About the Role
The Department of Economic Development and Tourism is seeking a dedicated Officer: Regional and Local Economic Development to join its team in Pretoria. This role is pivotal in supporting the government’s initiatives aimed at enhancing local economies and encouraging the growth of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across the region. By leveraging research and data, you will contribute to policies and strategies that empower communities, foster economic resilience, and create sustainable job opportunities for South Africans.
In this dynamic position, you will be based in the vibrant city of Pretoria, where your work will directly influence the livelihoods of many individuals and businesses. The role requires a proactive approach to research, data management, and stakeholder engagement, making it an exciting opportunity for someone passionate about public service and economic development.
About the Department
The Department of Economic Development and Tourism is committed to fostering an inclusive and sustainable economic environment in South Africa. With a mission to promote economic growth and development, the department focuses on supporting MSMEs, enhancing local government capabilities, and implementing policies that drive regional development. Working here means being part of a team that actively contributes to the well-being of communities and the prosperity of the nation.
What You’ll Do
- Conduct desktop and primary research to support regional and local economic development initiatives.
- Capture, update, and validate research data in electronic databases and digital repositories.
- Assist in data analysis and prepare digital reports, summaries, and presentations.
- Monitor trends and challenges affecting MSMEs, cooperatives, and local economies.
- Contribute to the development and updating of policies and standard operating procedures.
- Maintain electronic knowledge repositories related to local government and economic support.
- Coordinate access to financial and non-financial business support programmes.
- Assist in the monitoring of programme implementation and compile progress reports.
- Draft correspondence, reports, and presentations using digital tools.
- Provide administrative support and help reduce paper-based processes.
What You’ll Need
- A Bachelor’s Degree (NQF 7) in Social Sciences, Economics, Development Finance, Commerce, or a related field.
- At least 1 year of experience in administrative, research, or programme support within economic development or local government.
- Basic knowledge of MSMEs, cooperatives, and the local economic development ecosystem.
- Familiarity with Local Economic Development policy frameworks and Integrated Development Plans.
- Proficiency in data collection, analysis, and digital information management.
- Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with attention to detail.
- Computer literacy, including MS Office and digital collaboration tools.
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.
Requirements
Bachelor’s Degree (NQF 7) in Social Sciences, Economics, Development Finance, Commerce, Business Management, Business Administration, Local Economic Development, or an equivalent / related qualification as recognised by SAQA.A qualification with exposure to research methods, data analysis, public policy, entrepreneurship, MSME development or local economic development will be an added advantage.
Minimum of 1-year administrative, research, coordination or programme support experience in economic development, regional or local government, small business development, development finance, public sector or stakeholder coordination environment.
Job related knowledge: basic knowledge of the small business development ecosystem, including MSMEs, cooperatives and informal enterprises.
Basic knowledge of Local Economic Development policy frameworks, Integrated Development Plans and the District Development Model.
Basic understanding of enterprise development, development finance, business support instruments and referral mechanisms.
Basic knowledge of research, data collection, monitoring, reporting and evidence-based decision-making.
Awareness of digital information management, POPIA, ICT security and public sector administrative processes.
Job related skills: Research and basic policy analysis.
Data collection, validation, analysis and interpretation.
Report writing, briefing notes and presentation preparation.
Stakeholder engagement and coordination across national, provincial and local structures.
Digital record 93 keeping, electronic document management and use of reporting systems.
Basic project coordination, problem solving and service delivery innovation.
Job competencies: Communication, including clear written submissions and verbal presentations.
Data collection, accuracy, quality assurance and attention to detail.
Basic project and programme coordination.
Analytical thinking, problem solving and continuous improvement.
Stakeholder engagement, coordination and service orientation.
Digital record keeping, information management and responsible handling of data.
Adaptability, learning orientation and service delivery innovation.
Additional: Computer literacy, including MS Office packages, electronic document management, spreadsheets, presentation tools and digital collaboration platforms.
Driver’s licence will be considered an added advantage.
Job Duties
Research and Data Support: Conduct desktop and primary research using digital research tools and data sources to support regional and local economic development initiatives.Capture, update and validate research data in electronic databases and digital repositories.
Assist with basic data analysis and preparation of digital reports, summaries and presentations.
Support the ongoing monitoring of trends, challenges and opportunities affecting MSMEs, cooperatives and local economies.
Policy, Strategy and Programme Support: Contribute to the development and updating of digitally stored policies, standard operating procedures (SOPs), templates and guidelines.
Maintain and update electronic knowledge repositories and databases related to local government, regional development and MSME support.
Assist in ensuring that information is accurate, accessible and consistently stored across systems.
Coordination of Business Support Services: Assist in coordinating access to financial and non-financial business support programmes using digital tracking tools and reporting systems.
Support referrals and stakeholder interactions through email, online platforms and digital communication channels.
Update records of support interventions and engagements on internal digital systems.
Monitoring, Reporting and Information Management: Assist with the monitoring of programme implementation using standardised digital reporting templates.
Compile progress reports, status updates and submissions using electronic systems.
Ensure timely capturing and updating of implementation data to support performance reporting.
Communication and Stakeholder Engagement: Draft correspondence, reports, presentations and submissions using digital tools and document management systems.
Support virtual and hybrid meetings, workshops and stakeholder engagements, including: Electronic distribution of documents, Digital minute-taking and record keeping, Share approved information through electronic channels to support coordination and compliance.
Administrative Support: Provide administrative support using digital workflows, including electronic filing and document management.
Updating digital logs and registers.
Scheduling meetings using online calendars.
Support the business unit in reducing paper-based processes by adhering to digital -irst administrative practices.
