DEPUTY DIRECTOR: MUNICIPAL ASSET MANAGEMENT

This position is a Deputy Director-level role within the Municipal Finance Management component of the department, based in Johannesburg and focused on strengthening asset management across the municipal sphere. The successful candidate will work within the framework of the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA) and its regulations, helping to ensure that municipalities manage their assets responsibly, transparently, and in line with legislative prescripts. The role operates in a governance and oversight environment, working closely with local authorities to identify weaknesses in asset management and to provide practical remedial support. It is a leadership post that requires both strategic oversight and hands-on management of a sub-directorate, with the expectation that the incumbent will guide a team, influence municipal compliance, and contribute to broader financial management reform in local government.

Candidates must hold a three-year tertiary qualification at NQF Level 7 in Financial Management, Accounting, Auditing, Internal Auditing, Cost Management, or Cost Accounting. The required experience is substantial: at least three to five years at junior management or supervisory level, including people management experience; five years specifically in asset management; and a minimum of three years working in local government or a Provincial Treasury’s MFMA Unit. A sound working knowledge of the Public Service Act and Regulations, the South African Constitution, the Disaster Management Act, the Electricity and Water Act, and the MFMA and its regulations is essential. This combination of financial expertise, asset management depth, and public sector legislative understanding is critical to the credibility and effectiveness of the post.

In terms of duties, the Deputy Director will promote and enhance effective asset management in the municipal sphere, ensuring full compliance with the MFMA and related regulations. This includes managing and providing leadership to the sub-directorate, overseeing the monitoring of asset management issues in local authorities, and offering guidance and remedial action where needed, including in inventory management. The role also involves managing the monitoring, evaluation, and reporting of municipal compliance with asset management practices against legislated standards, and providing ongoing support to municipalities to improve their asset management capacity. It is a demanding role that combines technical review, compliance monitoring, advisory work, and people management.

As with many public service posts, there are important conditions attached to the appointment. Shortlisted candidates will be required to undergo two pre-entry assessments: a practical exercise and an integrity or ethical conduct assessment, both of which are scored as part of the interview process. Suitable candidates will also be subjected to personnel suitability checks, including vetting, criminal record verification, citizenship, credit record, qualification verification, and employment verification. The department encourages applications from youth, people with disabilities, and designated groups including coloured, Indian, and white candidates, with a confirmation of disability from a registered medical practitioner required where applicable. Applicants with foreign qualifications must provide an evaluation certificate from the South African Qualifications Authority. The application process itself is strict and must follow the prescribed Z83 form and CV requirements; late, incomplete, or incorrectly submitted applications will not be considered. The department reserves the right not to make an appointment, and placement may be determined according to corridor coordination and departmental needs. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted, and those who do not receive a response within three months of the closing date should consider their application unsuccessful.