About the Role
The Jobs Fund is seeking a dedicated Technical Finance Specialist in Pretoria, an essential role that plays a critical part in shaping South Africa’s economic landscape. This position is pivotal in providing financial technical support for project due diligence and appraisals, ensuring the effective management of a portfolio of projects that directly contribute to job creation. By joining our team, you will have the opportunity to influence the lives of many South Africans through your expertise and commitment to public service.
In this role, you will engage closely with various stakeholders, quality assuring complex financial appraisals, and supporting project teams to meet the Fund’s ambitious disbursement and job targets. Your contributions will not only be integral to the success of the Jobs Fund but will also help foster a more dynamic economy in the region. Your work will help ensure that financial resources are allocated efficiently and effectively, which is crucial for driving sustainable job growth in the communities we serve.
About the Department
The Jobs Fund operates under the Government Technical Advisory Centre (GTAC) and is dedicated to enhancing job creation in South Africa through innovative financing solutions. The department’s mission is to provide financial support and advisory services that empower projects across various sectors, thereby stimulating economic activity and job opportunities. Working within this department means you will be part of a group committed to making a tangible difference in people’s lives through strategic funding and project support.
What You’ll Do
- Provide financial technical support on project due diligence and appraisals of new projects.
- Manage a portfolio of projects and contribute to quarterly stakeholder reports.
- Prepare and develop Term Sheets for new funding rounds and assist with project origination.
- Conduct quality assurance on appraisals before submission to evaluation committees.
- Facilitate the contracting of new projects, ensuring timely finalisation and compliance.
- Conduct risk-based oversight of the project portfolio, implementing remedial actions as necessary.
- Develop and maintain the Jobs Fund Risk Framework, ensuring effective risk management.
- Generate and disseminate research information and learning materials to improve internal practices.
- Cultivate stakeholder relationships and represent the Fund at conferences and discussions.
What You’ll Need
- A postgraduate qualification (NQF Level 8) in Finance, Management Accounting, Financial Accounting, Economics, Business Administration, or a related field.
- 10–15 years’ experience in appraising, negotiating, and closing project finance and corporate finance transactions.
- A minimum of 7 years’ experience in a project management environment, with at least 5 years at a middle/senior managerial level.
- Strong analytical, strategic, and critical thinking skills, along with effective communication abilities.
- Experience in deal structuring and public sector grant management is advantageous.
- Familiarity with relevant AI tools is beneficial.
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 postgraduate qualification (NQF Level 8) in Finance, Management Accounting, Financial Accounting, Economics, Business Administration or a related field.10–15 years' experience in appraising, negotiating and closing project finance and corporate finance transactions.
A minimum of 7 years' 22 experience in a project management environment.
5 years of experience at a middle / senior managerial level.
Advantageous: Experience in deal structuring.
Practice as a project manager.
Public sector and grant management experience.
Strong analytical skills, strategic and critical thinking, risk management and communication skills.
Experience in the use of relevant AI tools.
Ideal Candidate Profile: You are an experienced finance professional who combines strong technical and analytical ability with sound project management practice.
You are comfortable engaging with both internal teams and external stakeholders, quality assuring complex financial appraisals, and applying rigorous risk management across a diverse project portfolio.
You bring integrity, strong communication skills and a commitment to using public and grant funding effectively to support job creation.
Job Duties
Provide financial technical support on project due diligence and appraisals of new projects, including financial structuring of new applications, and manage a portfolio of projects and team.Provide input into the quarterly stakeholder reports.
Prepare and contribute to the development of Term Sheets for new funding rounds and assist with project origination to build a pipeline of fundable projects; quality assure appraisals before submission to the Technical Evaluation and Investment Committees and support the team in presenting recommendations.
Ensure the contracting of new projects is finalised within prescribed timelines, including drafting of financial contractual obligations, and conduct roadshows for new funding rounds.
Facilitate efficiency improvements to the Jobs Fund's Grant Management Framework and Procedures, and provide technical support to project teams to meet the Fund's annual disbursement and job targets.
Conduct risk-based oversight of the project portfolio, design and implement remedial actions to address underperformance, and prepare for and participate in quarterly Disbursement Panel meetings.
Quality assures disbursement memoranda and ensure audit readiness of the project portfolio, with timeous resolution of audit findings and appropriate controls to prevent repeat findings.
Conduct baseline assessments of key business processes, support the implementation of new technologies to improve operational efficiency, and support sound governance and document management practices.
Effective planning of project site visits (SV) to ensure effective project implementation, and efficient utilisation of operational budget.
Improve the visibility of the Jobs Fund's work by cultivating stakeholder relationships, producing discussion documents and Practice Notes, preparing webinar content, and representing the Fund at conferences and panel discussions.
Generate, package and disseminate research information, support the development of terms of reference for project evaluations and close-out reports, and prepare Learning and Research Papers, Practice Guides and Articles.
Contribute to the Jobs Fund's internal learning agenda through brown-bag sessions and related learning material, and coordinate with the finance team on financial information and forecasts.
Maintain communication with staff and stakeholders on financial matters, motivate and support project teams, and maintain relationships with Contracted Intermediaries to ensure sound risk management at project and portfolio level.
Develop and manage the Jobs Fund Risk Framework, develop strategies to mitigate financial and performance risk, and monitor portfolio-level risk status, implementing corrective actions as needed.
Support the Management team in developing the Jobs Fund's financing strategy, own and manage specific financial management processes, provide training to staff to improve financial appraisal and management skills, and contribute to strategic planning sessions within the Jobs Fund and its sub-programmes.
