Chief Director: Economic Empowerment And Transformation – Johannesburg – Department Of Economic Development And Tourism

Chief Director: Economic Empowerment and Transformation at the Department of Economic Development and Tourism in Johannesburg, a vital government job in South Africa

Published 4 November 2026
Closing Date 16 November 2026
Location
Type
Opportunity

About the Role

The Department of Economic Development and Tourism is seeking a Chief Director: Economic Empowerment and Transformation based in Umnotho House, Johannesburg. This pivotal role focuses on developing and implementing strategic plans that foster economic empowerment and transformation across South Africa. By promoting inclusive economic growth and identifying barriers faced by historically disadvantaged groups, this position plays a crucial part in uplifting communities and driving sustainable development.

In an ever-evolving economic landscape, the Chief Director will spearhead initiatives that enhance entrepreneurship and create job opportunities, particularly for marginalised demographics. The impact of this role resonates deeply within the community, as it directly correlates with improving socio-economic conditions and providing equitable access to resources and markets.

About the Department

The Department of Economic Development and Tourism is tasked with creating an enabling environment for economic growth and development in South Africa. It aims to foster inclusive economic practices that empower previously disadvantaged communities. Working within this department means contributing to a mission that prioritizes economic justice and transformation for all citizens, making a meaningful impact on society.

What You’ll Do

  • Lead the development and implementation of strategic economic empowerment policies.
  • Oversee initiatives aimed at promoting inclusive economic growth and entrepreneurship.
  • Evaluate barriers to economic empowerment faced by historically disadvantaged groups.
  • Foster partnerships with private enterprises and NGOs for skills development opportunities.
  • Assess the impact of empowerment programmes on socio-economic conditions.
  • Advocate for policies that support economic upliftment of marginalised communities.
  • Collaborate with educational institutions to align training with market needs.
  • Develop a roadmap for targeted programmes focused on industry and economic transformation.
  • Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of initiatives to drive economic transformation.
  • Manage resources and funding allocation to support various empowerment programs.

What You’ll Need

  • NQF Level 7 qualification in Economics, Development Studies, Public Policy, Public Administration, or Business Administration.
  • A postgraduate qualification is advantageous.
  • Nyukela Certificate for entry into SMS (Senior Management Service) from the National School of Government (required prior to appointment).
  • A minimum of 5 years’ experience at a senior management level in an Economic Empowerment and Transformation environment.
  • Valid Code 8 or 10 driver’s license.

How to Apply

Please forward your application, quoting the relevant reference number, to the link quoted in the specific advertisement below.

Requirements

NQF level 7 qualification in Economics/Development Studies / Public Policy / Public Administration/ Business Administration.

A postgraduate qualification will be an added advantage Nyukela Certificate for entry into SMS (Senior Management Service) from the National School of Government submitted prior to appointment.

A minimum of 5 years’ experience at senior management level in Economic Empowerment and Transformation environment.

Code 8/10.

Job Duties

Lead the development and implementation of strategic plans for economic empowerment and transformation.

Oversee the formulation of policies that support inclusive economic growth and monitor their effectiveness.

Evaluate and identify barriers to economic empowerment faced by historically disadvantaged groups.

Support the implementation of policies and initiatives to promote entrepreneurship and economic inclusion among groups.

Guide the development of partnerships with private enterprises and NGOs to create opportunities for skills development and capacity-building.

Assess the impact of empowerment programmes on improving socio-economic conditions.

Advocate for policies and regulations that support the economic upliftment of marginalised communities.

Collaborate with educational institutions to create pathways for education and training for underrepresented groups.

Engage with government officials, community leaders and stakeholders to ensure programmes are culturally sensitive and inclusive.

Develop a strategic roadmap for targeted programmes aimed at industry development and economic transformation.

Allocate resources and funding to support the implementation of the programs across key sectors.

Collaborate with industry leaders to identify growth opportunities and address bottlenecks hindering transformation.

Monitor program implementation to ensure alignment with transformation objectives and desired outcomes.

Evaluate the effectiveness of industry-focused initiatives in driving economic transformation.

Facilitate access to markets and investment opportunities for emerging businesses from historically marginalised backgrounds.

Conduct regular assessments to measure the impact of the programs on industry growth and transformation.

Guide the implementation of programmes to promote industrial development, transformation of industries and to enhance competitiveness.

Manage the 211 development and implementation of mechanisms to monitor equity ownership by previously disadvantaged groups as well as compliance and enforcement of BBBEE codes.

Assess the implementation of BBBEE and local production and content compliance.

Provide advisory services regarding various transformation charters.

Lead the development of strategies to bridge the gap between job seekers and employment opportunities, especially for marginalised groups.

Establish partnerships with public and private entities to create job placement programs.

Manage and guide the designing of initiatives to support entrepreneurship as a means of job creation and economic participation.

Monitor labour market trends and analyse data to identify areas with high potential for job creation.

Collaborate with educational institutions to align curricula with market demands and promote skills development for employability.

Oversee mentorship and coaching programs to prepare individuals for employment or entrepreneurship.

Advocate for inclusive hiring practices within businesses and organisations.

Build and maintain partnerships with public and private sector entities.

Facilitate dialogue and cooperation among stakeholders to advance inclusive economic growth, transformation and empowerment.

Provide expert advice to government and relevant stakeholders on inclusive economic growth, transformation and empowerment.

Represent the department in forums and committees related to inclusive economic growth, transformation and empowerment.

Perform strategic and operational planning.

Oversee the administrative support functions.

Perform people management functions.

Perform financial management functions.

Perform asset management functions.

Salary

R1 554 696 per annum (Level 14), all-inclusive package

How to Apply

Please forward your application, quoting the relevant reference number, to the link quoted in the specific advertisement below. This link requires applicants to use a Google account. Applications must be submitted with two (2) attachments: 1. A Z83 Form (2021 version), obtainable from the DPSA website (Z83 editable) and 2. A recently updated comprehensive Curriculum Vitae. If either or all of these two attachments are not submitted, the applicant’s application will be disqualified. Each post advert must be accompanied by its own application form for employment and must be fully completed, initialed, dated and signed by the applicant. For Enquiries: Siphiwe Nhlapho/Lebohang Molefe at 066 196 6890/079 803 5373