About the Role
The Department of Information and Communication Technology is seeking a dedicated and innovative Director: Technology Innovation and Artificial Intelligence based in Pretoria, Hatfield. This pivotal role focuses on shaping a progressive digital environment that drives technology innovation, research, and artificial intelligence governance services. By managing strategic reforms and developing policies, the successful candidate will play a crucial part in fostering economic growth and entrepreneurship within South Africa’s digital sector. This position not only contributes to the enhancement of government services but also supports the growth of communities through the adoption of cutting-edge technologies.
As the Director, you will be at the forefront of researching and analyzing emerging technologies and market trends. Your insights will inform strategic decision-making and enhance innovation across various industries. The role requires a visionary who is committed to promoting responsible innovation practices, facilitating access to funding, and developing partnerships that support the commercialization of government-supported innovations. This is more than just a job; it’s an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on society by harnessing the power of technology.
About the Department
The Department of Information and Communication Technology is dedicated to advancing South Africa’s digital landscape. Its mission includes fostering an inclusive digital economy, enhancing public service delivery, and promoting technological innovation across various sectors. Working in this department means being part of a team that is committed to driving the country towards a digital future, ensuring that technology serves the needs of all citizens and enhances their quality of life.
What You’ll Do
- Manage and create a policy framework for technology innovation and AI governance.
- Develop and implement strategic reforms for digital transformation and technology adoption.
- Conduct research on emerging technologies and market trends to inform decision-making.
- Facilitate access to venture capital and financing for innovative projects.
- Identify and mitigate risks associated with disruptive technologies.
- Collaborate with industry partners and stakeholders to drive technology adoption.
- Establish and maintain partnerships with multinational technology companies and research institutions.
- Oversee the development of AI governance frameworks to ensure compliance with regulations.
- Contribute to managing human resources, financial resources, and operational excellence within the department.
What You’ll Need
- An appropriate NQF Level 7 qualification in ICT, Computer Science, or a relevant field.
- A minimum of five years of experience in senior management or digital transformation roles.
- A postgraduate qualification in Digital Economy Studies or Technology Management is advantageous.
- Strong strategic leadership and people management skills.
- Proven ability in programme and project management within the technology sector.
- Knowledge of emerging technologies, including IoT, AI, and digital transformation strategies.
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to foster client-oriented relationships.
- Experience in developing public-private partnerships and resource mobilization.
How to Apply
Please follow the application instructions below.
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Requirements
An appropriate NQF Level 7 qualification / Degree in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) / Computer Science, Information Systems / Digital Transformation, Engineering/Innovation Management or a relevant equivalent qualification.A minimum of five (5) years’ experience at Middle / Senior Management in leading digital transformation, technology adoption, or innovation ecosystem development.
A postgraduate qualification (NQF Level 8 or above) in Digital Economy Studies, Technology Management, or Public Sector Innovation will be an added advantage.
Skills / Competencies And Knowledge: Strategic Capability and Leadership, People Management and Empowerment, Programme and Project Management, Financial Management, Change Management, Problem Solving And Analysis, Client Orientation, Customer Focused Communication, Emerging Technology Integration, Internet Of Things (Iot), Cloud Computing, Big Data Analytics, Digital Transformation, ICT Ecosystem, National Digital and Future Skills Strategy 4IR Initiatives, AI Governance and Responsible AI, Emerging Technology Strategy and Foresight, Technology Policy and Regulatory Analysis, Innovation Ecosystem Development, Entrepreneurship and ICT SMME Development, Technology Commercialisation, Strategic Partnership Development and Resource Mobilisation, Public-Private Partnerships, International Technology Cooperation, Technology Investment and Financing Models, Government Policy and Legislative Processes, Technology Standards and Ethics, Innovation Procurement and Market Creation.
Job Duties
The purpose of the post is to manage and create an enabling digital environment, policy framework and innovative strategic reforms that govern the delivery of technology innovation, research and artificial intelligence governance services in line with the department’s strategic objectives.The successful candidate will manage and drive the development and implementation of technologies and artificial intelligence policies and strategies to drive innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic growth in the digital sector.
Research and analyse emerging technologies, market trends and industry practices to inform strategic decision-making and increase innovation in high-tech manufacturing and relevant industries.
Invest in research and development (R&D), establish financing and alternative start-up scheme activities to support and promote responsible innovation practices.
Facilitate access to venture capital, grants, blended finance, development finance, corporate investment and public-private partnerships, and manage intellectual property and technology transfer processes to support the commercialisation of government-supported innovation.
Identify the latest emerging disruptive technologies, potential opportunities of emerging technologies applicable to government, society, and operational services and develop mitigation strategies to mitigate potential risks.
Spearhead initiatives to support ICT and mobilise support and incubation to foster a culture of experimentation and creativity within society, driving forward-thinking approaches to problem- solving and service delivery.
Develop and support innovation ecosystems, guiding technologies and enterprises through the continuum of research, innovation, prototyping, incubation, funding, commercialisation, market adoption and scaling.
Collaborate with industry partners, research institutions, and other stakeholders to establish partnerships to drive technology adoption and innovation and stay updated on the latest technological advancements and trends.
Build, negotiate and sustain strategic partnerships with multinational technology companies, research institutions, universities, international organisations, development agencies, investors and entrepreneurs, identifying mutual value and mobilising resources to convert relationships into sustainable programmes.
Drive global developments and policy frameworks related to 13 emerging technologies to ensure alignment with national objectives and priorities.
Monitor and interpret international technology policy developments within the ITU, United Nations, G20, BRICS, African Union and other relevant institutions, and translate these into South African policy responses and implementation programmes.
Conduct SEIAS and manage the design of an AI governance framework to monitor compliance with relevant regulations and standards, manage risks and ensure ethical and responsible AI use.
Support the establishment and maintenance of AI Institute, Hubs and Centres of Excellence, and support initiatives to develop AI applications, platforms and solutions in collaboration with entities and partners.
Contributing to key result areas such as strategic functional leadership, managing human resources, managing financial resources, driving change and operational excellence, and managing and ensuring compliance.
