CHIEF DIRECTOR: NEIGHBOURHOOD DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME REF NO: S112/2026 Division: Intergovernmental Relations (IGR) Purpose: To support and facilitate the development and implementation of urban network plans and strategies, in line with the vision, strategy and goals of the Infrastructure Finance and Implementation Support Agency which incorporate primary and secondary interconnections to strategic urban hubs in townships, with a focus on urban network plans, bankable precinct plans and projects that deliver catalytic infrastructure and leverage third-party public and private sector development in urban hubs

This senior leadership position, based in Pretoria, serves as the Chief Director for the Neighbourhood Development Programme within the Intergovernmental Relations division of the National Treasury. The role is central to advancing the mandate of the Infrastructure Finance and Implementation Support Agency (IFISA), focusing on the development and implementation of urban network plans and strategies. The incumbent will drive the creation of bankable precinct plans and catalytic infrastructure projects that connect strategic urban hubs in townships, while actively leveraging third-party investment from both the public and private sectors. This is an OSD-graded post that requires a strategic thinker capable of aligning urban development initiatives with broader government policy frameworks, including the National Development Plan.

Candidates must possess a Grade 12 certificate and a minimum Bachelor’s degree at NQF level 7 in fields such as Project Management, Civil Engineering, Urban Development, Town and Regional Planning, Economics, Commerce, Social Sciences, Public Administration, or Law. At least five years of experience at a senior managerial level in urban planning is required, along with proven knowledge of managing infrastructure initiatives and funds, property financing, and related expenditure. A thorough understanding of municipal service delivery legislation, including the Municipal Finance Management Act and Treasury Regulations, is essential, as is in-depth knowledge of government department operations, particularly in cooperative governance and supporting entities. Experience in managing urban and economic infrastructure development, including project analysis oversight and contractual matters, is also critical. Additionally, successful completion of the Nyukela Public Service Senior Management Leadership Programme, endorsed by the National School of Government, is mandatory before an appointment can be finalised.

The duties are broad and strategic. The Chief Director will implement strategy and policy development by crafting an annual strategy aligned with IFISA and NDP mandates, consulting stakeholders, setting key performance indicators, and monitoring progress. This includes leading unit plans, improving processes, resolving service delivery issues, and ensuring compliance with organisational policies while overseeing the unit budget. In municipal project development preparation, the role involves identifying and prioritising projects for planning, feasibility assessment, and bankability, as well as managing initiatives that expand blended-finance programmes. The post holder will review municipal business cases, feasibility studies, spatial targeting, precinct design, and investment phasing to ensure alignment with the Urban Networks Strategy. A significant focus is on attracting private and public sector investment, supporting priority municipalities to package and structure projects that draw private capital at scale, and engaging senior decision-makers to strengthen partnerships. Operations management duties include directing portfolio execution, supporting diversity strategies, building stakeholder synergies, and sustaining a high-performance culture. The Chief Director will also contribute to the IFISA pipeline by determining the value of projects originated, calculating projects packaged for funding, preparing projects for private sector funding, and concluding agreements with strategic partners through memoranda of understanding or agreements.

Applicants should note that this is an e-Recruitment process, and profiles must be fully completed to be considered. Shortlisted candidates, including SMS-level applicants, will undergo two pre-entry assessments: a practical exercise and an integrity assessment. The National Treasury prohibits the use of artificial intelligence in assessments without acknowledging sources, and such use may lead to disqualification. This role offers an opportunity to shape urban infrastructure delivery and drive transformative investment in South Africa’s townships.