DEPUTY DIRECTOR: POPULATION POLICY AND STRATEGY IMPLEMENTATION, MONITORING AND EVALUATION

The Department of Social Development is seeking a Deputy Director for Population Policy and Strategy Implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation, based at the HSRC Building in Pretoria. This role sits within the Population Policy Monitoring and Evaluation directorate and is central to ensuring that South Africa’s population policies are not only developed but effectively translated into action. The position carries the responsibility of shaping, reviewing and driving the implementation of national population policy frameworks, strategies and plans, while also ensuring that these are properly monitored and evaluated for impact. In addition, the incumbent will coordinate South Africa’s international strategy on population and development, which involves aligning national efforts with global commitments and ensuring coherent reporting and follow-up.

Candidates must hold a qualification at NQF level 7 in Population Studies, Demography Studies or Social Sciences, recognised by SAQA, and have between three and five years of experience at junior management level within a population and development environment. A sound understanding of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, the Social Development sector, the Public Service Act and Regulations, and the South African Population Policy is essential. Familiarity with key legislation including PAJA, POPIA and PAIA, as well as knowledge of population and development policy, government monitoring and evaluation frameworks, and quality control methods, is also required. The successful applicant will need a broad set of competencies spanning programme and project management, policy analysis and development, stakeholder management, financial management, and report writing. Strong communication, presentation, facilitation and computer literacy skills are expected, along with research, monitoring and evaluation abilities. Personal attributes such as adaptability, emotional intelligence, assertiveness, cost consciousness, honesty, reliability and the capacity to work both independently and within a team are also important.

The core duties include managing the development, review and monitoring of population policies, strategies, plans and frameworks. The Deputy Director will also coordinate and manage the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of South Africa’s international population and development strategy. This includes designing and managing monitoring and evaluation systems specifically tailored to population policy, as well as coordinating stakeholder engagements, collaborations and partnerships. Managing human resources in line with departmental policies on human resource management, labour relations, development and performance management forms an integral part of the role. The position is demanding and requires someone who can work under pressure, think innovatively and demonstrate sound interpersonal relations. The Department encourages applications from Coloured, Indian and White males and females, as well as persons with disabilities, in line with its employment equity targets. This is an excellent opportunity for a skilled policy professional to contribute meaningfully to national population development and social progress within a senior government role.