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SOUTH AFRICAN LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION (SALGA)
PORTFOLIO HEAD: SPECIALISED SERVICES & PROJECT MANAGEMENT OFFICE (PMO)
(5 Year Fixed-Term Contract)
Based in National Office (Pretoria) Ref: 26/10/02
Office of the Chief Executive Office 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 Executive Manager: Office of the Chief Executive Officer, the Portfolio Head: Specialized Services & Project Management Office (PMO) is accountable to lead a team and guide the successful delivery of programs and projects through the provision of strategic and operational support, including operational reporting, risk and issue tracking, quality control and post-project benefits tracking and reporting.
THE CANDIDATE PROFILE
■ Ability to manage in a multidisciplinary environment
■ Understanding of relevant government policy, legislative and regulatory directives
■ Ethical leader that places a high premium on integrity and confidentiality
■ Innovative thought leader
■ Proven track record of transformative and ground-breaking successes in relevant previous roles
■ Results driven individual
■ Strong analytical ability coupled with sound problem-solving skills
■ Strong initiative and well-rounded implementer and driver of multi-disciplinary programmes that have an intended turnaround dimension
■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
■ Master’s Degree (NQF9) in Public Management / Development Management or equivalent;
■ A valid Code 08 drivers’ license and own vehicle;
■ 10 years’ experience operating at a senior management level within a medium to large sized organisation;
■ Proven track-record in successful Lobbying and Advocacy of critical issues; and
■ Previous management experience in a multidisciplinary unit is essential;
KEY PORTFOLIO AND PERFORMANCE FOCUS AREAS
■ Financial Management: Interpret business plan and develop a functional budget aimed at achieving the approved objectives (operational, capex and Employee budgets). Implement and effectively manage the approved budgets, report variances and monitor the implementation of remedial actions to minimise impact. Manage all external contracts and associated budgets. Develop and manage budget within own area of responsibility. Negotiate with external service providers to realise cost savings.
■ Represent the interests of the Local Government Sector: Provide high-quality advice on the legislative and regulatory framework of local government in particular, and of the role and impact of the other spheres of government at the local level, on issues about specialised services. Develops content on several complex issues relevant to a SALGA advocacy position for mandating. Understand and effectively manage relationships with the national and provincial governance structures of SALGA and the institutional structures of the relevant sectors and key role players in the area of specialisation.
■ Strategy Alignment: Plan, develop and drive a strategically aligned specialised services and PMO business plan, to be reviewed and approved by the CEO/EXCO. Develop and implement a strategic resource plan that delivers and aligns to organisational goals. Support the company-wide initiatives and the change management process. Manage external service providers to achieve strategic objectives
■ Customer Management: Develop and maintain productive relations with internal and external customers. Build, manage and maintain healthy, diverse, workable internal relations and implement remedial actions where required. Build, manage and maintain healthy external relations to assist in achievement of organisational goals. Maintain internal and external relations, including the interface with external providers responsible for ensuring portfolio needs are met, and employees are satisfied. Provide relevant and specialised technical support to applicable stakeholders.
■ Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation: Lead the development, implementation and review of organisational strategic, annual and operational plans. Ensure alignment between organisational strategy, business plans, budgets and performance management systems. Provide strategic direction for the design and implementation of monitoring and evaluation frameworks, systems and methodologies. Oversee organisational performance monitoring and reporting processes to ensure accurate measurement of strategic outcomes and impact. Review and provide strategic guidance on quarterly, mid-year and annual performance reports. Drive a performance-oriented culture through effective monitoring of organisational and departmental targets. Oversee programme and organisational evaluations and ensure implementation of recommendations. Ensure the use of performance intelligence, research and evidence to support executive decision-making. Monitor emerging trends and best practices in planning, monitoring and evaluation and integrate improvements into organisational systems. Provide reports and strategic advice to Executive Management, ManCom and Governance Structures regarding organisational performance.
■ Transformation: Review new and existing processes, resources and systems. Make and oversee any changes to the company infrastructure where necessary. Identify areas of opportunity within a company and implement processes to change its performance for the better.
■ Governance, Compliance and Risk Management: Lead the development, review and implementation of the Enterprise Risk Management Framework. Provide oversight of strategic, operational, financial, compliance and reputational risk management processes. Ensure the identification, assessment, mitigation and monitoring of organisational risks. Oversee the development and maintenance of the organisational risk register and associated mitigation plans. Monitor implementation of risk mitigation actions and provide strategic intervention where necessary. Promote a risk-aware culture and strengthen risk management capabilities across the organisation. Ensure integration of risk management into strategic planning, business planning and decision-making processes. Oversee business continuity, resilience and disaster recovery planning initiatives. Monitor compliance with governance, legislative and regulatory requirements. Provide strategic risk reports and assurance to Executive Management, Audit and Risk Committees and other governance structures. Ensure effective coordination between risk management, compliance, internal audit and assurance functions.
■ Project Management Office (PMO): Collaborate with various departments to execute various activities and prepare effective strategies to monitor their implementation. Monitor and assist in resolving all issues and projects efficiently and assist in developing all organisational policies and procedures for all projects. Monitor all project tasks and ensure compliance with all timeframes and resolve all issues according to the required project plan, and administer everyday activities and assist in resolving all issues within the organisation. Analyse all team performance and ensure achievement of all objectives within required deadlines and monitor all system functionality. Monitor all projects and maintain a record of all detailed tasks. Resolve all design conflicts and inform all business process owners of all impending risk implications and develop efficient integrated workflow in coordination with the project team. Collaborate with the project team to design all master files for various applications. Ensure compliance with the project schedule and supervise all activities of the local system team. Evaluate all project plan status to identify and resolve all issues and manage all integrated applications for the organisation. Prepare designs, validate sessions and maintain appropriate deliverables of all projects as per requirements. Manage complex technical projects and monitor their successful implementation. Coordinate with the Project Manager to monitor all technical activities. Administer efficient working of project lifecycle within required management services.
■ Information Management, Data Information & Analytics: Manage the set of people, processes and technologies supporting the creation, collection, storage, exploitation and disposal of information assets.
■ Strategic Planning: Lead the development of the five-year strategy, annual performance plans, and business plans. Ensure alignment between organisational strategy, operational plans, and budget. Provide strategic advice and recommendations to EXCO and governance structures
■ Research, Knowledge Management and Innovation: Lead and coordinate sector research programmes and projects. Establish and maintain organisational knowledge management systems and repositories. Develop and manage partnerships with research institutions, academia, government and sector stakeholders. Identify emerging trends, risks and opportunities impacting local government.
■ Municipal Learning and Development: Lead the identification of municipal capacity-building and skills development needs. Facilitate the development of leadership, management, technical, and professional competencies within municipalities. Establish and maintain strategic partnerships with academic institutions, professional bodies, SETAs, and sector partners. Oversee the development and implementation of municipal learning frameworks, curricula, and learning resources. Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness and impact of learning and development interventions. Promote innovation, best practice sharing, and continuous learning within the Local Government sector. Provide strategic advice and support on municipal capacity development matters.
■ Information Solutions: Develop and implement the Information Solutions Strategy aligned to organisational and sector objectives. Provide strategic leadership for information systems, digital transformation, and technology-enabled business solutions. Oversee the design, implementation, maintenance, and enhancement of enterprise information systems. Ensure alignment of information solutions with organisational business processes and strategic priorities. Oversee the development of business intelligence, reporting, and decision-support solutions. Drive digital innovation and continuous improvement through technology solutions. Ensure information security, privacy, and regulatory compliance. Ensure effective utilisation of information systems and technology investments.
Suitably qualified and experienced candidates must apply on the link below:
Closing Date: 06 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
RE-ADVERTISEMENT: ADVISOR: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Based in North West (Klerksdorp), Ref: 26/10/03
Infrastructure Delivery & Spatial Transformation & Sustainability Cluster
Remuneration package: A competitive salary package with benefits
12 Months Fixed-Term Contract
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 Senior Advisor Inclusive Communities, the incumbent will implement tailored and best-fit advice, support, and solutions to address Community development (municipal health services, community safety, cemetery management, social cohesion, migration, library services, sport and recreation) at the provincial government level. Monitor and guide on legislative, policy and procedural compliance in municipalities to strengthen the institutional capacity and governance in municipalities. Represent SALGA on key IGR platforms, other relevant fora and to provide high quality advice on focus areas in local government to both municipalities and other spheres government. Establish and maintain partnerships with strategic role-players provincially that will benefit local government in respect of health and community services.
THE CANDIDATE PROFILE
Ability to work in a multidisciplinary environment,
Good working knowledge of environmental health, community safety and community development
Knowledge of SALGA Mandate, value chain, business model; and core business objectives
Understanding of project management principles
Knowledge of the local government sector and a sound understanding of the policy, legislative and regulatory frameworks governing municipal health services, community safety, cemetery management, sport and recreation, social cohesion and migration
Staying abreast of new developments in the areas of Community Development and social cohesion
Organisational Awareness
Communication and writing skills (reports, feedback & presentation)
Stakeholder Management skills
Strong analytical ability (Analytical and problem-solving skills)
Ability to manage in a broad scoped environment
Decision making and sound judgement
High degree of self-management, pro-activeness and creativity
Resilient and Tenacious
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
A Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Health/ Transport Management/ Safety Management/Development Studies or other field of study relevant to the scope of the position
5 years’ relevant experience of which at least 1 years have been at an equivalent level within a medium to large sized organisation
Knowledge of government policies, legislative processes, policy research, analysis, monitoring, and evaluation
Demonstrates a sound understanding of the Local Government Sector and issues relating to area of Municipal Health Services, Safety Management, Community development, cemetery management, sport and recreation, library services, migration and social cohesion
Sound understanding of policy and legislative frameworks in area of responsibility
Understanding of project management principles
Valid Driver’s License.
KEY PORTFOLIO AND PERFORMANCE FOCUS AREAS
Research and Benchmarking: Under the guidance of the Senior Advisor, provide ongoing analysis of the key challenges, needs and trends in area of community development (municipal health services, community safety, cemetery management, migration, library services, sport and recreation) and social cohesion, to ensure that local government strategies and programmes are appropriately implemented. Conduct and interpret research in area of community development and social cohesion and create a learning and sharing platform to improve municipal efficiency. Support the gathering and channelling of information to build and update municipal profiles. Provide administrative support with the arrangements of knowledge sharing / peer learning sessions/ presentations to SALGA staff and external stakeholders. May include providing inputs to content and packaging of information for the sessions.
Representation at IGR & Other For a (lobbying and Advocacy): Represent municipalities at relevant forums/ meetings/ committees within the sector/ professional discipline. Attend policy conferences in topics related to area of accountability. Support the Senior Manager to develop content on several issues relevant to a SALGA position for mandating. Support the development of reports to the Working Groups. Understand the national and provincial governance structures of SALGA and the institutional structures of the Community development and social cohesion disciplines and key role players. Represent SALGA and the Municipalities at relevant external fora.
Support Advice and Capacity Building: Guide, support and provide professional advice to municipalities in the areas of Community development, municipal health services, community safety, cemetery management, migration, library services, sport and recreation and social cohesion. Provide hands-on support to strengthen municipal capacity/ improve programme implementation. Implement the capacity building strategy and associated programmes in municipalities. Facilitate training programmes/ peer learning sessions in the areas of focus/ professional discipline.
Monitoring and Evaluation: Support the development and Implement monitoring and evaluation process to track the progress on implementation of policies, legislative compliance and programmatic implementation in municipalities. Maintain records as per SALGA policy and ensure that all project records are uploaded into the company knowledge management system. Create a high-performance culture on all projects and report on progress against milestones. Prepare audit files for each project prior to audit.
Programme / Project Management: Implement appropriate project management methodologies and disciplines; and manage full project cycle on assigned projects including M & E.Plan and integrate programme roll-out to municipalities. Develop terms of reference for identified programmes. Ensure that projects are implemented against contract specification and payments are based on agreed milestone. Identify spin-off projects and opportunities from the programme.
Stakeholder Management: Within the scope of area of accountability build and maintain relevant stakeholder relationships/ partnerships in the area of community development and social cohesion. Ensure appropriate and timely communications with all stakeholders. Build partnerships with relevant stakeholders to ensure programme success and to increase SALGA’s capacity to make an impact. Create reports to communicate about the programme and provide updates for website. Identify key role players to create a link to sustainability and handover of programmes; and implementation.
Financial and Expense Monitoring: Participate in procurement committees as required and adhere to procurement requirements and deadlines for identified programmes. Monitor payments according to the contract and track programme implementation against the budget. Actively save costs in the area of responsibility.
Governance, Compliance and Risk Management: Uphold sound corporate governance principles in the day-to-day operation of the area of responsibility/ professional discipline. Ensure compliance with organisational policies and procedures. Support the identification and mitigation of organisational and operational risks identified in the area of responsibility/ professional discipline. Develop and maintain programme risk register and ensure that mitigation steps are applied. Assign values to risks in order to understand financial implications of risk.
Teamwork: Work as a multi-disciplinary and integrated team to find possible solutions to complex challenges in municipalities. Support organisational priorities and the implementation of resource mobilisation systems and processes. In line with the SALGA organisational culture, role model and educate peers and Advisors on the importance of alignment of personal and organisational values for improved performance. Support the Executive and Senior Management Team in building a high-performance culture in SALGA.
Suitably qualified and experienced candidates must apply on www.cvspaces.co.za:
Closing Date: 06 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
