Senior Advisor: Development Planning

Based in National Office (Pretoria), Ref: 24/04/01

Cluster: Infrastructure Delivery, Spatial Transformation and Sustainability
Remuneration package: A competitive salary package with benefits

ROLE OVERVIEW
Reporting to the Senior Manager: Land, Planning and Rural Development, the incumbent will ensure that the programme initiatives are
completed timeously, within budgets and to the agreed specifications. Coordinates different groups involved in the programme, establishes
and maintains relationships with those groups. Reports programme progress in line with funder requirements and programme management
procedures. Management of programme resources and the identification of pipeline programmes extending from the existing programme

THE CANDIDATE PROFILE

■ Ability to operate in a multidisciplinary environment
■ High degree of self-management, pro-activeness and creativity
■ Resilient and Tenacious
■ A dynamic, motivated self-starter with high levels of emotional maturity
■ Consultative and informed
■ Customer service orientation
■ High integrity and ethics
■ Understanding of the South African land dynamics and planning environment
■ Understanding of the South African Local Government environment

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

■ Post-graduate qualification at least at Honours Level in Town / Urban and Regional Planning or other fields related to Local Government
■ At least 7 years’ relevant experience of which at least 3 years have been at a senior level within a medium to large sized organisation
■ Demonstrates a sound understanding of and experience in the Local Government Sector
■ Sound track record in effectively managing complex and sensitive stakeholder engagements at all levels
■ Previous experience in a multidisciplinary unit is essential
■ Registration with the South African Council of Planners (SACPLAN)
■ A valid Code 08 drivers’ license and own vehicle

KEY PORTFOLIO AND PERFORMANCE FOCUS AREAS

■ Research and Benchmarking: Under the guidance of specialists and management, provide ongoing analysis of the key challenges, needs
and trends in Land, Development and Spatial Planning to ensure that local government strategies and programmes are appropriately
implemented. Under the guidance of the Senior Manager conduct and interpret research in Land, Development and Spatial Planning and
create a learning and sharing platform to improve municipal efficiency in area of specialisation. Be a key repository of knowledge and
information on local government and matters relating to Land, Development and Spatial Planning and support the strengthening of municipal
profiles in the central repository. Conduct analysis on municipalities and provide guidance in respect of possible improvements
■ Representation at IGR & Other Fora (lobbying and Advocacy): Represent SALGA and municipalities at various IGR and other Fora to
protect the interests of municipalities/ Sector; and to disrupt structural form, policy or legislative frameworks in Land, Development and
Spatial Planning, where they hinder municipal performance. Understand the national and provincial governance structures of SALGA and
the institutional structures of the Sector/ Professional discipline and key role players in areas relating to Land, Development and Spatial
Planning. Provide inputs to and develop content on a number of complex issues relevant to a SALGA position for mandating.
Provide technical support and advice to the Chairs of working groups and facilitate tracking and implementation of resolutions
■ Support Advice and Capacity Building: Guide, support and provide professional advice to municipalities in the areas of focus/ professional
discipline – refer issues of strategic importance to the Senior Manager. Provide hands-on support to strengthen municipal capacity/ improve
programme implementation. Facilitate the implementation of the capacity building strategy and associated programmes in municipalities.
Facilitate training programmes/ peer learning sessions in matters relating to Land, Development and Spatial Planning.
■ Monitoring and Evaluation: Support the development and Implement monitoring and evaluation process to track the progress on
implementation of policies, legislative compliance and programmatic implementation in municipalities. Maintain records as per SALGA policy
and ensure that all project records are uploaded into the company knowledge management system. Create a high performance culture on
all projects and report on progress against milestones. Prepare audit files for each project prior to audit
■ Programme / Project Management: Implement appropriate project management methodologies and disciplines; and manage full project
cycle on assigned projects including M&E. Plan and integrate programme roll-out to municipalities. Develop terms of reference for identified
programmes. Ensure that projects are implemented against contract specification and payments are based on agreed milestone. Identify
spin-off projects and opportunities from the programme
■ Stakeholder Management: Within the scope of area of accountability build and maintain relevant stakeholder relationships/ partnerships
in the area of responsibility. Ensure appropriate and timely communications with all stakeholders. Build partnerships with relevant
stakeholders to ensure programme success and to increase SALGA’s capacity to make an impact. Create reports to communicate about
the programme and provide updates for website. Identify key role players to create a link to sustainability and handover of programmes; and
implementation
■ Sponsorship and fund Raising for projects: Identify potential funders/ points for leverage during the programme conceptualization phase
With the support of the sponsorship team, develop and present detailed project proposals and plans to funders for consideration (in alignment
of the SALGA sponsorship Policy). Ensure that all contracts for funding are in place and that the contracts include payment terms.
■ Financial and expense monitoring: Assist with the preparation of annual budgets and monitoring of the monthly expenditure in area of
accountability. Assist in the identification of potential revenue sources in area of responsibility (where applicable). Participate in procurement
committees as required and adhere to procurement requirements and deadlines for identified programmes. Monitor sponsorship payments
according to the contract and track programme implementation against the budget. Actively save costs in the area of responsibility
■ Governance, Compliance and Risk Management: Uphold sound corporate governance principles in the day-to-day operation of the area
of responsibility/ professional discipline. Ensure compliance with organisational policies and procedures. Support the identification and
mitigation of organisational and operational risks identified in the area of responsibility/ professional discipline. Develop and maintain
programme risk register and ensure that mitigation steps are applied. Assign values to risks in order to understand financial implications of
risk
■ Teamwork: Work as a multi-disciplinary and integrated team to find possible solutions to complex challenges in municipalities. Support
organisational priorities and the implementation of resource mobilisation systems and processes. In line with the SALGA organisational
culture, role model and educate peers and Advisors on the importance of alignment of personal and organisational values for improved
performance. Support the Executive and Senior Management Team in building a high-performance culture in SALGA. Actively participate
in the performance management and development processes in SALGA to drive high performance on an ongoing basis

Suitably qualified and experienced candidates must apply on the link below:
Closing Date: 16 April 2024

NOTE: Communication will be limited to short-listed candidates only. SALGA reserves the right not to proceed
with the appointment for any of the vacant position. All appointments will be made in line with the SALGA’S
Employment Equity Plan