General Manager - Civic & Democracy Education at Electoral Commission

The Electoral Commission is looking for a strong, multidisciplinary, self-motivated and dynamic leader who will be responsible for the Electoral Commission's Civic and Democracy Education, Research and Knowledge Management programmes. The position reports to the Deputy Chief Electoral Officer: Outreach.

Responsibilities/Duties

• The Electoral Commission is looking for a dynamic leader who can develop and facilitate business plans for Civic & Democracy Education, Research and Knowledge Management in consultation with all internal stakeholders of the Electoral Commission.
• Improve the Electoral Commission's ability to deliver civic and democracy education using a broad range of tools and platforms to a wide variety of audiences. 

• Create knowledge on electoral democracy through maintaining a robust capability to develop print and multimedia products for internal and external dissemination and use.
• Develop a research agenda and lead thought leadership in the area of electoral democracy. .
• The successful candidate will be required to develop business plans for approval; cause their implementation; budget effectively for all areas within her/his span of control;
• Manage and monitor the various projects and control processes including identifying risks, evaluating these projects and providing reports.
• Manage the establishment and maintenance of knowledge management systems and processes.
• Maintain sound financial administration and people management in the department.
• Develop operational risk management plan for the department.
• Timely submission of quarterly, annual performance and quarterly risk reports.

Requirements

• The successful candidate must be in possession of a relevant tertiary qualification, preferably in the Social Sciences or Humanities or Law;
• must have at least 8 years' relevant working experience in the field of education of which at least 6 must be at management level (manager, director or equivalent);
• exposure to the sociology and psychology of education; 
• experience in civic and democracy education will be an advantage;

• experience in working directly with community structures and communities in development;
• knowledge and experience in the development and implementation of curriculum development;
• Knowledge of the full span of research methodology , the ethics of research, understanding of the democratic electoral processes and legislative frameworks;
• Knowledge and understanding of knowledge management; sound writing, communication and presentation skills;
• strong project management and monitoring skills; strategic planning, analytical thinking skills;
• ability to build strategic relations and leadership skills; good people and budget management skills;
• knowledge and understanding of relevant legislation the PFMA, Treasury Regulations and skills development legislative frameworks; 
• knowledge of SAP ERP systems will be an added advantage; prepared to travel extensively both locally and internationally and a valid driver's license is essential.

More Information

Applicants for the above position must be a South African citizen, who has not had a recent prominent political profile in the last 5 years.  Applications must in all cases be marked with the relevant reference number and be accompanied by updated comprehensive curriculum vitae (CV) as well as certified copies of all qualification documents and identity document. 

Should applicants be in possession of a foreign qualification, it must be accompanied by an evaluation certificate from the South African Qualification Authority (SAQA).  Failure to attach the relevant reference number and to submit the requested documents will result in the application not being considered. 

Please note that the CV, all qualifications and references are subject to verification and appointments will only be made upon successful verification thereof.  All appointments are subject to a probation period of not less than 12 months and successful applicants will be required to enter into a performance contract

The Electoral Commission will only correspond with short-listed candidates and interviews will be conducted on a date and time specified by the interview panel. The Electoral Commission is under no obligation to fill the position after advertising it and reserves the right not to make any appointment in the above post.

Although advertised, a position may be withdrawn, re-advertised or filled by way of transfer or deployment, should it be considered in the interest of service delivery. The Electoral Commission may in terms of the Electoral Commission Act, furthermore amend the requirements and functions of its positions from time to time.