About the Role
The Department of Small Business Development is seeking a Deputy Director: Cluster Programme Support to be based in Pretoria. This pivotal role is essential for fostering industrialisation and localisation strategies that directly contribute to the economic vitality of the South African community. As a Deputy Director, you will play a crucial role in the development and support of industrial clusters, ensuring that local businesses thrive and contribute to a sustainable economy. Your expertise will help drive collaboration among stakeholders, enhancing productivity, innovation, and competitiveness within the cluster framework.
In this position, you will mobilise funding, develop cluster models, and provide critical technical guidance to cluster participants. Your work will not only benefit local businesses but also strengthen the overall economic landscape of Pretoria and beyond. The impact of this role is significant, as it supports the government’s objectives in promoting local production capabilities, ultimately leading to job creation and community upliftment.
About the Department
The Department of Small Business Development is committed to facilitating the growth and sustainability of small enterprises in South Africa. Its mission revolves around creating an enabling environment for small businesses to thrive, ensuring they can compete effectively in both local and global markets. Working within this department provides a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the economy and contribute to the empowerment of local entrepreneurs and communities.
What You’ll Do
- Provide support for the development of clusters for various products and industries.
- Monitor and ensure that both financial and non-financial support is delivered to cluster members.
- Mobilise funding and oversee the appointment of cluster managers.
- Develop and implement effective cluster models and support mechanisms.
- Evaluate and report on cluster programme performance against strategic objectives.
- Promote localisation and strengthen local production capabilities.
- Conduct analyses to identify high-impact opportunities aligned with national priorities.
- Offer secretariat services to Technical and Adjudication Committees.
- Communicate regularly with stakeholders and provide feedback on programme implementation.
- Facilitate partnerships with government and private sector entities to support cluster growth.
- Provide advisory support and capacity building to cluster participants.
- Manage operations and resources of the sub-Directorate in accordance with relevant regulations.
What You’ll Need
- A Bachelor’s Degree (NQF level 7) in Economics, Entrepreneurship, Development Studies, or Business Management.
- At least 3 years of technical experience in value chain analysis and cluster environments at a supervisory or managerial level.
- Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Proven competencies in Programme and Project Management, Financial Management, and Service Delivery Innovation.
- Skills in research and industry analysis.
- Knowledge of industrialisation and localisation, as well as understanding the dynamics of industrial clusters.
- A valid B/EB Driver’s license and security clearance will be advantageous.
How to Apply
Candidates must submit applications to [email protected] and quote the reference number for the above position on the subject line when applying.
Requirements
A Bachelor’s Degree (NQF level 7) in Economics / Entrepreneurship / Development Studies or Business Management or equivalent / related as recognised by SAQA.3 years’ technical experience within the value chain analysis and clusters environment at a supervisory level / managerial (ASD) level.
Have proven competencies and skills in: Communication (verbal and written), Programme and Project Management, Financial Management, Service Delivery Innovation Client orientation and customer focus, Problem solving and analysis and Service Delivery Innovation.
Skills in research and industry analysis.
Knowledge of industrialisation and localisation, Thorough understanding of industrial clusters (for example, the importance of getting stakeholders to work together using the triple-helix approach) and Knowledge of Programme Management will be an added advantage.
B/EB Driver’s license and Security Clearance of Secret will be considered as additional.
Job Duties
Provide support for the development of clusters for each product or industry as identified in the localisation framework or any other government strategy promoting industrialisation and localisation.Monitor that non-financial and financial support as well as market linkages and other types of support are provided to the cluster member.
Mobilise funding and appointment of the cluster manager.
Develop and implement cluster models, frameworks and support mechanisms to enhance productivity, innovation and competitiveness.
Monitor, evaluate and report on cluster programme performance against APP targets and strategic objectives.
Promote localisation by strengthening local production capabilities and supplier development within clusters.
Conduct sub- sector and value chain analyses to identify high-impact cluster opportunities aligned with national priorities, while assessing industry value chains to 97 determine MSME entry points and meaningful participation through access to procurement opportunities.
Provide secretariat services to the Technical and Adjudication Committees.
Communicate with stakeholders and provide regular feedback in respect of programme implementation progress: Written draft general (basic to complex) correspondence such as response letters, emails, status reports, presentations, memos, and submissions.
Verbal: Give detailed/comprehensive/ in depth advice on procedural and technical related matters in respect of cluster programme support.
Facilitate partnerships with government, private sector and agencies to support cluster growth and sustainability.
Provide technical guidance, advisory support and capacity building to cluster participants.
Ensure effective stakeholder engagement, communication and coordination across programmes.
Manage the operations and resources of the sub-Directorate in line with the relevant prescripts.
EENQUIRIES : Enquiries for all advertised posts should be directed to the recruitment office on Tel No: (012) 394-5286/43097
