About the Role
The Jobs Fund is seeking a Senior Technical Finance Specialist to join its dedicated team in Pretoria. This pivotal role will focus on originating and developing impactful investment opportunities aimed at job creation within various sectors of the economy. By collaborating with private sector firms, intermediaries, and ecosystem partners, the successful candidate will play a crucial part in shaping the future of employment opportunities across South Africa. Your expertise will directly contribute to the strategic financial initiatives that drive community growth and sustainable job creation.
In this role, you will engage in the evaluation and structuring of complex financial instruments and funding models. This includes assessing blended finance and performance-linked grants designed to enhance the capacity of the Jobs Fund. Your work will not only involve rigorous due diligence but also the coaching and mentoring of junior staff, fostering institutional capability in financial appraisal and risk analysis. This role is more than just a job; it’s a chance to make a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals and families through job creation initiatives.
About the Department
The Jobs Fund operates under the Government Technical Advisory Centre (GTAC) and is committed to driving the South African economy forward by funding innovative projects that enhance employment and economic resilience. Its mission is to support initiatives that create jobs and stimulate growth, particularly in underserved communities. Working at the Jobs Fund means being part of a transformative effort that aligns public resources with private sector expertise to address pressing economic challenges and empower citizens.
What You’ll Do
- Originate and develop a pipeline of high-impact, employment-focused investment opportunities.
- Analyze, structure, and assess complex financial instruments and funding models.
- Conduct thorough financial, commercial, and operational due diligence on project applications.
- Identify financial, market, governance, and performance risks, and recommend mitigation strategies.
- Lead and quality-assure appraisal reports and funding recommendations for committees.
- Provide technical oversight for high-risk projects and support remedial actions as needed.
- Conduct independent research on job creation opportunities and translate findings into actionable strategies.
- Present financial and risk findings to both internal and external stakeholders.
- Coach and mentor junior staff to build institutional capabilities in financial assessment.
- Represent the Jobs Fund in stakeholder engagements and market forums.
What You’ll Need
- A degree (NQF Level 7 or higher) in Finance, Economics, Accounting, Business Management, Development Finance, or a related field.
- Formal training or qualification in project or programme management.
- 10–15 years of experience in project finance, corporate finance, or investment analysis.
- Demonstrated experience with innovative financial structures and grant-based funding mechanisms.
- Strong understanding of private-sector financing, incentives, and risk dynamics.
- Proven ability to conduct due diligence and analyze financial statements and models.
- At least 5 years of experience in a senior managerial role.
- Advantageous: Postgraduate qualifications in relevant fields and experience in development finance or impact investing.
How to Apply
Please submit your application before the closing date as late applications will not be considered.
Looking for more South African government jobs? Browse the latest vacancies on JobsSouthAfrica.co.za. If you are applying for the first time, read our Complete Guide to Applying for Government Jobs in South Africa, covering the Z83 form, certified copies, CV format, interview tips and more.
Requirements
A degree (NQF Level 7 or higher) in Finance, Economics, Accounting, Business Management, Development Finance, or a related field.Formal training or qualification in project or programme management.
10–15 years’ experience in project finance, corporate finance, structured finance, or investment analysis, including appraisal and closing of complex transactions.
21 Demonstrated experience assessing innovative or non-standard financial structures and grant-based funding mechanisms.
Strong understanding of private-sector financing, incentives, and risk dynamics.
Proven ability to conduct due diligence, analyse financial statements and models, and exercise sound investment judgment.
5 years of experience at a senior managerial level.
Advantageous Experience and Qualifications: Post graduate qualifications in Finance, Economics, Accounting, Business Management, Development Finance, or a related field.
CFA, CA(SA), MBA (Finance/Strategy), or equivalent senior professional qualification.
Experience in development finance, impact investing, blended finance, climate finance, or transition finance.
Experience working on green economy, informal economy, or Just Energy Transition–related projects or value chains.
Experience conducting or translating research on value chains, labour absorption, or economic development outcomes.
Ideal Candidate Profile: You are a senior technical finance professional who combines strong analytical rigour with practical deal-making experience.
You are comfortable working between public and private sectors, interrogating complex financial structures, and applying an investment lens to real-world job creation challenges.
You bring independence of thought, strong judgment, and a commitment to using public resources catalytically for inclusive growth.
Job Duties
Originate and develop a pipeline of high-impact, employment-focused investment opportunities in partnership with private sector firms, intermediaries, developers, and ecosystem partners.Analyse, structure, and assess complex financial instruments and funding models, including blended finance, debt structures, outcome-based financing, and performance-linked grants.
Conduct rigorous financial, commercial, and operational due diligence on project applications, including assessment of financial additionality, sustainability, and execution risk.
Identify and analyse financial, market, governance, and performance risks arising from different project structures, and recommend appropriate mitigation strategies.
Lead and quality-assure appraisal reports and funding recommendations submitted to Technical Evaluation and Investment Committees.
Provide technical oversight of high-risk or complex projects within the Jobs Fund portfolio and support remedial action where performance challenges arise.
Conduct independent applied research on job creation opportunities, priority value chains, the informal economy, and green and Just Energy Transition–related sectors, translating insights into funding and strategy inputs.
Present financial, risk, and research findings clearly to internal decision-makers and external stakeholders.
Coach, mentor, and technically support junior staff, building institutional capability in financial appraisal, risk analysis, and innovative finance.
Represent the Jobs Fund in relevant stakeholder engagements, market forums, and learning platforms.
