DIRECTOR: RESEARCH AND INFORMATION MANAGEMENT

Department of Social Development

Reference number: DSD 80/2026
Salary: R1 317 384 per annum (Level 13), (all-inclusive salary package)
Centre: Department of Social Development, Western Cape Government
Province: Western Cape
Closing date: 28 September 2026
Circular: No 32 of 2026

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Requirements

An appropriate NQF 7 or higher qualification as recognised by SAQA; A minimum of 5 years relevant middle/senior management level experience; Successful completion of Certificate for entry into the SMS (Senior Management Service) prior to appointment is requirement. The nominated candidate will be required to complete the Senior Management Pre-Entry Programme (Nyukela) before the candidate can be appointed into this post. Please see notes below. Competencies: Proven knowledge and understanding of Working experience with the legislation, regulatory frameworks, policies and best practices that have a bearing on the line functions. Understanding of information systems that aid in the management of knowledge and information pertaining to the line function. Programme and project management. Procurement and tendering processes. Policy development, and strategy management, monitoring and review processes. Modern systems of governance and administration. Public service procedures, processes and systems. The global, regional and local political, economic and social affairs impacting on the provincial government of the Western Cape. Constitutional, legal and institutional arrangements governing the South African public sector. Public finance, human resources and discourse management processes. The Public Finance Management Act, National and Provincial Treasury Regulations, other financial policies, prescripts, directives and collective agreements. The functioning of the province and the activities of sister departments. The policies of the government of the day. Labour Relations legislation and regulations. Performance management in general. Core Competencies: Strategic capability and leadership. People Management and Empowerment. Programme and Project Management. Financial Management. Change Management. Skills: Numeracy; Literacy; Computer Literacy; Language skills; Project Management; Accounting/ Finance/ Audit; Strategic Planning.

Duties

Line Management: Render population development services to inform provincial-wide and departmental planning in line with South African Population Policy; Plan, manage and coordinate ethical social and evaluation research; Manage and coordinate departmental records and strategic knowledge resources; Manage and coordinate the departmental information systems and information and communication technology (ICT) governance processes; Strategic Management (including Change Management); Define and review on a continual basis the purpose, objectives, priorities and activities of the Directorate. Drive the Directorate’s strategic planning process. Drive the development and management of the strategic and business plans for the Directorate. Evaluate the performance of the Directorate on a continuing basis against pre-determined key measurable objectives and standards. Report to the Chief Director on a regular basis on the activities of the Directorate and on matters of substantial importance relating to operational management support. Monitor and ensure compliance with relevant legislation and prescripts in respect of adequate and appropriate record keeping of the activities of the Directorate, and of the resources (people, finances and assets) employed by it. Foster and promote a culture of innovation within the Directorate, and the Department. Diligently perform all duties assigned to the post of Director. People Management: Participate in the recruitment of employees in the numbers and grades appropriate to ensure the achievement of the Directorate’s Business Plan. Motivate, train and guide employees within the Directorate, to achieve and maintain excellence in service delivery. Actively manage the performance, evaluation and rewarding of employees within the Directorate. Monitor information capacity building within the Directorate. Ensure involvement in the compilation of a workforce plan, a service delivery improvement programme, and an information resources plan for the Directorate. Promote sound labour relations within the Directorate. Actively manage and promote the maintenance of discipline within the Directorate. Financial Management: Manage participation in the budgeting process at Directorate level. Ensure the preparation of the Annual and Adjustment Budgets for the Directorate. Assume direct accountability for the efficient, economic and effective control and management of the Directorate’s budget and expenditure. Assume direct accountability for ensuring that the correct tender and procurement procedures are adhered to in respect of purchases for the Directorate. Assume direct accountability for ensuring contracts are managed effectively and efficiently for the Directorate. Ensure that all spending is aligned with the strategic objectives of the Directorate and Department. Report to the Chief Director and relevant oversight role players/committees on all aspects of the Directorate’s finances. Assume overall accountability for the management, maintenance and safekeeping of the Directorate’s assets. Assume direct accountability for ensuring that appropriate risk management procedures are in place and adhered to for the Directorate. Ensure that full and proper records of the financial affairs of the Directorate are kept in accordance with any prescribed norms and standards.

Where to send your application

Only applications submitted online will be accepted. To apply submit your application online only: via http://www.westerncape.gov.za/jobs or https://westerncapegov.erecruit.co

Enquiries

Ms. Sihaam Niftagodien Tel No: (021) 483 6279 / Sihaam.Nieftagodien@westerncape.gov.za

Taken from Public Service Vacancy Circular 32 of 2026, published by the Department of Public Service and Administration on 4 September 2026. Open the PDF to check this post against the original. Last checked 10 September 2026.

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