Deputy Director: Knowledge Economy Support (Kes)

Requirements

Applicants must be in possession of NQF 7 Degree in Data Science/ Information Systems/ or Knowledge Management. 3-4 years’ experience on ASD level (Junior Management level) in the Public Service, with proven responsibility for managing projects in the science innovation space. Added advantage: demonstrated proven experience in at least two of the following domains: Economic development or science diplomacy initiatives, Data and Knowledge Management (including information systems, knowledge management or data analytics to support decision-making) or Stakeholder and intergovernmental coordination involving government, academia, industry and communities. Exposure to, or experience with, initiatives linked to the knowledge economy (e.g. SKA and Astronomy Geographic Advantage, digital innovation ecosystems, MSME innovation support, or similar programmes). Knowledge & Skills: Understanding of radio astronomy and knowledge of the SKA project, Management of relationships with internal and external stakeholders, Astronomy Geographic Advantage Act and regulatory frameworks. National development frameworks (e.g., NDP, STI White Papers), National System of Innovation (e.g. NACI, CPSI, RISP, TIA, CSIR), Software tools for data analysis, interpretation, and visualization. Provincial priorities (e.g., MTDF, Northern Cape Growth and Development Strategy), Supply chain policies e.g. PFMA Data analytics, Data interpretation, Data visualization, Technology Readiness Level, Information systems architecture, Knowledge Management, Advanced project lifecycle management, People/ Stakeholder management and engagement, Problem Solving, Change Management, Report Writing, Innovation orientation, Policy development, Research, Technical, Report Writing, Strategic planning, Leadership, Financial management.

Key Responsibilities

Develop/ design, implement and integrate data, and knowledge management systems within the department: Support the promotion of the knowledge economy and information society in the organization and the province. Developing software applications which also includes the management and maintenance thereof. Establish a centralized digital repository for institutional knowledge to ensure long-term retention and accessibility. Implementing Change management interventions with upskilling interventions in terms of systems/databases integration within the department. Stakeholder Engagement and Intergovernmental Coordination: Maintaining partnerships with government entities, academic institutions, and industry leaders to foster innovation and economic development. Engage with communities to ensure inclusive participation in SKA-related and other innovative projects. Attending and participating in national, provincial and local stakeholder forums. Maintain strategic partnerships with internal and external stakeholders, including government departments, public entities, communities, academic institutions and other industry leaders. Promoting, implementing and managing data science /innovation-related projects and/or strategies within the department: Promote the use of cutting-edge technologies, such as artificial intelligence, broadband connectivity, and big data analytics, in the Provincial and Departmental digital ecosystems to enhance decision-making and promote the digital economy in the province. Develop and implement project plans, performance indicators, and delivery timelines to ensure on-time, within-budget project execution. Provide operational leadership in the management, coordination, monitoring and evaluation of human resources and activities within the Knowledge Economy Support unit: Management of human resources including: Discipline management, Training and Development, PMDS, Attendance and leave management, General management in terms of Budget monitoring, Input, preparation, implementation, monitoring and reporting on Strategic/ Annual Performance/ Operational and HR Plan of the unit, Management of governance structures and systems, Utilisation and care of assets within the unit, Recordkeeping and reporting.

How to Apply

Enquiries

Mr. R. Grewan Tel No: (053) 839 4106 188 NORTHERN CAPE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH This Department is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, whose aim is to promote representivity in all levels of all occupational categories in the Department. CLOSING DATE : 12 June 2026

Notes

Applications must be submitted on the new prescribed application form Z83 of the Public Service Act, obtainable from any Public Service Department or any Public Service Administration website. Applicants are not required to submit copies of qualifications and other relevant documents on application but must submit a fully completed Z83 and a detailed/comprehensive Curriculum Vitae, indicating positions held, dates and key performance responsibilities. Only shortlisted candidates will be required to submit certified copies of their qualifications and relevant documents on or before the day of the interview proceedings following communication from the Human Resource Management Recruitment and Selection Unit. Failure to submit the requested documents or information will result in your application not being considered. The employment decision shall be informed by the Employment Equity Plan of the Northern Cape Department of Health. Should an applicant wish to apply for more than one post, separate applications must be submitted for all posts. If you have not been contacted within eight (8) weeks after the closing date of this advertisement, please accept that your application was unsuccessful. Suitable candidates will be subjected to a personnel suitability check (criminal record, residential address, qualification verification and employment verification). Where applicable, candidates will be subjected to a skills/knowledge test. The Department reserves the right not to make any appointment(s) to the above post. The successful candidate will be expected to sign a performance agreement. The Department of Health is an equal opportunity affirmative action employer. The employment decision shall be informed by the Employment Equity Plan of the Department. It is the Department’s intention to promote equity (race, gender and disability) through the filling of this post(s) with a candidate whose transfer / promotion / appointment will promote representavity in line with the numerical targets as contained in our Employment Equity Plan. For all SMS positions, the successful completion of the Public Service Senior Management Leadership Programme as endorsed by the National School of Government. The SMS Pre-Entry Certificate is required prior to appointment. For more details on the pre-entry course visit: https://www.thensg.gov.za/trainingcourse /sms-pre- entry-programme. MANAGEMENT ECHELON