CHIEF DIRECTOR: ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT AND TRANSFORMATION REF NO: REFS/057142 Branch:

This senior leadership position, based at Umnotho House in Johannesburg, serves as the Chief Director for Economic Empowerment and Transformation within the Gauteng provincial government. The role sits at the heart of the department's mandate to drive inclusive economic growth, redress historical inequalities, and foster meaningful participation by previously disadvantaged groups in the mainstream economy. As a Level 14 management echelon post, the incumbent will provide strategic direction across a broad portfolio that spans policy development, programme implementation, stakeholder engagement, and intergovernmental coordination. The Chief Director is expected to lead the formulation and execution of strategic plans, oversee the creation of policies that support inclusive growth, and continuously monitor their effectiveness in addressing barriers faced by historically disadvantaged communities.

Candidates must hold an NQF level 7 qualification in Economics, Development Studies, Public Policy, Public Administration, or Business Administration, with a postgraduate qualification serving as a distinct advantage. A minimum of five years' experience at senior management level within an economic empowerment and transformation environment is required, along with a valid Code 8 or 10 driver's licence. Importantly, the successful applicant must possess the Nyukela Certificate for entry into the Senior Management Service, issued by the National School of Government, which must be submitted prior to appointment.

The duties are extensive and multi-faceted. The Chief Director will lead the development of strategic roadmaps for industry development and economic transformation, allocate resources and funding across key sectors, and collaborate with industry leaders to identify growth opportunities and address bottlenecks that hinder transformation. The role involves facilitating access to markets and investment opportunities for emerging businesses from marginalised backgrounds, as well as conducting regular assessments to measure the impact of industry-focused initiatives. A significant component of the work centres on monitoring equity ownership by previously disadvantaged groups, overseeing compliance with Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment codes, assessing local production and content compliance, and providing advisory services on various transformation charters. The position also carries responsibility for bridging the gap between job seekers and employment opportunities, particularly for marginalised groups, by establishing partnerships with public and private entities to create job placement programmes, designing entrepreneurship initiatives, monitoring labour market trends, and collaborating with educational institutions to align curricula with market demands. The Chief Director will further oversee mentorship and coaching programmes, advocate for inclusive hiring practices, and represent the department in forums and committees related to inclusive economic growth. Comprehensive management responsibilities include strategic and operational planning, administrative support oversight, people management, financial management, and asset management functions.

Shortlisted candidates will be required to undergo a technical exercise and interview, with up to three candidates proceeding to psychometric assessments covering cognitive capabilities, behavioural preferences, emotional intelligence, and integrity. All shortlisted applicants must also complete two pre-entry assessments, one practical and one integrity-based, with the technical exercise scored as an additional criterion during the interview process. Successful candidates will be subject to security clearance, criminal record checks, and verification of qualifications. Applications must be submitted using the prescribed Z83 form accompanied by a recently updated CV, with certified copies of qualifications, identity documents, and driver's licences required only from shortlisted candidates. Correspondence is limited to shortlisted applicants, and those not contacted within three months of the closing date should consider their application unsuccessful.