ASSISTANT DIRECTOR: AFRICA CONTINENTAL REF NO: S117/2026 Division: Economic Policy and International Cooperation (Epic) Purpose: To coordinate the advancement of South Africa’s interests by fostering economic and financial integration, and institutional governance within the AU and development cooperation with UNECA.

This position, based in Pretoria, is for an Assistant Director within the Economic Policy and International Cooperation division of National Treasury, focused on the Africa Continental work stream. The role is central to coordinating the advancement of South Africa’s strategic interests by fostering economic and financial integration, supporting institutional governance within the African Union, and managing development cooperation with the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa. As an OSD-graded role within a prestigious government department, it offers an opportunity to shape national policy at the highest continental level.

Applicants should hold a Grade 12 certificate and a degree at NQF level 7 in Economics and Econometrics, Political Science, or Development Studies, coupled with at least three years of experience within a development institution or in a policy or financial environment. The role requires proven knowledge of policy analysis and formulation, including drafting notes and cabinet memoranda, as well as documented experience in benchmarking and research with recognised international institutions. Experience at a diplomatic level will be considered an added advantage, reflecting the highly collaborative and international nature of the work.

The core duties are multifaceted. The successful candidate will provide substantive inputs into National Treasury’s position papers on regional economic and financial integration for the African Union Specialised Technical Committee on Finance, Planning and Monetary Economic Integration, as well as for the Conference of African Ministers of Finance, Planning and Economic Development of UNECA. This includes engaging with the AU budget, advancing innovative financing proposals for the AU Peace Fund as part of the Committee of Fifteen Ministers of Finance, and supporting South Africa’s position on the AU New Scale of Assessment. The role also involves monitoring and analysing the implementation of AU Executive Council and Assembly decisions on budget and financial management oversight.

Beyond policy formulation, the position entails significant research responsibilities, including periodic updates on global, regional, and geopolitical developments, domestic economic trends, and policy or regulatory matters that could affect South Africa’s regional integration objectives, particularly concerning financial integration and financial governance papers. The role also covers bilateral cooperation, including developing and reviewing a comprehensive memorandum of understanding template for financial and monetary cooperation with strategic countries, updating the AEI Engagement Strategy, and representing National Treasury at State Visits, Bi-National Commissions, and other DIRCO-led engagements. Administrative coordination forms the final pillar, involving liaison with the Minister and Deputy Minister’s offices, drafting inputs into African Renaissance Fund concurrence requests, coordinating payments to institutions like CABRI and IDEP, and ensuring all documentation, including back-to-office reports and briefing notes, is filed appropriately.

This vacancy is advertised as part of National Treasury’s employment equity targets, and the department encourages applicants from designated groups. Candidates should note that applications are only accepted through the department’s e-Recruitment system, although alternative submission may be considered where an applicant can prove technical difficulty. The closing date is published alongside the vacancy details.