About the Role
The Department of Water and Sanitation is seeking a dynamic and experienced professional for the role of Director: Water Resource Planning and Management, based in Polokwane. This vital position plays an essential role in the development and management of water resources, directly impacting local communities and the environment. As a key leader, you will help shape the catchment management strategy that ensures sustainable water use and conservation for the region, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for all South Africans.
In this role, you will collaborate with various stakeholders, including local municipalities and water users, to ensure compliance with water management regulations and practices. Your work will not only contribute to the effective management of water resources but also support the broader mission of the public service to protect and conserve South Africa’s precious water supply. By joining the Department of Water and Sanitation, you will be part of a dedicated team committed to fostering a sustainable and healthy environment for future generations.
About the Department
The Department of Water and Sanitation is responsible for the management, protection, and sustainable use of South Africa’s water resources. With a mission to ensure equitable access to water for all, this department plays a critical role in safeguarding the nation’s water supply while promoting conservation and responsible usage. Working in this department means contributing to a fundamental aspect of public health, economic development, and environmental sustainability in South Africa.
The department strives to implement innovative strategies and solutions to address the challenges facing our water systems. As a member of this team, you will be part of an organization that values collaboration, integrity, and excellence, making a tangible difference in the lives of South Africans.
What You’ll Do
- Develop and implement catchment management strategies and programmes.
- Provide strategic direction for water resource protection and conservation plans.
- Coordinate the water allocation reform programme and ensure compliance with water use regulations.
- Manage water quality monitoring and risk assessments within the catchment area.
- Establish and lead partnerships and catchment management forums.
- Oversee the implementation of pollution prevention measures and monitor water quality.
- Ensure the collection and dissemination of vital hydrological data and reports.
- Provide leadership in operational, financial, and human resource planning.
What You’ll Need
- A relevant NQF level 7 qualification in Engineering, Hydrology, Natural Sciences, or a related field.
- A minimum of five years of experience in middle/senior management roles related to catchment management.
- Successful completion of the Pre-entry Certificate for the Senior Management Service (SMS).
- Knowledge of the Public Finance Management Act and Treasury Regulations.
- Strong understanding of water resource management, project management, and hydrological science.
- Proven problem-solving skills and strategic leadership capabilities.
How to Apply
All applications must be hand delivered at: 389 Sophie De Bruyn Street, Pretoria. To submit an application online, click the link under the post you wish to apply for. Attach only a copy of CV and completed Z83. Email size must be limited to 2MB. Failure to follow instructions will result in your application being disqualified.
Requirements
A relevant NQF level 7 qualification in Engineering, Hydrology, Geohydrology, Natural Sciences, Environmental Sciences or a related water resource field.Five (5) years of experience at a middle/senior managerial level.
Five (5) years' functional experience in catchment management strategy, programmes and planning.
Successful completion of the Pre-entry Certificate for the Senior Management Service (SMS) as endorsed by the National School of Government.
Knowledge of the Public Finance Management Act.
Knowledge of Treasury Rules and Regulations for procurement.
Knowledge of financial management.
Knowledge of water resource management disciplines, including water quality, water quantity, groundwater and aquatic ecosystem monitoring.
Knowledge of project management.
Knowledge of hydrological science.
128 Problem solving and analysis.
Strategic capability and leadership.
Understanding of programme and project management.
Job Duties
The incumbent will be responsible for developing the catchment strategy, programmes and planning.Provide strategic direction on the development of the catchment management strategy, including ensuring the development and updating of the Catchment Management Strategy, providing input into the planning documents of other relevant institutions, participating in the planning processes of LOCMA, coordinating the water allocation reform programme from a LOCMA perspective, and ensuring that specialist comments are made on biomonitoring reports and water use license applications (WULA) submitted by water users.
Manage the implementation of measures for the protection and conservation of water resources within the catchment area, including developing a catchment-level water resource protection and conservation plan, conducting catchment condition and water resource risk assessments, establishing partnerships and catchment management forums, escalating serious or persistent non-compliance to the appropriate enforcement authority, and implementing pollution prevention and control measures.
Manage and monitor water quality and quantity within LOCMA, including developing and implementing the Water Quality Monitoring Plan and the River Eco-status Monitoring Programme (REMP) in the water management area, ensuring the development, access and implementation of applicable information management systems, ensuring the operation of decision support systems (computer modelling) that provide information to inform river systems planning and operations, and partaking in trans-boundary water management matters to ensure the implementation of LOCMA's responsibilities in terms of treaties.
Monitor the implementation of resource quality objectives, including ensuring the collection, management, archiving and dissemination of all hydrological, geohydrological, water quality and biota-related information by relevant components, reviewing reports based on the collected and collated data, participating in reserve determination studies, ensuring the assessment of compliance with resource quality objectives, the ecological reserve and international obligations, and ensuring the production and dissemination of quarterly and annual water resource quality status reports (integrating quality, quantity and aquatic biota).
Provide strategic leadership and business planning, including operational, finance, supply chain and human resource planning and reporting, as well as human resource development and performance management.
