DIRECTOR: STRATEGY, PLANNING AND MONITORING

This position is a senior leadership role within the South African government, tasked with steering the strategic direction of the department. As the Director of Strategy, Planning and Monitoring, you will be responsible for ensuring that the department’s plans and performance align with national government frameworks, including the Medium Term Development Plan, the State of the Nation Address priorities, and the Sustainable Development Goals. The role sits in Pretoria and is graded as a senior management service (SMS) position at Level 13, requiring a blend of strategic thinking, operational oversight, and policy implementation. You will act as the bridge between high-level government imperatives and the department’s practical planning, ensuring compliance with prescripts while also managing a directorate and its resources.

To be considered, candidates must possess a Grade 12 certificate combined with a degree at NQF level 7 in Business Management, Business Administration, Bachelor of Commerce, or Public Management. At least five years of experience at a middle or senior management level, specifically as a Deputy Director within a strategic management environment, is essential. A thorough working knowledge of the South African Constitution, the Public Finance Management Act and its regulations, the Public Service Act, and other relevant legislation is required. Strong communication skills are critical, as the role involves engaging with all levels of management. Candidates must also be willing to work extended hours, travel as needed, and hold a valid driver's licence. The successful applicant will need to complete the SMS Pre-Entry Programme (Nyukela) offered by the National School of Government, as this is a mandatory requirement for senior management appointments.

The core duties cover the entire strategic planning cycle. This includes developing frameworks for strategic planning that align with government-wide prescripts, such as the DPME framework for Strategic Plans and Annual Performance Plans, and the Framework for Managing Programme Performance Information. You will facilitate the development of the departmental Strategic Plan and ensure that Annual Performance Plan indicators are aligned with strategic outcomes. This involves running consultation processes with branches and business units, developing performance indicators, and identifying integration points across outcomes. You will also coordinate the development of Annual Operational Plans, providing technical support so that managers can set achievable outputs. Another key responsibility is the coordination of a Service Delivery Improvement Plan, which includes conducting workshops, identifying services requiring improvement, presenting findings to executive committees, and monitoring implementation. In addition, the role involves monitoring and evaluating performance information, coordinating monthly and quarterly reporting, and compiling the department’s annual report, as well as mid-term and end-term reports for approval and tabling. As a manager, you will also develop the directorate's operational plan, allocate resources, manage the budget, and ensure compliance with all applicable policies and statutory directives.

There are special conditions attached to the application process. Applicants must submit a fully completed and signed new Z83 form along with a CV, combined into a single PDF attachment, and must correctly indicate the job title and reference number in the email subject line. Certified copies of qualifications will only be required from shortlisted candidates. Late submissions, faxed applications, or the use of an outdated Z83 form will result in disqualification, and correspondence will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. This role offers a demanding but highly influential position for a seasoned strategic planner ready to shape departmental performance at the highest level.