Director: Policy Research and Analysis (Ref No. DOTP 87/2026)

Job Purpose

The Western Cape Government is looking for an individual with relevant qualifications and extensive experience in Policy Research and Analysis to lead and coordinate the Western Cape Government’s strategy, policy, and planning lifecycle, from creation to refinement, ensuring alignment with provincial priorities. This post is stationed in Cape Town, CBD.

Minimum Requirements

An appropriate qualification at NQF level 7 as recognised by SAQA.

A minimum of 5 years’ experience at a middle/senior managerial level.

Successful completion of the Certificate for entry into the SMS (Senior Management Service) prior to appointment: The nominated candidate will be required to complete the Senior Management Pre-entry Programme (Nyukela) before the candidate can be appointed into this post.

Recommendation

None

Key Performance Areas

Line Management:

Lead, transform, and manage the Western Cape Government’s transversal policy, strategy and strategic planning functional areas.

• Lead research, analysis, and monitoring of the provincial policy environment to identify “whole of government and whole of society interventions” and drive a transversal response that is reflected in departments’ policy, strategy, and strategic plans.
• Analyse the three spheres of government’s policies, strategies, and laws (e.g., regulation, legislation, and bylaws) to evaluate their implications for the strategic agenda, operations, and service delivery models of the WCG and transversal structures, such as Portfolios.
• Analyse on-going national policy and strategy developments, and sensitise Cabinet, Sector Committees and departments on its implications for the province.
• Facilitate the development of transversal provincial policies as may be required (including stakeholder consultation as required).
• Ensure that WCG legislation, policies and strategies align with the Provincial Strategic Plan and long-term plans.
• Facilitate the periodic review of the Provincial Strategic Plan in line with prescribed strategic planning and budgetary processes.
• Institutionalise foresight (e.g. environmental scanning and scenario planning) in the development of strategy, policy, and strategic planning at various levels within the organisation (i.e., WCG, Portfolios, and departments) to ensure strategic decisions are calibrated against current and emerging external factors.
• Lead the development of transversal strategy, policy, and strategic planning processes and deliverables to generate intelligence that informs executive decisions and feeds into performance management systems.
• Ensure that WCG legislation, policies and strategies align and comply with human rights principles and with international, constitutional and national human rights obligations, policies and strategies.
• Provide thought leadership and engage in cross-cutting innovation initiatives that fall under the work of the Innovation, Culture, and Governance Portfolio, as well as Policy and Strategy-led innovation initiatives.

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.
• Continuously evaluate the Directorate's performance, proactively report on delivery and emerging risks, adapt plans, and reallocate resources.
• Report to the Chief Director on a regular basis on the activities of the Directorate and on matters of substantial importance relating to operational managagement 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 and Empowerment:

• Recruit, develop, and retain staff in appropriate numbers and grades to achieve the Directorate’s objectives.
• Motivate, train, and guide employees to achieve excellence in service delivery.
• Manage performance, evaluation, and development of staff.
• Oversee workforce planning, capacity building, and service delivery improvement initiatives.
• Promote sound labour relations and maintain discipline within the Directorate.

Financial Management:

• Manage participation in the Directorate budgeting process, including Annual and Adjustment Budgets.
• Assume accountability for efficient, economic, and effective management of the Directorate’s budget and expenditure.
• Ensure adherence to procurement, tender, and contract management requirements.
• Ensure alignment of expenditure with departmental and strategic objectives.
• Report on financial matters to the Chief Director and relevant oversight structures.
• Ensure appropriate risk management controls, asset management, and record-keeping are in place and adhered to.

Competencies

Knowledge of the following:

Proven senior management expertise and practical experience in:

• Legislation and Governance: Deep understanding of modern systems of governance and public administration, including a thorough understanding of the constitutional, legal and institutional frameworks governing the South African public sector, and the application thereof in the Western Cape Government spatial information priorities.
• Regulatory Frameworks: The Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), National and Provincial Treasury Regulations, Labour Relations legislation, and related financial prescripts, directives and collective agreements, with demonstrated ability to ensure compliance, risk management, and sound governance and Data Governance Frameworks
• Strategic Management: Policy development, strategic planning, monitoring, and evaluation and review of processes aligned with provincial priorities and government outcomes.
• Financial Management: Public finance management, procurement and tendering processes, and human resource and discourse management.
• People and Performance Management: Comprehensive experience in human resource management, team leadership and performance systems to drive accountability and results.
• Operational Systems: Public service procedures, performance management systems, and information and knowledge management systems, enabling efficient operations, evidence-based decision-making and continuous improvement.
• Programme and Project Management: End-to-end programme and project management, including planning, implementation, oversight, reporting and risk mitigation to achieve strategic and operational targets.
• Contextual Awareness: Strong understanding of global, regional and local political, socio-economic and political dynamics, impacting the functioning of Western Cape and activities of provincial government departments, translating insights into informed strategic advice.
• Service Delivery and Innovation: Skilled in operational and knowledge management systems supporting evidence-based decision-making, efficient operations, and continuous improvement.

Skills in the following:

• Effective communication skills.
• Strong ability to conceptualise, formulate and demonstrate thought leadership in complex applications.
• Persuasion and influencing abilities.
• Leadership, team-building and interpersonal skills.
• Planning, organising, and people management skills.
• Proven ability to multi-task, manage ambiguity, and perform efficiently in rapidly changing environments.

Remuneration

All-inclusive salary package of R 1,317,384.00 per annum (Level 13). Note: The remuneration package consists of a basic salary (70%) and the employer’s contribution