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SOUTH AFRICAN LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION (SALGA)
HEAD: ELECTRICITY SERVICES
Based in National Office (Pretoria) Ref: 25/09/01
Cluster: Municipal Finance, Fiscal Policy and Economic Growth
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 Portfolio Head: Trading Services, the incumbent will provide specialist expertise and lead the electricity distribution support programmes of SALGA to improve municipal capacity to deliver electricity to its citizens in the most efficient, cost-effective and effective manner.
Key focus areas include: The development and implementation of a plan of action post the Energy Summit. Developing a sound understanding of the Electricity Supply Industry both from Municipal and Eskom perspectives, its challenges including the regulatory environment, its strengths as well as its short comings. Capacity to lead various Electricity Supply Industry reforms , and developing well researched local government positions. Developing the capability to conduct analyse electricity tariffs with an understanding of the concept of cost of supply or cost reflective tariffs for both Eskom and Municipalities and the implications on municipalities. Development of well researched local government positions on Eskom applications, and providing technical advice to municipalities in this area during the NERSA tariff application period. Provide advice and support on the technical areas of the municipal operational business e.g. planning, operations & maintenance, engineering solutions etc. Building international partnerships and stakeholder relationships with agencies to secure funds to do meaningful and focused support work in turning around municipalities (Including the areas of technology and innovation).Redesign of grants/ proposals for electricity funding models in municipalities to do focused work on supporting several aspects of the municipal operations (e.g. pre-paid meters, alternative energy etc.) Support the development of new business models and developing operational resilience through new technology.
THE CANDIDATE PROFILE
■Proven track record of transformative and ground-breaking successes in relevant previous roles
■Innovative thought leader and problem solver
■Strategic thinker and results driven individual
■Proven experience in facilitating partnerships and joint multi-sector programmes
■ Competent in influencing, interpretation and implementation of relevant policies, legislation, regulations and applicable strategic frameworks related to the Energy and Electricity
■Competent in engaging in inter-governmental structures at the senior level
■Ability to lobby policy positions in multi-sector forums and competent in engaging in inter-governmental structures at the senior level
■Ability to design and drive programmes as a strong self-starter and initiator
■Excellent Writing, Communication, Advocacy and Interpersonal skills;
■Proven Management skills
■Project and Financial management skills
■Attention to detail - Computer Literacy MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and MS Projects
■Culture fit: SALGA desires an individual who will share and buy-in, in our core values, mission and vision, demonstrating a commitment to our 's ethos beyond just doing the job
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
■ A Postgraduate Degree in Energy/ Electrical, Public Policy, Social Sciences, or a related field
■ At least 10 years’ experience operating at a senior management level within a medium-to-large-sized organization
■ At least 10 years’ experience in the energy sector, with experience in the energy transition and related matters,
■Sound track record in effectively managing complex and sensitive stakeholder engagements at all levels (for example between public, private sectors and civil society)
■ Experience in working directly for a municipality/metro is an advantage
■ Experience in Local Government
■ A valid code 08 drivers’ licence and own vehicle
KEY PORTFOLIO AND PERFORMANCE FOCUS AREAS
■ Research and Benchmarking: Provide ongoing analysis of the key challenges and needs of municipalities and the local and global technology developments that may improve efficiencies in delivering basic services to citizens. Conduct and interpret research in area of service delivery technology and innovations and create a learning and sharing platform to improve municipal efficiency. Be a key repository of knowledge and information on local government and matters relating to the service delivery space. Conduct research on the best practice developments across the world utilising new and innovative technologies to improve service delivery. Conduct analysis on municipalities and provide guidance in respect of implementing improvement.
■ Represent the interests of 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 those issues pertinent to area of specialisation. Represent SALGA and municipalities at various IGR and other Fora to protect the interests of municipalities; and to disrupt structural form, policy or legislative frameworks in a particular sector, where it hinders municipal performance. Develops content on a number of 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 Sector/ Professional discipline and key role players in the area of specialisation.
■ Support, Advice and Capacity Building of Municipalities: Guide, support and provide professional advice to municipalities regarding the modernisation of service delivery. Provide hands-on support to strengthen municipal capacity/ improve programme implementation. Facilitate the implementation of the capacity building strategy and associated programmes in municipalities. Facilitate peer learning sessions in the areas of focus. Develop guidelines to assist municipalities in complying with applicable legislation and policies
■ Stakeholder Management and Sponsorships: Assist in development and maintenance of sound relationships with relevant stakeholder groups (including civil society organisations, locally and internationally). Identify and target potential donor organisations that could partner effectively with SALGA and develop and prepare fundraising proposals and assist in the management of local government/provincial/national government interface in relation to the sector/ area of specialisation. Develop and maintain relevant networks (internal and external) and 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 and target potential donor organisations that could partner effectively with SALGA and develop and prepare fundraising proposals and assist in the management of local government/provincial/national government interface in relation to the sector/ area of specialisation with the support of the sponsorship team, develop and present detailed project proposals and plans to funders for consideration (in alignment of the SALGA sponsorship Policy). Ensure that all contracts for funding are in place and that the contracts include payment terms
■ Business and Programme Planning: Coordinate and develop appropriate sections of the business planning process, including the development of key target, timelines, consultation processes, risk analysis and resourcing requirements. Coordinate all reporting requirements and ensure reports are delivered on time and are accurate. Undertakes review and evaluation as required for current work areas and any related projects/ programmes. Identify and develop innovation projects/ programmes that further the strategic intent of the trading services portfolio
■ Monitoring and Evaluation: Develop and implement monitoring and evaluation process to track the progress on implementation of policies, legislative compliance and programmatic implementation in municipalities. Conduct impact assessments of municipal programmes. Monitor and review municipal compliance to Policy and legislative frameworks. Monitor and Review municipal performance
■ Financial and Expense Monitoring: Assist with the preparation of annual budgets and monitoring of the monthly expenditure in area of accountability. Assist in the identification of potential revenue sources in area of responsibility (where applicable) Develop terms of reference for identified programmes and participate in procurement committees as required and adhere to procurement requirements and deadlines for identified programmes. Monitor sponsorship 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. Identify project/ programme risks – organisational, economic, stakeholder, political and social. 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.
■ Multidisciplinary Teamwork: Work as a multi-disciplinary and integrated team to find possible solutions to complex challenges in municipalities. Uphold sound leadership practices and comply with policies and procedures. 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 seniors 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. Implement the performance management and development processes in SALGA to drive high performance on an ongoing basis
Suitably qualified and experienced candidates must apply on the link below:
Closing Date: 07 October 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
