COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT POLICY MANAGER: SUSTAINABLE LIVELIHOODS

This position, based at the Provincial Office in Kimberley, is a senior management role within the community development sphere, tasked with leading a policy unit dedicated to sustainable livelihoods. The successful candidate will operate at a strategic level, shaping the department’s approach to community development by ensuring that legislative frameworks, policies, and procedures are not only developed but also aligned with current best practice. The role requires a blend of policy expertise, operational leadership, and community engagement, with the overarching goal of facilitating integrated development interventions that are implemented in partnership with communities and other relevant stakeholders. As a manager, the incumbent will be responsible for the efficient, effective, and economical use of resources within the unit, ensuring that all activities contribute meaningfully to the department’s broader mandate.

To be considered, applicants must hold an appropriate NQF Level 7 Bachelor’s Degree in Community Development, Development Studies, or Social Science, alongside a valid motor vehicle driver’s licence. The required experience is substantial: a minimum of ten years of appropriate and recognisable experience in community development, obtained after completing the qualification, of which at least five years must be at a supervisory or middle management level. Beyond these formal requirements, the role demands a comprehensive skill set including strong communication and report writing, facilitation, co-ordination, liaison, networking, and interpersonal skills. Leadership and analytical abilities are essential, as are diplomacy, change and knowledge management, planning and organisation, people management, financial management, problem-solving, time management, and the capacity to work as a team player. The role also requires strategic planning and a solid grounding in policy analysis and development.

The core duties are multifaceted. The manager will identify, facilitate, and implement integrated development interventions with communities and stakeholders, while also managing the community development policy unit to ensure legislative and procedural frameworks are in place. This includes developing policies for rendering community development services, staying abreast of new developments in both community development and management, and planning and overseeing community development policy research. Importantly, the role also involves undertaking complex community development research directly, requiring a hands-on approach to evidence-based policy formulation.

Several special conditions and expectations apply. This is an OSD-graded position, and successful candidates will be appointed on a probation period of twelve months. All shortlisted candidates, including those at SMS level, will be required to undertake two pre-entry assessments: a practical exercise and an Integrity (Ethical Conduct) Assessment, with technical exercises scored as an additional criterion during interviews. Shortlisted applicants will also need to submit certified copies of qualifications, identity documents, and driver’s licences, and for Social Service Professionals, proof of registration with the South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP) as well as a certificate of service to verify previous experience. Foreign qualifications must be evaluated by the South African Qualification Authority (SAQA), and all appointments are subject to a personnel suitability check, including criminal record, citizenship, qualification, and employment verification, as well as security clearance. The department reserves the right not to make an appointment, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Interviews will be conducted at the Provincial Office in Kimberley, and applicants should note that only online applications via the specified channel are accepted, with technical support available during working hours.