About the Role
The Department of Small Business Development is seeking an Officer: Cooperatives Business Support based in Pretoria. This pivotal role plays a crucial part in fostering an enabling business environment for cooperatives, which are vital for economic growth and community empowerment in South Africa. By leveraging digital research tools and engaging with various stakeholders, you will contribute to the development of policies and frameworks that support cooperative ventures, ensuring they thrive and make a positive impact in their communities.
Your work will involve thorough assessments of funding applications and business plans, ensuring that resources are allocated to projects that are sustainable and beneficial. This position not only supports local businesses but also helps to strengthen the cooperative movement across the nation, making it an essential role within the public service sector.
About the Department
The Department of Small Business Development is dedicated to creating an environment where small businesses, cooperatives, and entrepreneurs can flourish. Its mission is to promote and support the growth of these enterprises, which are fundamental to job creation and economic development in South Africa. By working in this department, you will be part of a team that is committed to fostering innovation and assisting communities in achieving their economic potential.
What You’ll Do
- Conduct research on factors affecting the growth of cooperatives and the business environment.
- Develop and review policies, strategies, and frameworks supporting cooperative development.
- Assess applications for feasibility and alignment with funding criteria.
- Evaluate business plans and financial projections, ensuring they meet established standards.
- Conduct due diligence, including financial reviews of applicants.
- Identify risks and opportunities, providing actionable recommendations.
- Evaluate quotations for compliance and competitiveness.
- Schedule and conduct site visits to verify project details and fund utilization.
- Monitor funded projects, ensuring compliance with approved purposes.
- Compile reports and maintain accurate records of assessments and site visits.
- Communicate effectively with stakeholders, including applicants and beneficiaries.
What You’ll Need
- An undergraduate qualification (NQF 6) in Public Administration, Business Management, Development Studies, or a related field.
- A minimum of 2 years’ relevant work experience in MSME, Cooperatives Business Development, or Project Management.
- Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Analytical thinking and attention to detail for thorough assessments.
- Proven ability in financial and business analysis.
- Proficiency in digital document management and report writing.
- Knowledge of cooperative legislation, funding mechanisms, and project management principles.
How to Apply
Candidates must submit applications to [email protected] and quote the reference number for the above-mentioned position in the subject line (email) when applying i.e. REF NO: OCBS.
Requirements
An undergraduate qualification (NQF 6) in Public Administration / Business Management / Development Studies / Accounting / Economics / Development Finance / Project Management or equivalent / related as recognised by SAQA.Minimum of 2 years' relevant work experience in MSME / Cooperatives Business Development / LED and Project Management.
Have proven skills and competencies: Communication (Verbal and Written), Analytical Thinking, Attention to detail, Creative Thinking and Problem Solving, Electronic (Digital) and hard document and records management.
Report writing and presentation skills, Financial and business analysis, Computer literacy, Stakeholder management and relationship building.
Job related knowledge: Cooperative legislation and policies, Funding mechanisms, Monitoring and Evaluation, Project management principles and Government governance and compliance.
Job Duties
Conduct research on factors impacting the creation of an enabling business environment for cooperatives using digital research tools, online data sources and electronic information repositories.Contribute to the development and review of policies, strategies, frameworks, and guidelines supporting cooperative development.
Contribute to the review of existing programmes, models and mechanisms using structured information and documented evidence.
Review and assess applications for feasibility, viability, and alignment with funding criteria.
Evaluate business plans, financial projections, and supporting documents.
Conduct due diligence, including financial review and applicant history.
Identify risks, opportunities, and make recommendations.
Identify goods/services required based on application requirements.
Evaluate quotations for compliance, completeness, and competitiveness.
Schedule and conduct pre-approval site visits to verify project details.
Conduct post- disbursement visits to verify fund utilisation.
Compile detailed site visit reports.
Monitor funded projects to ensure funds are used according to approved purposes.
Verify compliance and escalate non-compliance to Legal Services.
Assess project progress and verify impact.
Compile project summaries for decision-making.
Prepare monthly, quarterly, and ad hoc reports.
Produce detailed post-disbursement findings reports.
Maintain accurate and secure records for assessments, reports, and site visits.
Ensure compliance with internal document management policies.
Communicate with applicants, beneficiaries, suppliers, internal units and relevant ecosystem players individually or in groups.
Provide written communication such as emails, letters, and presentations.
