges and needs of the LG Sector in the respective portfolio. Build sound working relationships with Provincial Offices and colleagues in the National Office to ensure integrated planning, access to funding and member-centric service delivery and special projects.
■ Private-Sector Partnership Development: Develop and maintain effective working partnerships with organisations and associations representing private businesses. Identify and implement opportunities for SALGA, municipalities and private-sector partners to leverage their respective resources, expertise, networks and market intelligence. Facilitate collaborative initiatives that improve the enabling environment for business development and investment in municipalities. Promote partnerships that support enterprise growth, job creation, poverty alleviation, export development and inclusive local economic development. Monitor and report on partnership commitments, initiatives and outcomes to ensure measurable value for municipalities and participating partners.
■ Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting: Monitor and report on the financial and performance progress against the Portfolio budget and business plan and take necessary action to ensure that the goals and targets of the Portfolio is met within time, quality and budget requirements. Develop and submit monthly, quarterly and annual reports as requested by the Chief Officer. Ensure timely submission of all internal and external reports. Undertake monitoring and evaluation of SALGA’s Economic and Development and Trade and Investment Programmes and interventions for increased relevance and impact. Monitor trade related twinning arrangements.
■ Lobbying and Advocacy: Ability to work with various directorates/clusters within the organisation on Economic Development & Trade and Investment issues. Support the Chief Officers with the development and implementation of effective advocacy and lobbying strategies to protect the rights of LG and to disrupt the systems hindering municipal performance. Ensure the development of well researched and member informed SALGA positions on changes/ developments in the Legislative Policy and Fiscal environment and seek approval for these positions through the standardised Governance mandating processes. Lobby and advocate for support for SALGA Policy positions by key stakeholders.
■ Research and Data Analytics: Review and analyse Sector Plans/ Budgets/ Audit outcomes, Statistics and LG Intelligence within the portfolio, to determine key challenges/ backlogs in service delivery. Ensure research is conducted to create an understanding of specific needs and dynamics of municipalities to inform the development of targeted service offerings/ interventions. Determine and define strategic research projects to inform SALGA’s Economic Development & Trade and Investment Portfolio. Identify strategic research topics on various Economic Development & Trade and Investment issues at the local government level. Full participation in the research processes and assist with quality control of the research processes. Contribute to dynamic discussions and reports on Economic Development & Trade and Investment at the Local Government level. Respond to a limited number of ad hoc research requests to ensure that SALGA remains abreast of topical issues pertaining to Economic Development & Trade an investment at the Local Government at any given time and is thus able to inform related debates and information needs. Prepare policy analysis / municipal briefs on issues that have implications for Economic Development & Trade and Investment at the local government to ensure that the various activities of SALGA influence policy directions at local and other spheres. Develop responses to municipal policy and legislative frameworks where implementation weaknesses at a municipal level is identified. Comment on national legislation impacting the portfolio at municipal level. Support the strengthening of the intelligence base for municipal performance and capability in conjunction with the intelligence hub.
■ Programme Development: Ensure the development of solution-oriented programmes (within the portfolio) in alignment with SALGA standards; and methods and gain support and approval for solutions. Support, guide and ensure implementation of programmes in provinces. Ensure the review and development of approved policies and guidelines (within the scope of the portfolio) to support municipal service delivery. Ensure the development of Policy and Implementation Frameworks, legislative information and other necessary material for distribution to municipalities. Ensure the implementation of Policy and Legislation education and awareness programmes/ peer learning opportunities to guide municipalities in implementing required changes in policy/ comply with legislative requirements. Develop Municipal Service Plans for the needs within the portfolio, in alignment with overall framework and process in SALGA.
Closing Date: 03 November 2026
NOTE: Communication will be limited to short-listed candidates only. SALGA reserves the right not to proceed with the appointment for any of the vacant position. All appointments will be made in line with the SALGA’S Employment Equity Plan
Suitably qualified and experienced candidates must apply on the link below:
