DEPUTYDIRECTOR–YOUTHDEVELOPMENT

This is a senior management post within the Chief Directorate: Community Development, based at the Provincial Office in Mahikeng. The Deputy Director for Youth Development is responsible for shaping, coordinating and overseeing the department’s strategic interventions aimed at empowering young people. The role operates at a leadership level, requiring a combination of policy insight, programme management, financial acumen and people management to ensure youth development initiatives are effectively planned, implemented and monitored. The position is graded as an all-inclusive remuneration package at Level 11, which reflects the seniority and scope of responsibility involved.

To be considered, candidates must hold a Grade 12 certificate as well as an Advanced Diploma or Bachelor’s Degree at NQF Level 7, recognised by SAQA, in Youth Development, Community Development, Public Administration or Public Management. In addition, applicants need between three and five years of proven experience in the relevant field, with at least three of those years at Junior Management Level. A valid driver’s licence is also required. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a broad range of knowledge, including management principles, service delivery innovation, problem-solving and analysis, client orientation and customer focus, communication, strategic capacity and leadership, people management and empowerment, financial management, change management, and programme and project management. A thorough understanding of corporate services management within the public service is essential, as is an in-depth knowledge and insight into all applicable policy frameworks governing the public sector and the social development environment.

The role demands a strong set of competencies. Strategic capability and leadership skills are central, along with programme and project management abilities, change management, problem-solving and conflict management skills. Candidates should also possess strong presentation skills, people management and empowerment skills, client orientation, customer focus and communication skills. Honesty and integrity, knowledge management, networking and computer skills are equally important. The successful candidate will be expected to operate with a high degree of professionalism, building relationships with youth organisations and stakeholders while ensuring that departmental objectives are met.

Key responsibilities include developing and managing youth development and empowerment strategies and programmes, monitoring the implementation of special programmes for youth development, and providing project management support to youth organisations. The Deputy Director will also be tasked with facilitating the transformation of residential care services, ensuring that these services align with broader developmental and legislative requirements. Additionally, the post carries responsibility for managing the youth development budget as well as the human and other resources allocated to the unit, making sound financial and administrative oversight a critical part of the role. This is a demanding but impactful position for a leader committed to advancing youth development and social transformation in the province.