SENIOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OFFICER

KOUGA MUNICIPALITY (EC 108)

NOTICE NO: 116/2026

EXTERNAL VACANCY

Kouga Local Municipality is committed to the prescripts of the approved Employment Equity Plan and furthermore invites suitably qualified applicants to submit a detailed application for the following position:

SENIOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OFFICER

REQUIREMENTS:

• Degree in Business Administration, Economics or Development Studies at NQF level 7 qualification;
• 4 Years’ relevant experience;
• Code 8 driver’s license;
• Computer literacy – Office applications;
• Thorough knowledge of Local Economic Development planning and Local Government Sector processes.
• Sound knowledge of research and analytical theories and practices;
• Excellent communication skills;
• Excellent, report writing and presentation skills;
• Attention to detail;
• Good supervisory skills;
• Must be able to speak, read and write in at least two of the official languages in Kouga Municipality (Afrikaans, English, and Xhosa).

SPECIAL CONDITIONS:                                  Nil.

SALARY:                                                          R473 465. 38 Per Annum     

TASK:                                                               13

DUTIES:

• Planning, coordinating and evaluating all SMME economic development activities in the region through the establishment of a reliable and coherent ED database.
• Evaluating and commenting on the applicability of specific key performance indicators and measures against outcomes detailed in the Municipality’s’ IDP, Business and Strategic Plans.
• Assessing and evaluating Local Economic Development project proposals and applications and preparing reports summarizing findings and including specific recommendations for consideration.
• Conducting situational analysis and feasibility studies to assess the impact of specific economic development initiatives and opportunities (Agricultural Support & Rural Development; SMME Support & Enterprise Development).
• Presenting proposed programs and projects to community groups, industries and local business meetings (SMMEs).
• Maintaining an SMME Internal Database through preparing notices for publication calling SMME’s to register on the SMME database; recording qualifying applicants in the SMME Database; and receiving walk-in applications for recording in the SMME database.
• Assisting SMME’s to register on the external data bases through determining the requirements for the submission of applications from the various institutions; ensuring that the applicant does have the required documents required for submission with the application.
• Providing administrative assistance to sector departments in the development and training of SMME’s through liaising with sector departments on community development training programs earmarked for the Kouga Area; submitting names and contact details of proposed participants in training/development programs to the relevant sector department; recording the names of SMME’s trained in the SMME training register.
• Formulating plans detailing interventions, actions and timelines guiding the delivery and/or execution of activities.
• Establishing goals, objectives and priorities and developing these into operating procedures.
• Pooling various service providers with different expertise, formulating and facilitating access to business development services.
• Conducting training to develop understanding and improve capabilities of the local community to participate in economic development initiatives.
• Assessing project deliverables against agreed outcomes and milestones and establishing reasons for non-achievement of critical requirements.
• Facilitating the linking of SMME’s to relevant markets and funding institutions.
• Facilitating and overseeing mentoring of SMME’s within the region, including the dissemination of information pertaining to the functionality.
• Monitoring progress and expenditure on projects and keeping a record thereof.
• Conducting appraisals to measure performance against agreed objectives, counseling, consulting with personnel on developmental goals, career paths, short-term targets and standards.
• Monitoring the adequacy of current training interventions through the evaluation of competency demonstrated in workplace applications and/or conducting specific courses to capacitate personnel on procedural and technical applications and assessing learners on their capabilities.
• Analyzing statistical information pertaining to staff attendance, overtime, leave and addressing deviations or occurrences of abuse and/or workplace conflict through the implementation of corrective measures in accordance with Human Resources Policies and Procedures.
• Investigating applications for new SMME development projects, obtaining quotes and preparing reports for submission to the Manager.
• Coordinate international and intergovernmental projects for effective Local Economic Development Practices in Kouga.
• Preparing development-related business plans if required by providing advice, guidance and support.
• Visiting local economic development projects, taking photos and videos and writing progress reports for submission and presentation at management meetings.
• Co-ordinating broader based stakeholder workshops to seek ideas, establish priorities and determine strengths, weaknesses and threats.
• Interacting with the established local business sector to elicit support with job creation and poverty alleviation initiatives.
• Liaising with the finance section to establish funding allocated for SMME training.
• Liaising with the immediate superior on training programs to be presented, the anticipated dates for training; and preparing a SMME training program for approval by the immediate superior and all logistical and administrative processes attached to training programs.
• Obtaining a training results report from the service provider on conclusion of the training.
• Recording the results of the training and people trained in the SMME Training Register.
• Establishing and maintaining a database of sector department contact persons in the LED field.
• Participate in the planning, decision making in implementing ED Support programmes for Kouga
• Obtaining budget verification per vote for the ED Section for control purposes from the Finance Section and administrative process related to finalization of the requisition
• Preparing investigational, productivity and performance reports referring to statistical data and qualitative information related to service delivery initiatives of the Section for the attention of the immediate supervisor for consideration and inclusion into Council and Sub Committee reports.
• Completing instructional/ operational documentation (vehicle log sheets) extracting information from field reports/ activity lists and forwarding for approval and processing.
• Compiling investigation reports and / or responses to correspondences and queries, undertaking research or extracting information and records to support content, recommendations and/or opinion.
• Maintaining the activity and recordkeeping systems and/or executing specific actions to facilitate the updating of registers and schedules.
• Coordinating and set-up and implementation of communication mediums to serve as avenues to facilitate transfer of functional information and receive client comments and complaints.
• Participating in various internal and external meetings and provide comments/opinions on matters affecting or concerning the business functionality.
• Responding, through the collection of information and/or conducting the necessary investigation/research, to enquiries and concerns about service delivery.
• Capacitating project beneficiaries and encouraging maximum participation in business entrepreneurship programs.

BENEFITS:                                                                       As per standard conditions of service.

 Applicants must submit a formal application form and a comprehensive CV, certified copy of qualifications, identity document and driver’s license. Aplications must be submitted electronically as one PDF document to recruitment@kouga.gov.za.  Aplication forms can be obtained from the Municipal website, www.kouga.gov.za and must reach the Human Resource Manager on or before Monday, 18 May 2026 at 12:00.

 For any enquiries contact Ms Zandile Gxuluwe: 042 2002 200.

Disqualification:

Please note that the following can lead to disqualification:

1. Canvassing of councillors.
2. Submission of fraudulent qualifications and/ or documents.
3. Attaching more than one PDF document.

NB: Please note that shortlisted candidates will be subjected to a vetting, reference check and assessment process. By applying for this position, the candidates agree to background checks being performed.

Preference will be given to applicants residing within the Kouga area of jurisdiction.

The Municipality reserves the right not to make an appointment.

Should you not hear from us within 30 days of closing date, kindly regard your application as being unsuccessful.

MR C. DU PLESSIS                                                                                P. O. BOX 21

MUNICIPAL MANAGER                                                                        JEFFREYS BAY

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