About the Role
The Department of Economic Development and Tourism is seeking a skilled Deputy Director: Consumer Protection to join their team at Umnotho House in Johannesburg. This pivotal role is essential to the safeguarding of consumer rights, ensuring that the community is protected against unfair business practices. By managing the development and implementation of policies, legislative frameworks, and consumer protection systems, you will play a critical part in fostering a fair and honest marketplace in South Africa.
In this position, you will be actively involved in addressing consumer complaints, conducting research and analysis, and collaborating with various stakeholders to create a more investor-friendly province. Your contributions will not only benefit individual consumers but will also enhance the overall economic landscape by promoting ethical business conduct.
About the Department
The Department of Economic Development and Tourism is committed to advancing the economic interests of the province while ensuring consumer rights are upheld. Their mission includes creating an environment where businesses thrive, and consumers are protected from exploitation. Working within this department means you will be part of a dedicated team focused on making a tangible difference in the lives of South Africans through advocacy, policy development, and public engagement.
What You’ll Do
- Manage the development and implementation of consumer protection plans and policies.
- Provide expert advice on legislative matters related to consumer protection.
- Conduct research and analysis on consumer protection issues and unfair business practices.
- Oversee the handling of consumer complaints and evaluate investigation reports.
- Represent consumers in the Consumer Affairs Court and present cases effectively.
- Draft and issue summons and subpoenas for individuals involved in unfair business practices.
- Collaborate with other provincial departments to enhance consumer protection initiatives.
- Prepare and submit regular reports detailing case statistics and evaluations.
- Manage staff performance and develop a motivated team within the sub-directorate.
- Provide inputs for budgetary planning and advise management on risk factors.
What You’ll Need
- A Degree (NQF Level 7) in Law recognized by SAQA.
- 4 to 5 years of experience in litigation, investigation, and court work.
- A valid driver’s license is essential.
- Strong analytical and communication skills.
- Ability to manage teams and foster a collaborative work environment.
How to Apply
Please forward your application, quoting the relevant reference number, to the link quoted in the specific advertisement below.
Requirements
Degree (NQF Level 7) in Law qualification as recognised by SAQA.4-5 years’ experience in litigation, investigation, and court work.
Driver’s license is essential.
Job Duties
Manage the development and implementation plans, policies, legislative frameworks, procedures, and systems to institutionalise Consumer Protection matters at GDED.Give advice on legislative related matters.
Conduct research and analysis on Consumer Protection issues.
Provide trend analysis on unfair business practices commonly applied in identified industries for investigations initiated by the office.
Determine the causes of delays on investigated complaints.
Evaluate investigation reports and implement appropriate action to be taken.
Manage the handling of consumer complaints by investigators and confirm or re-assess the decisions taken.
Manage Investigate and dispose of cases of alleged unfair business practices.
Attend to escalated cases referred to the office.
Draft and facilitate the issuing of summons and subpoenas to persons responsible for unfair business practices / prohibited conduct or business conduct prejudicial to consumers.
Present cases in the Consumer 217 Court.
Write monthly reports (Statistical and narratives on cases and evaluation thereof, status and monetary value.
Engage with cluster Departments in the Province to leverage on Consumer Protection initiatives being implemented by various Departments with the intention to create an investor friendly province through cohesive and structured consumer participation efforts.
Represent consumers who may have been aggrieved by unfair business practices in the Consumer Affairs Court.
Collaborate with the Communication Unit on Consumer Protection initiatives.
Engage with.
Provincial Consumer Protection and other Regulatory Authorities on Consumer.
Protection related issues.
Allocate work.
Manage staff performance.
Develop and motivate staff.
Provide budgetary inputs for the Sub directorate.
Advise management on risk factors and mitigating strategies.
