DEPUTY DIRECTOR: IDP COORDINATION

The Deputy Director: IDP Coordination post is a senior supervisory role located in Johannesburg, within the IDP Coordination directorate of the provincial cooperative governance department. The position is central to steering integrated development planning across the Gauteng City Region, working on behalf of the MEC for COGTA to ensure municipalities produce and implement credible, compliant Integrated Development Plans. The role operates at the intersection of local, provincial, and national planning priorities, making it a key link between municipal councils, sector departments, state-owned enterprises, and intergovernmental structures. It also carries responsibility for embedding the District Development Model into municipal and provincial plans, requiring strong coordination of the DDM One Plans across the region.

Candidates must hold a Matric certificate and an NQF Level 7 qualification in Town and Regional Planning, Development Studies, Development Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Public Management, or a related field recognised by SAQA. This must be coupled with three to five years of supervisory experience at ASD level, ideally gained at municipal, provincial, or national government, with a preference for exposure to Integrated Development Planning, intergovernmental planning, spatial planning, or a related discipline. The role demands a well-rounded set of competencies including leadership, analytical and research skills, facilitation and presentation ability, project management, assertiveness, computer proficiency, conflict resolution, networking, negotiation, teamwork, and the capacity to work independently. A valid driver’s licence is required.

The core duties revolve around facilitating and coordinating the development and implementation of credible IDPs in municipalities. This includes providing technical and strategic support, monitoring compliance with the Municipal Systems Act of 2000, and guiding the submission process of final IDPs to municipal councils for approval before they are forwarded to COGTA. The post holder will ensure that gazetted Gauteng Provincial Government projects are circulated and incorporated into municipal final IDPs, and that municipal IDPs align with the District Development Model. The role also involves conducting analysis of municipal process plans, facilitating the Provincial IDP Managers Forum, and aligning municipal IDPs with national and provincial priorities. This includes coordinating sectoral support, mobilising provincial and national departments to participate in municipal IDP processes, developing the Provincial IDP Analysis Framework, preparing EXCO submissions on IDP assessment findings, and representing the department at the National IDP Coordinators Forum. The development, implementation, and review of the Intergovernmental Planning Framework and the coordination of DDM One Plans across the Gauteng City Region are also central, along with participation in DDM IGR coordinating platforms. Management responsibilities cover human resources, staff leave via ESS, mid-year and final performance reviews, reporting on ad-hoc activities, preparing reports and minutes, participating in Bid Evaluation Committee sittings, and preparing service level agreements for approved projects.

Shortlisted candidates should be prepared for a rigorous selection process. All shortlisted applicants, including SMS members, must undergo two pre-entry assessments: a practical exercise and an integrity or ethical conduct assessment, both scored as additional interview criteria. Suitable candidates will also be subject to personnel suitability checks, including vetting, criminal record verification, citizenship, credit record, qualification verification, and employment verification. Foreign qualifications must be accompanied by a SAQA evaluation certificate. The department reserves the right not to fill the post or to use alternative recruitment processes. Successful candidates should also note that placement will depend on corridor coordination and departmental needs, meaning flexibility regarding assignment is essential.