Director: Smme & Cooperative Support

Requirements

• NQF Level 7 in Economics/Development Studies / Business Management / Public Administration / Public Management qualifications Nyukela Certificate for entry into SMS (Senior Management Service) from the National School of Government submitted prior to appointment.
• A minimum of 5 years’ experience at middle/ senior management level in SMMEs and Co-operatives environment.
• Code 8/10.

Duties

• Develop the SMME development strategy for the GCR economy.
• Lead and report on the implementation of the SMME development strategy across the province.
• Align SMME and Co-operative policies with broader economic development strategies.
• Champion the implementation of the Township Economic Development Act.
• Identify priority sectors for targeted support and investment.
• Develop incentive schemes to stimulate entrepreneurship and co- operative formation.
• Integrate policies with local economic development (LED) initiatives.
• Foster linkages between SMMEs, Co-operatives, and value chains.
• Measure economic impact through job creation, income generation, and productivity.
• Use data analytics to refine strategies and scale successful interventions.
• Conduct needs assessment to identify the specific non-financial support services required by SMMEs and Co-operatives.
• Develop strategic partnerships with government agencies, private sector entities, and non-profit services for SMMEs and Co-operatives organizations to deliver a diverse range of support services.
• Create a centralised platform that provides easy access to information and resources related to non-financial support services.
• Implement targeted training programs and workshops focusing on business management, marketing, legal compliance, and other relevant areas.
• Establish a robust monitoring and evaluation system to assess the impact of support services and refine them based on feedback and performance data.
• Launch outreach and awareness campaigns using multiple communication channels to ensure SMMEs and Co-operatives are informed about available support services.
• Leverage government grants, private sector investment, and donor funding to ensure sustainable financial support for incubators.
• Engage industry professionals and successful entrepreneurs to mentor and advise incubated SMMEs and Co-operatives.
• Offer targeted training, workshops, and seminars on business planning, marketing, compliance, and financial literacy.
• Track performance and growth of incubated enterprises to tailor support and improve incubator effectiveness.
• Facilitate networks among incubators to exchange best practices, share resources, and replicate successful models.
• Lead outreach programmes to identify and support emerging community enterprises.
• Provide localised training tailored to rural and underserved areas.
• Establish community enterprise hubs for shared resources and collaboration.
• Promote youth and women participation in enterprise development.
• Facilitate partnerships with local municipalities and development agencies.
• Support community-led sustainability initiatives.
• Track social impact metrics to guide future interventions.
• Strengthen evidence-based decision-making and innovation.
• Partner with universities and think tanks to conduct sector studies, impact assessments, and policy research.
• Create platforms for SMMEs and Co-operatives to connect with investors, suppliers, and customers.
• Use surveys, interviews, or focus groups to understand stakeholder needs and improve engagement strategies.
• Partner with government departments, NGOs, and private sector entities to pool resources and align efforts.
• Perform strategic and operational planning.
• Oversee the administrative support functions.
• Perform people management functions.
• Perform financial management functions.
• Perform asset management functions.

How to apply

New to the Z83 form? Read the application guide.

Enquiries

Notes from the department

• Application form (Z83) should be accompanied by a recently updated CV.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be required to bring their originally certifies copies of their qualifications, ID and drivers licence.
• Failure to submit all the requested documents will result in the application not being considered.
• All shortlisted candidates for SMS posts will be subjected to a technical exercise and interview.
• Following the technical exercise and interview, a maximum of three (3) SMS candidates will undergo psychometric assessments to assess cognitive capabilities, behavioural preferences, emotional intelligence, and integrity.
• Correspondence will be limited to short-listed candidates only.
• If you have not been contacted within three (3) months after the closing date please accept that your application was unsuccessful.
• Kindly note that: successful candidates will be subjected to a security clearance in terms of a criminal record check, verifications of qualifications.
• All short-listed candidates may be subjected to a technical exercise that intends to test relevant technical elements of the job, for which the logistics will be communicated by the department.
• All shortlisted candidates, including SMS, shall undertake two pre- entry assessments.
• One must be a practical exercise, and the other must be an Integrity (Ethical Conduct) Assessment.
• Selection panels shall score both technical exercises as an additional criterion in the interview process.