Director: Provincial Spatial Information

Requirements

An appropriate qualification at NQF level 7 as recognised by SAQA. A minimum of 5 years’ experience at a middle/senior managerial level. Successful completion of the Certificate for entry into the SMS (Senior Management Service) prior to appointment: The nominated candidate will be required to complete the Senior Management Pre-entry Programme (Nyukela) before the candidate can be appointed into this post. Competencies: Knowledge of the following: Proven senior management expertise and practical experience in: Legislation and Governance: Deep understanding of modern systems of governance and public administration, including a thorough understanding of the constitutional, legal and institutional frameworks governing the South African public sector, and the application thereof in the Western Cape Government spatial information priorities. Regulatory Frameworks: The Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), National and Provincial Treasury Regulations, Labour Relations legislation, and related financial prescripts, directives and collective agreements, with demonstrated ability to ensure compliance, risk management, and sound governance and Data Governance Frameworks Strategic Management: Policy development, strategic planning, monitoring, and evaluation and review of processes aligned with provincial priorities and government outcomes. Financial Management: Public finance 249 management, procurement and tendering processes, and human resource and discourse management. People and Performance Management: Comprehensive experience in human resource management, team leadership and performance systems to drive accountability and results. Operational Systems: Public service procedures, performance management systems, and information and knowledge management systems, enabling efficient operations, evidence-based decision-making and continuous improvement. Programme and Project Management: End-to-end programme and project management, including planning, implementation, oversight, reporting and risk mitigation to achieve strategic and operational targets. Contextual Awareness: Strong understanding of global, regional and local political, socio-economic and political dynamics, impacting the functioning of Western Cape and activities of provincial government departments, translating insights into informed strategic advice. Service Delivery and Innovation: Skilled in operational, spatial, and knowledge management systems supporting evidence-based decision-making, efficient operations, and continuous improvement. Skills in the following: Effective communication skills. GIS and Spatial Data Management skills. Strong analytical skills. Spatial Data Governance skills. Strong ability to conceptualise, formulate and demonstrate thought leadership in complex applications. Persuasion and influencing abilities. Leadership, team-building and interpersonal skills. Planning, organising, and people management skills. Proven ability to multi-task, manage ambiguity, and perform efficiently in rapidly changing environments.

Key Responsibilities

Line Management: Strategic management, advice and leadership in respect of the following functional areas: Develop, implement, and oversee a provincial spatial analysis and Geographical Information Systems (GIS) framework, including provincial norms, standards, and harmonised spatial analysis standards and procedures. Facilitate the integration and alignment of spatial data analysis to support policy development, planning, and decision-making in line with provincial strategic imperatives. Drive advocacy, capacity building, and transversal GIS support to strengthen spatial analysis capabilities across the province. Spearhead strategic partnerships and collaboration with stakeholders across national government, local authorities, and private-sector data users and producers to harmonise spatial data analysis and product development to drive innovation. Strategic Management (including change management): Define, review and drive the purpose, objectives, priorities and activities of the Directorate including the development and management of its strategic and business plans. Evaluate and report on the Directorate’s performance against pre-determined objectives and standards, providing regular updates to the Chief Director on important operational matters. Monitor and ensure compliance with relevant legislation and prescripts regarding record keeping of the Directorate’s activities and the resources (people, finances and assets) employed. Foster and promote a culture of innovation within the Directorate, and the Department, while diligently performing all assigned duties attached to the post. People Management and Empowerment: Recruit, develop, and retain staff in appropriate numbers and grades to achieve the Directorate’s objectives. Motivate, train, and guide employees to achieve excellence in service delivery. Manage performance, evaluation, and development of staff. Oversee workforce planning, capacity building, and service delivery improvement initiatives. Promote sound labour relations and maintain discipline within the Directorate. Financial Management: Manage participation in the Directorate budgeting process, including Annual and Adjustment Budgets. Assume accountability for efficient, economic, and effective management of the Directorate’s budget and expenditure. Ensure adherence to procurement, tender, and contract management requirements. Ensure alignment of expenditure with departmental and strategic objectives. Report on financial matters to the Chief Director and relevant oversight structures. Ensure appropriate risk management controls, asset management, and record-keeping are in place and adhered to.

How to Apply

Enquiries

Notes

All shortlisted candidates must make themselves available to be interviewed at a date, time and place as decided by the selection panel. Please ensure that you submit your application on or before the closing date as no late applications will be considered. The selection process will be guided by the EE targets of the employing department. Kindly note that technical support is only available from Monday to Friday from 8:00 to 16.00. Should you experience any difficulties with your online application you may contact the helpline at 0861 250 370 214. All shortlisted candidates will be subjected to a technical exercise that intends to test relevant technical elements of the job, the logistics of which will be communicated by the Department. Following the interview and technical exercise, the selection panel will recommend candidates to attend a generic managerial competency assessment (in compliance with the DPSA directive on the implementation of competency-based assessments). The competency assessment will be testing generic managerial competencies using the mandated DPSA SMS Competency Assessment tools. The nominated candidate will be required to complete the Senior Management Pre-Entry Programme before they may be appointed into this post. The purpose of the Senior Management Pre-Entry Programme, which is a public service specific training programme applicable to all applicants who aspire to join the SMS, is to ensure that potential SMS members have a background on processes and procedures linked to the SMS. The duration of the online Pre-Entry Programme is 120 notional hours (15 days). Full details may be sourced by the following link: https://www.thensg.gov.za/training-course/sms-preentryprogramme/ Furthermore, thanks to the huge public interest we receive many applications for our positions, and as such will not be able to respond personally to all applications. Therefore, should you not hear from us within 10 weeks from close of advert please consider your application unsuccessful. All shortlisted candidates, including SMS shall undertake two pre-entry assessments. One will be a practical exercise to determine a candidate’s suitability based on the post’s technical and generic requirements and the other must be an integrity (ethical conduct) assessment. OTHER POSTS