Vacancies
 
The following vacancies exist within the INFRASTRUCTURE & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (IED) DEPARTMENT:

LOCAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (LED) OFFICER- Business Intelligence & Research
Total Cost to Employer: R 348 639 pa


Reporting to the Manager: LED & Tourism, the successful candidate will be responsible for the following, inter-alia:
  • Providing research and policy development capacity to the Unit and the relevant Portfolio Committee in order to enhance business intelligence of the District
  • Determining research priorities in conjunction with the Unit Head,
  • Championing the knowledge base economy by continuously conducting economic research; and manage product development research by the Private Sector in order to grow our economy,
  • Promoting and advancing Government Policies, and Programmes , particularly the Broad- Based Black Economic Empowerment, ASGISA, Regional Industrial Development Strategy, and Provincial Spatial Economic Development Strategy that contribute in sustainable identified growth sectors,
  • Conducting independent research in the field of economic development by using recognized scientific methods,
  • Commissioning researchers using external bodies or consultants for specific areas of interest,
  • Developing and maintaining macro-economic models and associated databases to evaluate the effect of international, national and provincial policies on key economic sectors in the Ugu District Municipal Area,
  • Disseminating research results effectively through publications, communications and group sessions,
  • Supplying independent advice to Portfolio Committee, LED and Sub –Forums, Council, potential investors and emerging entrepreneurs in support of the execution of the Local Economic Development Strategy and its Sector Plans of Ugu District Municipality,
  • Conducting continuous literature surveys and remain well informed regarding local and international developments in the subject field (LED),
  • Liaising and establishing linkages with different research institutions e.g. Universities, Agricultural Research Council, CSIR, HSRC, Statistics SA, and other related institutions in order to enhance research capacity and synergies,
  • Monitoring the economic development trends, approaches and interventions done by other municipalities in South Africa and abroad,
  • Monitoring developments in the new economy sector (i.e. Business Processing Outsourcing, Creative Industries, Renewable Energy, etc), and accordingly advice the council and LED Unit on possible opportunities and threats for the District Economy,
  • Leading the process of developing policies that will contributes positively in the economic transformation agenda,
  • Preparing monthly progress reports to the Manager: LED and Tourism and the Portfolio Committee,
Key Requirements
  • A valid Grade 12 Certificate
  • A B-Degree or Honours Degree in Development Economics/ Economics/ Econometrics/ Statistics
  • At least three (3) three years experience in local economic development field, or economic research,
  • A valid code B drivers license is mandatory
  • Ability to communicate in both Isizulu and English
  • Computer Literacy
Key Attributes:
  • In-depth understanding of local economic development (LED), its principles and theoretical framework
  • Have a sound understanding of government policies and government development agenda in line with the Millennium Development Goals and National Targets
  • In-depth understanding and insight into the Key District Economic Sectors i.e. Tourism, Agriculture, Manufacturing and Trade & Services,
  • Extensive experience in conducting scientific research and quantitative macro-economic analysis,
  • Experience in data gathering, analysis and interpretation, particularly economic data
  • Strong analytical skills and sound report writing skills
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
  • Good project management skills
NB: Suitably qualified women are particularly encouraged to apply, as the municipality seeks to achieve its Employment Equity targets.

The canvassing of councillors and/or management in respect of this position will lead to disqualification of the applicant.

Written applications, indicating the position being applied for, together with a comprehensive Curriculum Vitae and certified copies of qualifications, must be forwarded to:

The Acting Manager:Human Resources,
Ugu District Municipality,
P O Box 33 (27 Bazley Street)
Port Shepstone
4240.

Applications are also welcome at the following e-mail address: Recruitment @ugu.org.za.
Applicants using the e-mail facility are requested to attach certified electronic copies of qualifications.

NB: No faxed applications will be accepted.

The closing date for applications will be 16h00, Friday, 04 July 2008. (If you do not hear from us within 30 days of the closing date, regard your application as unsuccessful) The Municipality is committed to its Employment Equity Plan, and as such will endeavour to employ suitably qualifying disabled persons and women where possible. The Municipality reserves the right not to make an appointment