Director: Integrated Regional Economic Development

Department: Economic Development

Branch: Integrated Regional Economic Development

Primary Function: To direct, lead, and manage the development of integrated regional economic plans that align spatial planning with economic intelligence to enhance the city’s economic competitiveness. This includes the identification, development, and implementation of optimized economic investment strategies for all regional corridors, wards, precincts, and spatially defined areas. To lead, direct, and manage initiatives for promoting, attracting, and stimulating trade and investment programs based on the City’s economic strategic direction and agenda.

Leading Competencies:

• Strategic Leadership: Ability to set vision, develop long-term regional economic and spatial strategies, and drive high-impact initiatives;
• Project and Program Management: Skilled in managing complex, multi-sectoral projects, including SEZs, industrial parks, and catalytic development initiatives;
• Economic and Spatial Analysis: Proficient in analyzing economic data, market trends, and spatial development patterns to inform investment and planning decisions
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for effective stakeholder engagement and team management;
• Stakeholder Engagement and Negotiation: Ability to build partnerships with government, private sector, communities, and development partners; adept at negotiation and consensus-building
• Policy Formulation & Implementation: Experienced in designing and implementing policies, frameworks, and programs for regional economic growth and spatial transformation
• Customer Service: Strong customer service skills to ensure high levels of customer satisfaction;
• Financial and Resource Management: Competence in budgeting, resource allocation, and ensuring cost-effective delivery of development projects. Core Competencies:
• Knowledge on the local government environment
• Deep understanding of Joburg’s economic sectors
• In-depth understanding of strategies, policies, and frameworks that drive regional growth, economic diversification, and investment promotion.
• Knowledge of spatial planning, land-use optimization, economic nodes, integration, and reducing regional disparities.
• Comprehensive understanding of Special Economic Zone design, industrial development, and multi-sectoral catalytic initiatives
• Strong knowledge of project feasibility, financial and economic viability analysis, risk assessment, and investment readiness.
• Knowledge of relevant government policies, legislation, and regulatory frameworks governing economic development, spatial planning, and investment facilitation.
• Understanding of PPP structures, stakeholder engagement, and mechanisms for leveraging private sector investment for regional development “All suitably qualified candidates are encouraged to apply and will be considered. The City of Johannesburg applies the principles of employment equity as per National legislation and policy guidelines and will consider designated groups in line with these requirements. Preference will be given to previously disadvantaged groups, including those with disabilities. Appointments will be made in accordance with the approved Employment Equity Plan to promote its equitable representation in terms of race, gender and disability.” VACANCY C IRCULAR Publication Date: This Vacancy is open to Employees of the Thursday, 25 June 2026 039/2026 City of Johannesburg and External Candidates
• Leadership and Management: Ability to lead and manage teams, and to make informed decisions;
• Economic Analysis: Strong analytical skills to analyse economic data, trends, and forecasts;
• Policy Development: Knowledge of economic development policies and regulations;
• Regulatory Compliance: Understanding of regulatory frameworks and compliance requirements;
• Planning and Organising: Proficiency in strategic and operational planning, resource allocation, and performance management;
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for effective stakeholder engagement and team management;
• Customer Service: Strong customer service skills to ensure high levels of customer satisfaction;
• Financial Management: Budgeting processes and financial management skills. Core Competencies:
• Knowledge of the Local government environment - the framework of the parent body in relation to the profession will assist with policy formulation and strategic alignment;
• Knowledge of Economic Development, Trade and Investment Promotion, International Business, and Project Management;
• Relevant experience in Economic Development, Trade, and Investment;
• Knowledge of the City’s strategy (IDP, SDBIP, etc). prescribed methodologies, legislative, policy, and regulatory frameworks
• In-depth knowledge of function principles, techniques, and tools, and know how they can be practically applied;
• Knowledge of corporate governance;
• Knowledge of principles and practices of municipal organization, administration, and personnel management
• Collaborative/Teamwork, Values and Integrity, Attention to detail, and quality-focused;
• Customer and Service Delivery Management (Batho Pele) Ethics, Professionalism;
• Impact and Influence according to the City’s protocols, legislation, and standards. “All suitably qualified candidates are encouraged to apply and will be considered. The City of Johannesburg applies the principles of employment equity as per National legislation and policy guidelines and will consider designated groups in line with these requirements. Preference will be given to previously disadvantaged groups, including those with disabilities. Appointments will be made in accordance with the approved Employment Equity Plan to promote its equitable representation in terms of race, gender and disability.” VACANCY C IRCULAR Publication Date: This Vacancy is open to Employees of the Thursday, 25 June 2026 039/2026 City of Johannesburg and External Candidates