MANAGER: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT: ZWELINTLANGA FATMAN MGCAWU DISTRICT

This managerial position is based at the District Office in Upington and operates within the Zweltlanga Fatman Mgcawu District, where the successful candidate will lead the community development unit or sub-directorate. The role is a senior post within the public service and is graded according to the Occupation Specific Dispensation, meaning it carries a structured salary progression. The core purpose is to drive integrated development interventions that respond to the needs of communities, working collaboratively with community members and a range of stakeholders while making efficient and effective use of human, financial and physical resources.

Applicants must hold an appropriate NQF Level 7 Bachelor’s Degree in Community Development, Development Studies or Social Science, and must possess a valid motor vehicle driver’s licence. A minimum of ten years of relevant experience in community development is required after obtaining the qualification, and at least five of those years must be at supervisory or middle management level. The role demands a broad set of competencies, including strong communication and report writing skills, facilitation, coordination, liaison and networking abilities. Interpersonal skills, leadership, analytical thinking, diplomacy, change and knowledge management, planning and organisation, people and financial management, problem solving, time management, strategic planning and policy analysis are all essential to succeed in this position.

The duties are wide-ranging and strategic. The manager will identify, facilitate and implement development interventions in partnership with communities and stakeholders, ensuring resources are used economically and effectively. A significant part of the work involves monitoring, interpreting and reviewing legislation and policies to assess their relevance and compliance with current requirements. Where necessary, the role includes developing proposals to amend existing acts and policies or drafting new policies. The manager is also responsible for overseeing the community development unit or sub-directorate, ensuring high-quality service delivery through proper management of staff, budgets and physical assets. Staying abreast of new developments in community development and management is essential to improve service delivery, and the post also requires planning and undertaking research, including complex community development research.

Shortlisted candidates will undergo two pre-entry assessments: one practical exercise and one integrity or ethical conduct assessment. They will also be required to submit certified copies of qualifications, identification and driver’s licence, and social service professionals must provide proof of registration with the South African Council for Social Service Professions and a certificate of service for recognition of prior experience. Foreign qualifications must be evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority. All shortlisted candidates will be subjected to a technical exercise, personnel suitability checks such as criminal record and qualification verification, and security clearance. Successful appointees will serve a twelve-month probation period. Misrepresentation in application documents leads to automatic disqualification, and the department reserves the right not to make an appointment. If candidates do not hear from the department within three months of the closing date, they should assume their application was unsuccessful. Interviews will be held at the provincial office in Kimberley.