Officer: Regional And Local Economic Development Coordination

What you will need

• Bachelor’s Degree (NQF 7) in Social Sciences, Economics, Development Finance, Commerce, Business Management, Business Administration, Local Economic Development, or an equivalent / related qualification as recognised by SAQA.
• A qualification with exposure to research methods, data analysis, public policy, entrepreneurship, MSME development or local economic development will be an added advantage.
• Job related knowledge: basic knowledge of the small business development ecosystem, including MSMEs, cooperatives and informal enterprises.
• Basic knowledge of Local Economic Development policy frameworks, Integrated Development Plans and the District Development Model.
• Basic understanding of enterprise development, development finance, business support instruments and referral mechanisms.
• Basic knowledge of research, data collection, monitoring, reporting and evidence-based decision-making.
• Awareness of digital information management, POPIA, ICT security and public sector administrative processes.
• Job related skills: Research and basic policy analysis.
• Data collection, validation, analysis and interpretation.
• Report writing, briefing notes and presentation preparation.
• Stakeholder engagement and coordination across national, provincial and local structures.
• Digital record 93 keeping, electronic document management and use of reporting systems.
• Basic project coordination, problem solving and service delivery innovation.
• Job competencies: Communication, including clear written submissions and verbal presentations.
• Data collection, accuracy, quality assurance and attention to detail.
• Basic project and programme coordination.
• Analytical thinking, problem solving and continuous improvement.
• Stakeholder engagement, coordination and service orientation.
• Digital record keeping, information management and responsible handling of data.
• Adaptability, learning orientation and service delivery innovation.
• Additional: Computer literacy, including MS Office packages, electronic document management, spreadsheets, presentation tools and digital collaboration platforms.
• Driver’s licence will be considered an added advantage.

Experience

Minimum of 1-year administrative, research, coordination or programme support experience in economic development, regional or local government, small business development, development finance, public sector or stakeholder coordination environment.

Skills and competencies

• Job related skills: Research and basic policy analysis.
• Job competencies: Communication, including clear written submissions and verbal presentations.

Key responsibilities

• Research and Data Support: Conduct desktop and primary research using digital research tools and data sources to support regional and local economic development initiatives.
• Capture, update and validate research data in electronic databases and digital repositories.
• Assist with basic data analysis and preparation of digital reports, summaries and presentations.
• Support the ongoing monitoring of trends, challenges and opportunities affecting MSMEs, cooperatives and local economies.
• Policy, Strategy and Programme Support: Contribute to the development and updating of digitally stored policies, standard operating procedures (SOPs), templates and guidelines.
• Maintain and update electronic knowledge repositories and databases related to local government, regional development and MSME support.
• Assist in ensuring that information is accurate, accessible and consistently stored across systems.
• Coordination of Business Support Services: Assist in coordinating access to financial and non - financial business support programmes using digital tracking tools and reporting systems.
• Support referrals and stakeholder interactions through email, online platforms and digital communication channels.
• Update records of support interventions and engagements on internal digital systems.
• Monitoring, Reporting and Information Management: Assist with the monitoring of programme implementation using standardised digital reporting templates.
• Compile progress reports, status updates and submissions using electronic systems.
• Ensure timely capturing and updating of implementation data to support performance reporting.
• Communication and Stakeholder Engagement: Draft correspondence, reports, presentations and submissions using digital tools and document management systems.
• Support virtual and hybrid meetings, workshops and stakeholder engagements, including: Electronic distribution of documents, Digital minute - taking and record keeping, Share approved information through electronic channels to support coordination and compliance.
• Administrative Support: Provide administrative support using digital workflows, including electronic filing and document management.
• Updating digital logs and registers.
• Scheduling meetings using online calendars.
• Support the business unit in reducing paper-based processes by adhering to digital -irst administrative practices.

Additional details

• Grade: Provincial

How to apply

• Enquiries: Enquiries for all advertised posts should be directed to the recruitment office
• Telephone: (012) 394-5286

Please note

• The Department of Small Business Development is committed to the pursuit of diversity and redress, and appointment will be in line with the DSBD EE Plan. 94