About the Role
The Department of Small Business Development is seeking a Director: Business Intelligence, Economic Analysis and Research to join their dynamic team in Pretoria. This pivotal role is designed for a leader who is passionate about supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through comprehensive economic analysis and strategic decision-making. The successful candidate will play a crucial part in shaping policies that directly impact economic growth and sustainability within the community, making this position vital to public service in South Africa.
In this role, you will set and drive the research agenda for the Small Business Development Portfolio, aligning it with national and departmental objectives. Your expertise in economic research and analysis will contribute significantly to the development of policy frameworks that foster a thriving business environment. By engaging with various stakeholders, including academia and industry, you will strengthen partnerships that enhance the research ecosystem, ensuring that evidence-based decisions are made for the benefit of the public.
About the Department
The Department of Small Business Development is committed to promoting the growth and sustainability of small businesses across South Africa. Its mission is to create an enabling environment for MSMEs through effective policies, research, and support initiatives. Working within this department means contributing to the empowerment of entrepreneurs and fostering economic inclusivity, making it an inspiring place for those dedicated to public service and community development.
What You’ll Do
- Drive the research agenda for small business development, focusing on economic analysis and policy development.
- Lead and oversee economic research initiatives, including modelling and forecasting using advanced methodologies.
- Produce high-quality research outputs, such as publications and policy briefs, to inform decision-making.
- Manage partnerships with stakeholders to enhance research initiatives and collaborative insights.
- Provide strategic advisory services to senior management and policymakers based on data-driven insights.
- Ensure effective dissemination of information through knowledge management systems and digital platforms.
- Oversee the Directorate’s operations, ensuring compliance with governance frameworks and regulatory requirements.
What You’ll Need
- A Senior Certificate and an advanced diploma or undergraduate qualification (NQF level 7) in Economics, Econometrics, Business Analytics, or a related field.
- A minimum of 5 years’ relevant experience in economic research and management at a middle or senior managerial level.
- Proven experience in coordinating research initiatives and managing partnerships.
- Knowledge of the Public Service Legislative Framework and digital collaboration platforms.
- A pre-entry certificate into the Senior Management Service from the National School of Government is required.
- Competencies in strategic leadership, financial management, problem-solving, and effective communication.
How to Apply
Please refer to the application instructions below for submitting your application.
Requirements
A Senior Certificate and an advanced diploma or undergraduate qualification (NQF level 7) in Economics / Econometrics / Business Analytics / or equivalent as recognised by SAQA.NQF level 8 in the same disciplines / Master’s degree will be an added advantage.
Possess a minimum of 5 years’ relevant experience at a middle/senior managerial level within an economic research, model analysis and forecasting-related environment.
Experience in managing a research unit, coordination of research work within an institution and among research stakeholders, gathering of research or intelligence to inform programme and policy design, hosting research events such as conferences/summits, creation of research partnerships with research institutions, development of a research agenda and management of a knowledge management hub.
Knowledge of the Public Service Legislative Framework and Digital collaboration platforms, Econometrics / Econometrics.
A compulsory pre-entry into the Senior Management Service Certificate from the National School of Government will be required before assumption of duty (https://thensg.
gov.
za/training-course/sms-pre-entry-programme).
Display competencies in Strategic Capability & Leadership, Financial Management, Problem Solving and Analysis, People Management and Empowerment, Client Orientation and Customer Focus, Change Management, Service Delivery Innovation and Communication.
Job Duties
Set and drive the Small Business Development Portfolio research agenda to support sector economic analysis, policy development, and strategic decision-making, including the identification of priority research areas and 68 alignment with national and departmental objectives.Lead and oversee economic research, modelling, forecasting, and scenario analysis through the application of advanced econometric methodologies and digital tools, including assessing the impact of policy options and economic shocks on growth, development indices (statistical indicators), and MSME sustainability.
Produce and deliver high-quality research and business intelligence outputs, including publications, policy briefs, and analytical insights on MSME performance and sector trends, to inform evidence-based decision-making.
Coordinate and manage MSME-focused research initiatives and partnerships with internal and external stakeholders, including academia, industry, and research institutions, to strengthen the research ecosystem and leverage collaborative insights.
Provide strategic advisory services to senior management and policymakers by integrating data-driven insights and research evidence into policy, strategy, programme design, and decision- making processes.
Manage knowledge systems and ensure effective dissemination of research and sector information, including the development and maintenance of a central research repository, the use of digital platforms (e.
g.
, dashboards, portals, automated reporting systems), and enabling data accessibility and interoperability across stakeholders, including a centralised access point for MSMEs.
Manage the Directorate’s operations and its financial, human, and physical resources in compliance with applicable legislation, governance frameworks, and public sector regulatory requirements.
