Director: Economic Analysis

About the role

The Department of Economic Development and Tourism (Mpumalanga) is hiring a Director: Economic Analysis, based in Head Office Mbombela. This is a permanent post, paying R1,317,384 a year. How to apply: Applications must be submitted online through the Provincial e-Recruitment Portal at https://erecruitment.mpg.gov.za Applicants are required to register and create a profile on the system before submitting their applications. A comprehensive, recently updated Curriculum Vitae (CV) including three (3) contactable references and all mandatory documents must be uploaded on the portal to apply for these opportunities. No manual, emailed or faxed applications will be accepted. Reference number to quote: DEDT 2026/27/22 Closing date: 30 October 2026 @ 16h00 Use the new Z83 form and attach a detailed CV.

Responsibilities

• Manage the analysis of Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) consumer price index (CPI) reports and develop monthly Provincial Inflation Bulletins.
• Coordinate the production of quarterly Provincial Labour Bulletin after Stats SA Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) releases.
• Manage the collection of data and production of Socio-Economic Profiles of each district and local municipality.
• Manage and analyze the potential and constraints for growth and development in the province and their interaction within governmental spending and revenue patterns/trends.
• Manage and coordinate key socio-economic indicators by means of trend and comparative analysis and produce an annual PERO (Provincial Economic Review and Outlook) and SERO (Socio-Economic Review and Outlook) reports bi-annually.
• Prepare and deliver presentations to convey complex economic data and insights.
• Coordinate, manage, conduct and disseminate socio-economic research & analysis to inform the departmental and provincial planning, policy, strategy and budget processes.
• Manage, co-ordinate and commission socio-economic research to analyze, amongst others, the impact of economic developments and economic policy on the provincial economy, the performance of various economic industries/sectors in Mpumalanga.
• Oversee the compilation of relevant quality and credible economic research reports on a quarterly basis in line with Government economic priorities.
• Present research findings to relevant decision-making fora in the province for evidence-based decision making.
• Participate in relevant socio-economic forums in Mpumalanga such as LED, IDP, DDM, OTP research forums, as well as inter-provincial economic forums such as the Public Sector Economist Forum (PSEF) and Tourism Statistics Forum.
• Manage and provide input into socio-economic section of the IDPs and LED strategies.
• Manage, conduct, compile and disseminate e-based research reports that are relevant in providing support and advice to economic planning and decision-making processes.
• Provide technical assistance and support in the application of economic analysis tools.
• Scrutinize technical reports and provide subject matter expertise.
• Manage the provision of economics data into research and departmental publications.
• Manage the provision of administrative support services:
• Manage the delivery of the Annual Performance Plan (APP) and AOP (Annual Operational Plan) targets
• Manage budget of the directorate
• Manage human resources
• Monitor proper utilization of assets allocated to the directorate
• Develop and implement strategies to address identified risk and complete risk management reports
• Manage the improvement of internal controls

Requirements

• An appropriate Bachelor's Degree in Economics at NQF Level 7 as recognised by SAQA.
• A Post Graduate Degree in Economics will serve as an added advantage.
• At least 5 years' at Middle/Senior Managerial level experience focusing on Economic Analysis, Economic Modelling, Economic Research.
• Completion of Nyukela Certificate for entry into the SMS (Senior Management Service) upon appointment.
• A valid driver's licence.
• The successful candidate must have:
• A rigorous and in-depth knowledge of Economic Analysis, Applied Statistics, and Econometrics, data management, and strategies in the public sector
• Knowledge of information sharing mechanisms and platforms
• A thorough understanding of relevant legislation, best practices, and frameworks
• Sound Knowledge and understanding of the Public Service Regulatory Framework, e.g. Public Service Act, PFMA, Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA), Economic Modelling Packages (such as EViews, Stata and others), Treasury Regulations, Provincial Growth and Development Strategy (PGDS), National Development Plan (NDP), Public Service Regulations, Labour Relations Act, Occupational Health and Safety Act, Basic Conditions of Employment Act, Skills Development Act, Service Delivery Frameworks, policies, and strategies.
• Ability to provide leadership in provincial and national economic analysis, forecasting, economic modelling, applied statistical data analysis, strategic management, and people skills, and use of advanced Excel and other data analysis tools.
• The successful candidate must be able to display the following competencies: strong analytical capabilities report writing, leadership, programme and project management, financial management, service delivery innovation, problem solving and analysis, people management and empowerment, client orientation, communication, honesty and integrity, advanced computer skills. strategic capability, leadership.