SENIOR ADVISOR: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & INVESTMENT
Based in Eastern Cape (East London), Ref: 23/11/02
Cluster: Municipal Finance, Fiscal Policy & Revenue Enhancement
Remuneration package: A competitive salary package with benefits

ROLE OVERVIEW
Reporting to the Provincial Director of Operations, the incumbent shall facilitate the implementation of key National, Local Economic Development and Investment related programmes/ projects/interventions; and ensure timeous completion of it, within budgets. Provide advice, support and build institutional capacity in municipalities to drive economic growth and investments at local levels.

THE CANDIDATE PROFILE
Knowledge of the SALGA business and sustainability requirements
Sound understanding of policy and legislative frameworks in area of responsibility
Understanding of expense management principles and regulations
Understanding of project management principles
Sector Knowledge and a sound understanding of the policy, legislative and regulatory frameworks governing the sector; and in particular those applying to the LG Sector and SALGA
Staying abreast of new developments in the area or responsibility
Working Knowledge of SALGA Mandate, value chain, business model; and core business objectives
Working knowledge of the developments (globally and in South Africa) in the related professional disciplines reporting to the position
Working Knowledge of the LG Sector and the relevance of SALGA in the space
Regional and local economic planning

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
Relevant Post-graduate qualification at Hons level (Economic Development/ Development Management/ Economic or relevant field)
Valid Driver’s Licence
At least 7 years’ relevant experience of which at least 3 years have been at an equivalent level within a medium to large-sized organisation;
Demonstrates a sound understanding of the Local Government Sector
Sound track record in effectively managing complex and sensitive stakeholder engagements at all levels
Exposure in regional or local economic planning or investment promotion or project development

KEY PORTFOLIO AND PERFORMANCE FOCUS AREAS
Regional and Local Economic Development: Be a key repository of knowledge and information on local government and matters relating to the area of specialisation and support the strengthening of municipal profiles in the central repository. Conduct analysis on municipalities and provide guidance in respect of possible improvements. Under the guidance of sector specialists and management, provide ongoing analysis of the key challenges, needs and trends in Local Economic Growth and Investments, to ensure that local government strategies and programmes are appropriately implemented. Provide professional assistance to Municipalities in spatial and economic planning Under the guidance of the Director of Operations conduct and interpret research in area of specialisation and create a learning and sharing platform to improve municipal efficiency in area of specialisation.
Trade and Investment Promotion: Develop and implement programmes to support Municipalities in their efforts to attract, facilitate and retain investments. Identify and lobby for amendments of policies and bylaws that may stifle investments and business growth at local level. Develop and maintain a working partnership with entities involved in Trade and Investment promotion such as agencies ,SEZ and industrial hubs with an objective to improve investment climate and ease of doing business
 Representation at IGR & Other for a (lobbying and Advocacy): Promote the role of government in Economic Growth and Investments, Support the coordination of the linkages and alignment between national government policies and Economic Growth and Investments. Represent SALGA and municipalities at various IGR and other Fora to protect the interests of municipalities/ Sector; and to disrupt structural form, policy or legislative frameworks in a particular sector, where it hinders municipal performance. Understand the national and provincial governance structures of SALGA and the institutional structures of the Sector/ Professional discipline and key role players in the area of specialisation. Provide inputs to and develop content on a number of complex issues relevant to a SALGA position for mandating. Provide technical support and advice to the Chairs during working groups and facilitate implementation of resolutions.
 Support Advice and capacity building: Develop guidelines to assist municipalities in complying with applicable legislation and policies relating to Economic Growth and Investments. Facilitate the implementation of the capacity building strategy and associated programmes in municipalities. Facilitate training programmes/ peer learning sessions in the areas of focus/ professional discipline. Guide, support and provide professional advice to municipalities in the areas of focus/ professional discipline – refer issues of strategic importance to the Director of Operations. Provide hands-on support to strengthen municipal capacity/ improve programme implementation;
 Monitoring and Evaluation: Create a high-performance culture on all projects and report on progress against milestones. Maintain records as per SALGA policy and ensure that all project records are uploaded into the company knowledge management system; Prepare audit files for each project prior to audit. Support and Monitor the small business development and Economic Growth and Investments processes and value creation; Support the development and Implement monitoring and evaluation process to track the progress on implementation of policies, legislative compliance and programmatic implementation in municipalities;
 Programme / Project Management: Develop terms of reference for identified programmes. Ensure that projects are implemented against contract specification and payments are based on agreed milestone. Identify spin-off projects and opportunities from the programme. Implement appropriate project management methodologies and disciplines; and manage full project cycle on assigned projects including M & E. Plan and integrate programme roll-out to municipalities
 Stakeholder Management: Be a custodian and ensure implementation of national SALGA MOU’s and Partnership agreements at local level. Build partnerships with relevant stakeholders to ensure programme success and to increase SALGA’s capacity to make an impact. Create reports to communicate about the programme and provide updates for website. Ensure appropriate and timely communications with all stakeholders. Identify key role players to create a link to sustainability and handover of programmes, and implementation. Within the scope of area of accountability build and maintain relevant stakeholder relationships/ partnerships in the area of responsibility
 Sponsorship and fund Raising for projects: Ensure that all contracts for funding are in place and that the contracts include payment terms. Identify potential funders/ points for leverage during the programme conceptualization phase with the support of the sponsorship team, develop and present detailed project proposals and plans to funders for consideration (in alignment of the SALGA sponsorship Policy)
 Financial and expense monitoring: Actively save costs in the area of responsibility. Assist in the identification of potential revenue sources in area of responsibility (where applicable). Assist with the preparation of annual budgets and monitoring of the monthly expenditure in area of accountability. Monitor sponsorship payments according to the contract and track programme implementation against the budget. Participate in procurement committees as required and adhere to procurement requirements and deadlines for identified programmes
 Governance, Compliance and Risk Management: Develop and maintain programme risk register and ensure that mitigation steps are applied. Ensure compliance with organisational policies and procedures. Support the identification and mitigation of organisational and operational risks identified in the area of responsibility/ professional discipline. Uphold sound corporate governance principles in the day-to-day operation of the area of responsibility/ professional discipline. Assign values to risks in order to understand financial implications of risk
 Teamwork: Work as a multi-disciplinary and integrated team to find possible solutions to complex challenges in municipalities. Support organisational priorities and the implementation of resource mobilisation systems and processes. In line with the SALGA organisational culture, role model and educate peers and Advisors on the importance of alignment of personal and organisational values for improved performance. Support the Executive and Senior Management Team in building a high-performance culture in SALGA. Actively participate in the performance management and development processes in SALGA to drive high performance on an ongoing basis.

Suitably qualified and experienced candidates must submit a curriculum vitae in application for this position to the link below: CV SPACES

Closing Date: 10 November 2023 (Please quote the relevant reference number in the subject line)

NOTE: Communication will be limited to short-listed candidates only. SALGA reserves the right not to proceed with the appointment for any of the vacant position. All appointments will be made in line with the SALGA’S Employment Equity Plan.