Patterson Grade: E1
Remuneration: R1, 275,326.11 (TCTC), excluding a possible 20% performance bonus
The Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA) is a Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) that facilitates skills development training in terms of the Skills Development Act 97 of 1998, under the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET). The MQA also supports mine health and safety for the mining and minerals sector in terms of the Mine Health and Safety Act 29 of 1996, under the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE).
Role purpose
Reporting to the Chief Operations Officer (COO), this role is responsible to inform strategic decision-making through informed, credible research on skills requirements and developments in the minerals and mining sector.
Key performance areas
Sector skills planning: Participate in the formulation and implementation of MQA’s strategy and plans in line with the business planning process cycle. Lead and manage the sector skills planning process in line with the organisational mandate. Develop the Skills Development and Research Unit annual operational plan for effective delivery of the planned deliverables. Align all skills planning activities of the sector with prescripts and national imperatives. Manage the submission and evaluation of WSPs and ATRs to accurately reflect the skills provision in the sector. Manage OFO submissions to the DHET.
Management of Sector Research: Develop and manage the strategic research framework for the sector which will serve as a guide for developing a high-quality Sector Skills Plan. Analyse the Sector Skills Plan and advise the relevant stakeholders on the critical and scarce skills priorities. Prepare and advise executive management on the sector skills research agenda in support of the National Skills Development Strategy for effective decision making. Facilitate the process of conducting the sector skills audit for effective decision making and planning. Coordinate the collaboration with relevant institutions to conduct relevant research in the sector. Facilitate the support of post graduate students who undertake the relevant sector research.
Stakeholder Capacity Building: Build capacity of skills development facilitators and relevant stakeholders to understand the skills development programmes. Facilitate stakeholder engagement sessions in order to disseminate information pertaining to skills development and research in the sector. Facilitate stakeholder capacity building on the automated WSP and ATR system.
Documents Management: Create and maintain a centralised document management system for managing SDR unit documentation, contracts, and reports. Ensure internal and external stakeholders receive accurate and timely information.
Risk Management and Compliance: Drive compliance to regulatory and legislative standards. Maintain and manage the Risk Register for the SDR unit. Ensure mitigation of risk when delivering business critical applications. Ensure ongoing maintenance, updating and communication of policies.
Corporate Governance: Ensure that the SDR Unit complies with the MQA’s good governance framework. Resolve all audit queries and ensure that corrective action is implemented. Provide input regarding compliance with laws, legislative requirements, policies, procedures, and processes to ensure compliance at all times. Identify and evaluate the risks associated with program activities and take appropriate action to control the risks.
Financial Management: Develop, manage, and oversee the efficient utilisation of the SRD Unit annual budget in line with the approved deliverables. Investigate and action any items of over expenditure. Review the monthly expenditure and explain and / or action all areas of discrepancy.
Customer Focus: Internal and external stakeholder engagement: Actively build and nurture professional partnerships and working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, displaying excellent abilities to listen, advise, consult, influence, negotiate and present at all levels. Ensure there is a structured communication protocol for engaging with stakeholders and managing feedback loops. Liaise with internal audit on the audit process and strengthening the control environment. Liaise with external audit on the audit process to resolve audit findings.
People Management: Set the Unit deliverables and assign functions in line with reporting lines. Manage the Customer Service and Communication Unit team performance. Ensure the development, guidance, and empowerment of the team to deliver Unit targets. Ensure that the performance contracts are in place prior to the beginning of each financial year in line with the Unit’s strategy and Plans. Measure, manage and monitor the performance of the team.
Key requirements: qualifications, experience, and competencies
Qualifications:
- Postgraduate/ Hons Degree in Business Administration, Public Sector Management or Human Resource Management/ Development at NQF Level 8 and a Qualification in Research
- An MBA, MBL, MComm or an equivalent NQF Level 9 qualification in the abovementioned fields will be an added advantage.
Experience:
- Minimum of 10 years within the skills development and research environment, of which 5 years at senior level in a similar environment is preferred.
- Excellent knowledge of the SETA landscape and the relevant policies, legislation and regulations that govern it.
- Engagement with Board and/or Senior Public Servants and experience in the SETA environment will be advantageous.
Competencies: Knowledge
- Understanding of the current issues and challenges, training skills development and SETAs across SA. Knowledge of strategic national policy imperatives guiding skills development in South Africa. Knowledge of Government Policies and Procedure. Knowledge of financial and organisational management. Knowledge of Corporate Governance, Risk Management, methodologies, and processes. Knowledge of marketing communication methodologies.
Competencies: Skills
• Negotiation skills. Strategic and leadership capability. Facilitation and counseling skills. People skills. Good Communication and presentation skills.
Competencies: Attributes:
• Results oriented. Resilience. Emotional Intelligence. Situational sensitivity. decisiveness, People orientation. Strong analytical and technical abilities
The candidate should also be willing to:
- Work under pressure inclusive of longer than normal offices hours if required. Work with a variety of internal and external stakeholders. Travel away from home if required. Engage in a lifelong learning process relative to the context of the workplace.
Closing Date: 13 April 2023. Late applications will not be considered.
The MQA is an Equal Opportunity Employer; therefore, the filling of the position will be in line with its Employment Equity Plan.
Recommended candidates will be expected to undergo a professional competency assessment and vetting processes.
Successful applicant will be required to disclose their financial interest. Should you not hear from the MQA within 4 weeks of the closing date, you must regard your application as unsuccessful.
Interested candidates should submit their applications which shall consist of a comprehensive curriculum vitae, certified copies of their qualifications, a valid drivers’ licence, and valid Proof of Identification to: recruitment@mqa.org.za
The MQA reserves the right not to appoint any person for this position.