ASSISTANT DIRECTOR: RISK REDUCTION PLANNING (TYGERBERG)

This position is for an Assistant Director: Risk Reduction Planning, based at Tygerberg within the Department of Local Government in the Western Cape Government. The role sits at a management level within the provincial disaster management framework, focusing specifically on reducing disaster risk through proactive planning, early warning systems, and coordinated interventions. The successful candidate will work within the broader public service environment, liaising across all three spheres of government, and will be expected to understand the complex constitutional, legal, and institutional arrangements that govern disaster management in South Africa.

Applicants must hold a qualification at NQF level 6 or higher, together with at least three years of relevant experience. The role demands a thorough working knowledge of the Disaster Management Act (Act 57 of 2002) and related policies, as well as disaster management systems and procedures as applied nationally, provincially, and locally, with a strong focus on disaster risk reduction. The ideal candidate will also be familiar with legislation, regulatory frameworks, and best practices relevant to the line function, along with information systems used to manage knowledge and data in this field. Additional required knowledge areas include project management, operational management, procurement and tendering processes, policy development, monitoring and review, modern governance systems, public service procedures, and the political, economic, and social dynamics affecting the Western Cape. A sound grasp of public finance, human resources, discourse management, the Public Finance Management Act, Treasury regulations, labour relations legislation, and performance management is also essential. Strong skills in numeracy, computer literacy, language proficiency, project management, accounting, finance, audit, disaster risk reduction, data management, crisis management, and both written and verbal communication are required.

The core duties involve coordinating the implementation and maintenance of an integrated early warning system, supporting special interventions for priority and secondary hazards, and providing technical support for early warnings, interventions, and risk information systems. The role also carries managerial functions, meaning the post holder will be responsible for overseeing staff, resources, and processes within the unit. This is a hands-on yet strategic position, requiring the ability to translate policy into operational action while ensuring that disaster risk reduction measures are effectively embedded across government structures.

Shortlisted candidates should note that the selection process includes interviews at a date and time determined by the department, as well as the submission of vetting and supporting documentation within a specified timeframe. Failure to provide these documents timeously, without reasonable justification, may result in disqualification from the process. All shortlisted candidates will also undergo two pre-entry assessments: one practical exercise testing technical and generic suitability for the post, and one integrity assessment focusing on ethical conduct. The selection process will be guided by the employment equity targets of the department. By applying, candidates consent to the Western Cape Government contacting previous employers or managers for reference checks, which will include enquiries about disciplinary records and reasons for leaving. This is a demanding role suited to a candidate with strong analytical, managerial, and disaster management expertise, who is committed to building safer communities through effective risk reduction planning.