COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT POLICY DEVELOPER: YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

The Department of Social Development in the Northern Cape is advertising a senior professional post for a Community Development Policy Developer specialising in Youth Development, based at the Provincial Office in Kimberley. This is an Occupation Specific Dispensation (OSD)-graded position, meaning it falls within a structured career progression framework for social service professionals. The role is central to the department’s mandate to empower communities through sound, evidence-based policy and programme design, with a particular focus on the needs and potential of young people. The successful candidate will operate within a unit that oversees community development legislation, policy implementation, and the monitoring of non-profit organisations, and will be expected to engage with complex social dynamics and legislative frameworks.

To be considered, applicants must hold a Bachelor’s Degree at NQF Level 7 in Community Development, Development Studies, or Social Science, along with a valid driver’s licence. They must also bring at least eight years of recognised experience in community development, obtained after completing the required qualification. The role demands a comprehensive understanding of human behaviour, social systems, and legislation, together with the values and attitudes needed to facilitate social development. Practical skills are equally important: the ability to coordinate community development structures, manage projects, influence individuals and groups to take part in their own self-empowerment, and apply sound presentation, problem-solving, computer, communication, research, report-writing, financial management, and supervisory competencies.

The core duties revolve around the full policy cycle. The policy developer will develop, implement, and maintain community development policies, with special attention to youth development. This includes monitoring, interpreting, and reviewing existing legislation, policies, and procedures to assess whether they remain relevant and compliant with current requirements. Where necessary, the incumbent will develop proposals to amend or maintain acts and policies, draft new policies and procedures, and cost these proposals accurately. They will also design programmes to translate policy into practice, conduct research and development activities, and carry out the administrative functions required within the unit. In addition, the position involves monitoring and evaluating non-profit organisations, and providing administrative, educational, and supportive functions to communities and stakeholders.

Several important conditions apply. Applications are accepted only through the online platform specified in the advertisement, and applicants must submit a completed Z83 form and a detailed CV in PDF format. Shortlisted candidates will need to present certified copies of their qualifications, identity document, and driver’s licence before or on the day of the interview, and social service professionals must also provide proof of registration with the South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP), along with a certificate of service to verify previous experience. Foreign qualifications must be evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). All shortlisted candidates will undergo two pre-entry assessments: a practical exercise and an integrity (ethical conduct) assessment, and will also be required to complete a technical exercise relevant to the job. The selection process includes personnel suitability checks covering criminal records, citizenship, qualifications, and employment history, as well as security clearance. The successful candidate will be appointed on a twelve-month probation period. Misrepresentation in application documents leads to automatic disqualification or disciplinary action, and the department reserves the right not to fill the post. If applicants have not been contacted within three months after the advertised deadline, they should consider their application unsuccessful. Interviews will be held at the Provincial Office in Kimberley.