INDUSTRY ADVISOR: TRADE AND DEVELOPMENT REF NO: DEDT 2026/27/14 Please note that this post was previously advertised on DPSA Circular 10 of 2025 as Trade Advisor: Trade and Development, applicants who applied previously are encouraged to reapply.

The Department of Economic Development and Tourism is seeking an Industry Advisor for Trade and Development to be based at its Gert Sibande District Office in Ermelo. This role, previously advertised as Trade Advisor under an earlier circular, has been re-advertised and interested applicants who applied before are encouraged to reapply. The position is graded at an OSD or equivalent level, offering a competitive annual salary, and forms part of the department’s broader mandate to grow provincial trade, support exporters, and shape investment policy.

The successful candidate will need an appropriate SAQA-recognised tertiary qualification at NQF level 6 in Economics or Business Management, coupled with at least two years of practical work experience in a trade and development environment. Strong written and verbal communication skills are essential, as are good interpersonal abilities, analytical thinking, report writing proficiency, and solid computer literacy. A valid driver’s licence is also required, as the role involves travel and engagement with stakeholders across the district and beyond.

In this role, the Industry Advisor will assist with capacity building on trade matters, helping to equip emerging and established businesses with the knowledge they need to access markets. The advisor will also help identify new export markets both within South Africa and internationally, and will work to spot gaps in the export market that local producers and exporters can exploit. Input into the review of trade and investment policies and strategies is a key responsibility, ensuring that provincial approaches remain responsive to changing economic conditions. The role also involves providing direct assistance to emerging and current provincial exporters on export-related matters, as well as supporting the department’s export awareness programme. Additionally, the advisor will provide support to ad-hoc projects, including initiatives linked to water, a bottling plant, and the Mkhondo Agri-hub, reflecting the department’s focus on practical economic development interventions.

Applicants should note that this is a public service position with specific conditions. Only online applications submitted through the provincial e-recruitment portal will be accepted; manual, emailed, or faxed applications will not be considered. Shortlisted candidates will be required to submit certified documents before the interview, and those with foreign qualifications must have them evaluated by SAQA and provide proof of the evaluation. Candidates must also disclose any directorship or shareholding in companies doing business with the state, as well as any additional remunerative work outside their normal duties. All shortlisted candidates will undergo pre-entry assessments, including a practical exercise and an integrity assessment, and the top candidates will be subject to personnel suitability checks covering criminal records, citizenship, financial status, qualifications, and employment history. The successful appointee will be expected to sign an annual performance agreement and disclose financial interests each year. The department reserves the right not to fill the post, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted; if no response is received within three months of the closing date, applicants should consider their application unsuccessful.