The Role

To identify, develop, and support commercially viable economic development initiatives and investment partnerships that drive sustainable job creation, inclusive growth, and measurable development outcomes, while operating within a structured governance and compliance framework.

Key responsibilities include:

• Identify and assess bankable economic development and investment opportunities aligned to local value chains and community needs
• Develop investment-ready business cases, including financial models and feasibility assessments
• Structure and support implementation of ventures, including governance frameworks, budgets, and operating models
• Facilitate and manage partnerships with entrepreneurs, operators, financiers, and key stakeholders
• Ensure compliance with governance, regulatory, and Delegation of Authority frameworks
• Support procurement, contracting, and partnership documentation in line with internal policies
• Apply risk management practices across all initiatives, identifying and mitigating key risks
• Integrate ESG principles into project design, decision-making, and partnerships
• Monitor and report on performance, including job creation and socio-economic outcomes
• Maintain effective stakeholder engagement across internal teams, partners, and communities

Essential Skills

• Strong commercial and analytical capability with the ability to assess viability and sustainability
• Solid understanding of governance, compliance, and risk management frameworks
• Financial modelling and business case development skills
• Ability to structure partnerships and manage multi-stakeholder engagements
• Strong communication and presentation skills, including preparation of executive-level documentation
• Project management capability with the ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Commerce, Economics, Finance, Development Studies, or related field
• Postgraduate qualification advantageous
• Minimum 5–7 years’ experience in economic development, investment, or related fields
• Proven experience in developing and structuring viable development or investment initiatives
• Experience working within structured governance and compliance environments
• Exposure to stakeholder engagement across private, public, and community sectors
• Willingness to travel regularly to Mpumalanga

Competencies & Attributes

• Passionate about developing entrepreneurs and connecting them with established businesses to drive sustainable growth.
• Ability to demonstrate high standards of ethical conduct, honesty and integrity
• High attention to accuracy; cost conscious
• The capacity and willingness to perform hands-on tasks
• Self-motivated with the ability to work both individually and as a part of a small, skilled, and highly focused team, with a “can-do” attitude and willingness to take ownership of delivering on their goals and responsibilities
• Proactive approach to problem-solving and comfortable to make recommendations around resolving challenges
• Strong commercial acumen and an ability to think and act strategically in order to maximize opportunities for the business
• Flexible working style, able to work at a variety of differently levels both inside and outside the organisation and with members of the team being in different locations
• Team player
• Comfortable, available and willing to travel and do business within Africa at times
• High attention to detail including adherence to company procedures
• Resourceful, well organised and effective at accomplishing objectives
• Ability to learn quickly and meet deadlines
• Ability to problem-solve

Employment Package Outline:

Salary:

Market Related

Benefits:

Employee Assistance Programme

Group Risk Insurance Cover

GAP Cover

Medical Aid

Professional Development Opportunities

Retirement Contribution

Rewards:

Short Term Incentive

POPIA Compliance Notice:

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All applicants are thanked for their interest. 

Applications that have not been responded to within 30 days of the closing date should be regarded as unsuccessful. 

Communication will be with shortlisted candidates only.