The HDA has the following Fixed term contract position ending 31 March 2028:

PROJECT MANAGER: TOWN PLANNER
Location: Head Office – Johannesburg (Greater Alexandra Development - GADA)
Reporting Line: Development Manager
Ref: HDA PMTP009
Main Purpose: To identify, assess and research appropriate land for the HDA and manage the ensuing land use management processes, and projects feasibility studies and packaging.

Key Performance Areas:
1. Land and Property Identification
• Implement systems, policies and procedures for addressing all potential land and property opportunities
• Identify appropriate land and properties for the HDA
Research opportunities related to land
Identify suitable land for acquisition
Assess land in line with the HDA criteria and strategy
Develop comprehensive feasibility assessment of the land
Make recommendations on appropriateness of land
• Engage with stakeholder’s around pre-identified land
Research development potential/ viability
Assess the land in line with the HDA criteria and strategy
Develop comprehensive feasibility assessment of the land
Make recommendations on appropriateness of land
• Engage with stakeholders with property opportunities
Research the viability of the land and the proposed property opportunity
Assess the opportunity in line with the HDA criteria and strategy
Develop comprehensive feasibility assessment of the land
Make recommendations on appropriateness of land

2. Land Suitability Assessment
• Assess land potential in terms of the approved pre-acquisition feasibility model in relation to geo-physical parameters
• Implement the pre-acquisition feasibility model for all potential land transactions
• Undertake land suitability assessment and identification within the scope of sustainable human settlements development
• Develop and maintain periodic registers on land suitable for human settlements development
• Develop reports with recommendations detailing the outcome of the assessments and feasibilities

3. Town planning policy and guidelines
• Review previous policies or guidelines with regard to town planning issues
• Provide input in the drafting of policies/guidelines with regard to town planning issues (dwellings, churches, rezoning, subdivision, home enterprises, guest houses, pre-schools etc.)
• Keep abreast with building control legislative requirements impacting on land use planning, conduct investigations into best practices and determine the appropriateness of specific legal procedures for implementation
• Consult with other municipalities and town planning consultants with regard to existing and new policies and guidelines
• Distribute approved new policy or a guideline document to HDA for final approval after Portfolio meeting
• Advise and provide guidance to the public, applicants and contractors regarding land use issues affecting the approval of building plans (height restrictions, building lines, etc.)
• Provide land use planning comments on building plans referring specifically to the zoning scheme regulations, architectural guidelines, and appropriate planning legislation

4. Land use and developmental applications
• Receive applications, verify the correct land use of properties in terms of the zoning scheme and issue zoning certificates confirming existing zoning rights
• Advise applicants and consultants regarding application procedures and town planning issues affecting the decision-making process (public representations, etc.)
• Process applications in terms of laid down guidelines and procedures (advertising for public comments, obtaining views from interested/affected parties, etc.)
• Assess applications (rezoning, subdivision, departure, consent use, street and open spaces closures, trade- and liquor licenses, removal of title deed restrictions, etc.) for compliance with specific town planning regulations, environmental and related legislation and/or input from internal/external commentators
• Coordinate and follow-up on the administrative process (compilation of notices and advertisements, etc.) including obtaining the necessary comment from internal and external departments
• Undertake need and desirability assessments, site inspections and investigate the development history of sites
• Compile reports motivating recommendations on the assessment of applications and appropriate requirements and conditions of approval for specific applications
• Interact with appropriate authorities in respect of specific applications, making available information and guidelines in determining the outcome of the applications

5. Manage future planning initiatives
• Facilitate future planning to the advantage of the entire population of the area in contexts of a sensitive bio-physical environment
• Manage all aspects relating to spatial forward planning within the area of jurisdiction like identifying forward planning projects
• Draft and manage the budget for the projects and source external funding
• Draft the terms of reference for forward planning projects and appoint consultants in line with the approved budget
• Manage the projects and monitor that specifications and timelines are adhered to
• Appoint and manage consultants to prepare forward planning documentation e.g., Spatial Development Framework, Sectorial Plans, Structure Plans, Development Plans, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Environmental Management/Conservation (coastal/estuaries) and cultural Conservation
• Draft policies and by-laws as well as zoning scheme regulations in collaboration with consultants for approval by HDA

6. Stakeholder relations
• Participate in various meetings (internal and external forums, applicants, objectors, etc.) and provide comments/opinions on matters affecting or concerning the functionality
• Collaborate with external departments/professions on complex issues related to land use planning and related principles (environment, agriculture, etc.) with a view to aligning internal processes
• Attend meetings with project managers, developers, attorneys, and other stakeholders

7. Qualifications & Experience
• A relevant degree, Urban Development and/or Town and Regional Planning is required
• Experience in GIS or related spatial information systems is required
• A minimum of 6 years’ experience in the built environment is required
• Experience in the human settlement’s environment will be an added advantage
• Be prepared, willing and able to travel extensively, a code 8 (B) drivers’ license is essential

Remuneration Scale: R807 700 to R1 050 000 per annum (all-inclusive package)

Closing date for applications is 09 July 2023.

To submit your application, please send an email HDARecruitRegGADA@thehda.co.za

When submitting your application for a position, please adhere to the following:
1. CVs received after the closing date will NOT be considered.
2. The Job Title and Reference number for the relevant position must appear in the subject line of your application.
3. The CV must be in PDF format.
4. Copies of all qualifications must be provided.
5. Copies of identity document must be provided.
6. Two contactable references.

Kindly take note if you have not been contacted within twenty-one (21) working days of the closing date; please consider your application unsuccessful. Should you not comply with the above requirements your application will NOT be considered.

Conditions of service: ● The HDA is an equal opportunity employer ● Appointments will be made in accordance with the HDA Employment Equity policy and priority given to people living with disabilities and females ● The HDA reserves the right not to make an appointment.
We thank all applicants for their interest.

Communication will be conducted with short-listed applicants only.