Assistant Director: Market Access Support – Pretoria – Department Of Small Business Development

Assistant Director: Market Access Support at the Department of Small Business Development in Pretoria, a key government job in South Africa

Published 3 September 2026
Closing Date Closed
Location
Type
Opportunity

About the Role

The Department of Small Business Development is seeking an Assistant Director: Market Access Support in Pretoria. This pivotal role is designed to foster the growth and success of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) by conducting essential research and feasibility assessments on various products and industries. In this position, you will play a critical part in identifying viable growth opportunities that contribute to the local economy and enhance market access for small enterprises. By focusing on digital commerce and sector performance, you will ensure that Pretoria’s MSMEs are positioned for success in a competitive market.

Your work will have a lasting impact on the community, helping local businesses thrive and create sustainable jobs. This role is not just about numbers and assessments; it’s about empowering entrepreneurs to reach their full potential. The insights and strategies you develop will lead to tangible change, connecting small enterprises with domestic markets and fostering a more inclusive economic landscape.

About the Department

The Department of Small Business Development is dedicated to promoting the growth and sustainability of small businesses across South Africa. With a mission to create an enabling environment for MSMEs, the department plays a vital role in supporting economic development, job creation, and innovation. Working here means being part of a transformative agenda that seeks to uplift communities and drive economic inclusion through entrepreneurship.

The department’s efforts focus on enhancing market access, providing guidance to small enterprises, and implementing initiatives that support local production and competitiveness. Joining this dynamic team means contributing to meaningful projects that have a direct impact on the lives of countless South Africans.

What You’ll Do

  • Conduct research on market requirements, trends, and digital commerce opportunities to identify growth and diversification strategies for MSMEs.
  • Provide tailored advice to small enterprises regarding market opportunities and marketing strategies.
  • Develop innovative methods to link small enterprises with domestic markets and enhance their competitiveness.
  • Support the implementation of systems and platforms that connect small businesses with market opportunities.
  • Design and execute initiatives aimed at local enterprise development, including leveraging digital technologies for improved market participation.
  • Draft comprehensive reports, presentations, and policy submissions, providing essential technical advice to stakeholders.
  • Contribute to awareness and capacity-building initiatives that promote MSME growth and participation in the digital economy.

What You’ll Need

  • A Bachelor’s Degree (NQF level 7) in Economics, Business Management, Development Studies, or a related field recognized by SAQA.
  • At least three years of experience in Enterprise Development, Supplier Development, or Market Access Support at a Functional Specialist level.
  • Strong understanding of market access principles and the MSME development ecosystem.
  • Knowledge of relevant legislation, including the Public Procurement Act and the National Small Enterprise Act.
  • Proven skills in project management, research, stakeholder engagement, and report writing.
  • Competency in using MS Office 365 packages and a valid driver’s license.

How to Apply

Please refer to the application instructions below.

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Requirements

A Bachelor’s Degree (NQF level 7) in Economics / Business Management / Development Studies / Development Finance/ Retail Business Management/ or equivalent / related as recognised by SAQA.

A minimum of three (3) years’ experience at a Functional Specialist level in Enterprise Development / Supplier Development / Market Access Support/ Value Chain Environment and related fields.

Knowledge of Market access and enterprise development principles, Sound knowledge of the Public Procurement Act, 2024 (Act No.

28 of 2024), Understanding of the National Small Enterprise Act and the MSME development ecosystem, knowledge of small enterprise development policies and programmes, understanding of the Preferential Procurement Framework, knowledge of government planning, monitoring and reporting frameworks, understanding of public sector governance and accountability frameworks and Knowledge of monitoring, evaluation and performance information management.

The candidate must possess the following skills and competencies: Project and programme management, Research, analysis and report writing, Stakeholder engagement and partnership management, Planning, organising and coordination, Communication and Presentation skills, Research, Statistical analysis.

Service Delivery Innovation, Client orientation and customer focus.

Additional requirements include computer literacy (MS Office 365 Packages), Post graduate qualification in Economics / Business Management / Development Studies / Development Finance/ Retail Business Management/ equivalent or related qualifications as recognised by SQA and a valid driver’s licence.

Job Duties

Conduct research and feasibility assessments on products, industries, market requirements, trends, digital commerce opportunities, and sector performance 68 to identify viable growth, diversification, value-addition, and new business opportunities for MSMEs.

Provide advice to small enterprises in respect of market opportunities, marketing information and market linkages.

Develop methods and models to link small enterprises to domestic markets.

Support the development and implementation of systems, platforms, and applications that connect small enterprises with market opportunities.

Design and implement localisation and digital enterprise development initiatives, including enterprise networks, digital technologies, and market participation systems, to enhance local production, productivity, competitiveness, and market access for small enterprises.

Draft correspondence, reports, presentations, and policy submissions; provide technical advice and stakeholder presentations; and support awareness and capacity-building initiatives to promote MSME growth, market access, and participation in the digital economy.

EENQUIRIES : Enquiries for all advertised posts should be directed to the recruitment office on Tel No: (012) 394-5286/43097

Salary

R487 197 per annum

How to Apply

The Department of Small Business Development is committed to the pursuit of diversity and redress. Candidates must submit applications to [email protected] and quote the reference number for the abovementioned position on the subject line (email) when applying, i.e. “REF NO: ASD MAS” For Enquiries: Enquiries for all advertised posts should be directed to the recruitment office on Tel No: (012) 394-5286/43097