Director: Provincial Forensic Services (Ref No. DOTP 98/2026)

Job Purpose

The Western Cape Government is looking for an individual with relevant qualifications in the field of Forensics/ Commerce/ Law/ Auditing and extensive experience in renedering advice and guidance in respect of forensic investigative services. The Director will be responsible to strategically drive the delivery of proactive and reactive forensic services to 9 departments in accordance with standards and methodologies. 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:

Strategic management, advice and guidance in respect of the following functional areas:

Drive the compilation and implementation of a reactive forensic services operational plan on an annual basis.

Provide input and drive the development and maintenance of the Forensic Services Methodology which is in conformance with best practices.

Provide input during the compilation and regular review of the Forensic Services’s mandate.

Contribute to the development and drive implementation of a client relation strategy, which promotes delivery of forensic services.

Provide the oversight structures with relevant information based on the result of reactive initiatives for effective discharge of responsibilities (e.g. feedback to SCOPA and regular update of Audit Committees, etc).

Develop capacity building interventions for the team.

Review and approve the investigation approach, scope and legal compliance of all cases.

Assess each reported case to determine merit.

Overall supervision, review and guidance of execution of work, ensuring proper investigation methodology and qualitative evidence supporting findings.

Review the final reports, ensuring that it is factual based on the evidence and process evaluated.

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.

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.

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 (Salary Level 13).

Note: The remuneration package consists of a basic salary (70%) and the employer’s contribution to the Pension Fund. The remainder of the package may be structured according to your personal needs.

Notes

Only applications submitted online will be accepted.

Kindly note that technical support is only available from Monday to Friday from 8:00 to 16:00. Should you experience any difficulties with your online application you may contact the helpline on 0861 370 214.

Please ensure that you submit your application on or before the closing date as no late applications will be considered. The selection process will be guided by the EE targets of the employing department. By applying for this post, you are consenting to the Western Cape Government contacting your previous employers/managers for an employment reference. Reference checks will include enquiries relating to your disciplinary records and reasons for leaving.

All shortlisted candidates must make themselves available to be interviewed at a date, time and place as decided by the selection panel.

All shortlisted candidates will be required to submit duly completed and signed vetting and supporting documentation within the timeframe c