DEPUTY DIRECTOR: CONSUMER PROTECTION (X2 POSTS)

This is a senior management position within the Consumer Affairs directorate of the Gauteng Department of Economic Development, offering two posts for Deputy Director: Consumer Protection. Based at Umnotho House in Johannesburg, the role is central to institutionalising consumer protection across the province. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing the development and implementation of plans, policies, legislative frameworks, procedures and systems that give effect to consumer protection mandates. This includes providing legal advice on legislative matters, conducting research and analysis on consumer protection issues, and producing trend analysis on unfair business practices in identified industries. The role also requires determining the causes of delays in investigated complaints, evaluating investigation reports, and deciding on appropriate action. The Deputy Director will manage the handling of consumer complaints by investigators, confirming or re-assessing their decisions, and will personally investigate and dispose of cases involving alleged unfair business practices. Escalated cases referred to the office must be attended to, and the post holder will draft and facilitate the issuing of summons and subpoenas against persons responsible for conduct prejudicial to consumers. Representation of consumers in the Consumer Affairs Court and presenting cases in the Consumer Court are core duties, alongside writing monthly statistical and narrative reports on cases, their status, evaluation and monetary value.

The role also has a strong intergovernmental and stakeholder dimension. The Deputy Director will engage with cluster departments in the province to leverage consumer protection initiatives, collaborate with the Communication Unit on public awareness, and liaise with provincial consumer protection and other regulatory authorities. This is intended to create an investor-friendly province through cohesive and structured consumer participation efforts. In addition, the post carries managerial responsibilities: allocating work, managing and motivating staff, providing budgetary inputs for the sub-directorate, and advising management on risk factors and mitigating strategies.

To be considered, applicants must hold a Law degree at NQF Level 7 as recognised by SAQA, together with four to five years of experience in litigation, investigation and court work. A valid driver's licence is essential. The post is graded at Level 11 with an all-inclusive remuneration package. As with senior management posts, shortlisted candidates will undergo a technical exercise and an interview, and up to three SMS candidates may be required to complete psychometric assessments covering cognitive abilities, behavioural preferences, emotional intelligence and integrity. All shortlisted candidates will also undertake pre-entry assessments, including a practical exercise and an integrity assessment, and successful candidates will be subject to security clearance, criminal record checks and verification of qualifications. Applications must be submitted using the prescribed Z83 form accompanied by a recently updated CV; only shortlisted candidates will need to bring certified copies of their qualifications, identity document and driver's licence. Correspondence is limited to shortlisted candidates, and those not contacted within three months of the closing date should consider their application unsuccessful.