Specialist: Fiscal Policy at South African Local Government Association

ROLE OVERVIEW

• Reporting to the Portfolio Head Municipal Finance, Fiscal Policy and Revenue Enhancement. This role would be responsible to support and advise a multi-disciplinary team to design, implement and evaluate best fit solutions to critical municipal challenges in financial management and revenue enhancement; to ensure effective representation of the Local Government Sector in IGR through evidence-based and data driven development and review of fiscal and other relevant policy positions as the voice of Local Government regarding fiscal matters; and to develop municipal capability in delivering on the developmental mandate of municipalities.

THE CANDIDATE PROFILE

• Understanding of relevant fiscal policy and regulatory directives (International, national and provincial)
• Good understanding of Local Government Sector, challenges and mandates
• Business Acumen and Planning (Fiscal, Financial, Action Applied strategic)
• Ability to draft, analyse and interpret reports on SALGA positions in a professional and quality manner for the working groups, PEC and NEC
• Understanding of political dynamics
• Good understanding of the Public Sector and all relevant legislation and Regulations; and Policy directives (MFMA, PFMA)
• A lateral thinker who can manage multiple dynamics over a broad spectrum in an integrated fashion
• High degree of self-management, pro-activeness and creativity
• Resilient, high performer, problem solver and Tenacious
• A dynamic, innovative, motivated self-starter with high levels of emotional maturity
• Consultative and informed
• Customer service orientation
• High integrity and ethical
• Persuasive and influencing
• Research & Knowledge capability
• Culture fit: SALGA desires an individual who will share and buy-in, in our core values, mission and vision, demonstrating a commitment to our ethos beyond just doing the job

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Relevant Post-graduate Degree in Finance, Economics and Public Finance. Master in the Finance, Business and Economics willbe advantageous
• Valid Driver’s Licence; Extensive Travel
• At least 10 years’ relevant experience operating at a senior management level within a medium to large sized organisation including previous experience in the LG Sector
• Practical knowledge of financial management, budgeting, fiscal policy, modelling principles and practices
• Working knowledge of the political dynamics and developments in the country
• Programme design, implementation, monitoring & evaluation

KEY PORTFOLIO AND PERFORMANCE FOCUS AREAS

• Business Integration: Participate and support the Portfolio Head with the development of the Cluster business plan, related to the Fiscal Policy and Revenue Enhancement. Support and advise on the implementation of Fiscal Policy decisions in the portfolio, so that all requirements laid down by SALGA are achieved.
• Strategic and Business Planning: Participate and support the Portfolio Head in ensuring that the development of the cluster business plan with reference to the Fiscal Policy and Revenue Enhancement is met. The Specialist will conduct, contribute and writeup research, analysis and modelling pieces on issues of relevance to the fiscal framework and relevant legislation, that impacts or can potentially impact Local Government. Contribute and participate in the forecasting process, ongoing analysis of financial data and fiscal scenarios, the preparation of presentations, narrative reports and other outputs on the fiscal policy and revenue enhancement. Support and advice on the implementation of the Cluster business plan for the portfolio to ensure that Fiscal Policy and Revenue Enhancement programmes are in line with overall mandate.
• Financial and Budget Management: Support the development of the cluster Budget and ensure the processing of Fiscal Policy related expenses within budget and in compliance with SCM regulations. Monitor expenditure and budget allocations monthly to ensure accuracy and alignment with fiscal requirements.
• People management and promoting a high-performance culture: Support, guide and lead staff so that they achieve their work objectives and work within an environment conducive to achieving required results. Support the Portfolio Head in building a highperformance culture in SALGA and in area of responsibility.
• Corporate Governance and risk management: Supports the Portfolio Head in ensuring SALGA compliance with Fiscal related Legislative frameworks. Uphold sound corporate governance principles in the day-to-day operation of the Fiscal Policy & Revenue Enhancement and ensure compliance with related organisational policies and procedures. Identify and mitigate reputational, organisational and operational risks identified in the Fiscal Policy Portfolio. Ensure that relevant systems and processes are implemented and in place to facilitate an effective portfolio.
• Stakeholder and IGR management: Attend IGR platforms (budget forum, JEXCO provincial municipal finance working groups where possible and necessary. Prepare Fiscal policy and implementation frameworks, legislative information and other necessary material for distribution to municipalities. Assist & initiate the development and maintenance of sound relationships with relevant stakeholder groups (including civil society organisations, locally and internationally). Create reports to communicate about Fiscal Policy related programmes.
• Monitoring, Evaluation & Reporting: Monitor and report on the Fiscal and performance progress against the Portfolio budget and business plan and take necessary action to ensure that the goals and targets of the Portfolio is met within time, quality and budget requirements. Develop and submit monthly, quarterly and annual reports as requested by the Portfolio Head. Ensure timely submission of all internal and external reports.
• Research and Data Analytics: Initiate and advise on research agenda for Local Government, regularly analyse, assess and benchmark the fiscal framework for local government. Engage continuously with FFC on reports, research and participate in their research processes. Annually develop, analyse and comment on financial data and revenue value chain (growth, intergovernmental allocations, tariffs, etc.). Review and analyse sector plans/financial data/ audit outcomes, StatsSA data and LG Intelligence within the portfolio, to determine key challenges relating to Fiscal matters. Support the development of responses to municipal policy and legislative frameworks where implementation weaknesses at a municipal level is identified. Collaborate with academia and research NGO’s in enhancing and contributing to the research agenda of the portfolio and of SALGA as a whole. Analyse and comment on national legislation impacting the portfolio at municipal level.

Deadline:28th October,2025