DIRECTOR: TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE GOVERNANCE

This permanent senior management position, based in Pretoria’s Hatfield area, offers the opportunity to lead the development of South Africa’s digital innovation and artificial intelligence agenda within the public sector. The Director is responsible for creating an enabling digital environment, policy framework and innovative strategic reforms that govern technology innovation, research and AI governance, operating at the intersection of technology policy, entrepreneurship and economic growth. The overarching goal is to use emerging technologies to transform government services and stimulate the broader digital economy, with the incumbent driving the development of AI policies and strategies, supporting ICT innovation, and ensuring that technology adoption aligns with national objectives and international best practice.

Applications for this level 13 post require an appropriate NQF Level 7 qualification in ICT, Computer Science, Information Systems, Digital Transformation, Engineering, Innovation Management or a relevant equivalent. Candidates must have at least five years’ experience at middle or senior management level in leading digital transformation, technology adoption or innovation ecosystem development. A postgraduate qualification at NQF Level 8 or above in Digital Economy Studies, Technology Management or Public Sector Innovation is a strong added advantage. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strategic capability and leadership, people management, programme and project management, financial management, change management and problem-solving skills, alongside a client-focused communication style. Knowledge of emerging technology integration, IoT, cloud computing, big data analytics, Fourth Industrial Revolution initiatives, AI governance, technology policy, and innovation procurement is essential.

The duties of the role are extensive and strategic. The Director will research and analyse emerging technologies, market trends and industry practices to inform policy and investment decisions, with a particular focus on high-tech manufacturing and related industries. This includes investing in research and development, establishing financing and start-up support schemes, and facilitating access to venture capital, grants, blended finance and public-private partnerships. The role also involves managing intellectual property and technology transfer processes to commercialise government-supported innovation, as well as identifying disruptive technologies, assessing their potential risks and developing mitigation strategies. The Director will foster a culture of experimentation and creativity within society by supporting ICT initiatives, incubation and entrepreneur development.

The post also requires active development of innovation ecosystems, guiding enterprises from research through prototyping, funding, commercialisation and market scaling. The Director must build and sustain partnerships with multinational technology companies, universities, research institutions and international organisations, mobilising resources to convert these relationships into sustainable programmes. A further key area involves monitoring global technology policy developments within institutions such as the ITU, the United Nations, the G20, BRICS and the African Union, and translating these into South African policy responses. The successful candidate will conduct Socio-economic Impact Assessment System analyses, design an AI governance framework that ensures ethical and responsible use, and support the establishment of AI institutes, hubs and centres of excellence. Contributing to strategic leadership, human and financial resource management, and operational compliance rounds out this demanding but rewarding directorship.