Senior Technical Finance Specialist (JOBS Fund)

Overview

Lead origination and structuring of high-impact employment-focused investment opportunities for the Jobs Fund, requiring 10-15 years' project finance experience and a relevant NQF 7 degree.

Requirements

• A degree (NQF Level 7 or higher) in Finance, Economics, Accounting, Business Management, Development Finance, or a related field.
• Formal training or qualification in project or programme management. 10–15 years’ experience in project finance, corporate finance, structured finance, or investment analysis, including appraisal and closing of complex transactions.
• Demonstrated experience assessing innovative or non-standard financial structures and grant-based funding mechanisms.
• Strong understanding of private-sector financing, incentives, and risk dynamics.
• Proven ability to conduct due diligence, analyse financial statements and models, and exercise sound investment judgment. 5 years of experience at a senior managerial level.
• Advantageous Experience and Qualifications: Post graduate qualifications in Finance, Economics, Accounting, Business Management, Development Finance, or a related field.
• CFA, CA(SA), MBA (Finance/Strategy), or equivalent senior professional qualification.
• Experience in development finance, impact investing, blended finance, climate finance, or transition finance.
• Experience working on green economy, informal economy, or Just Energy Transition–related projects or value chains.
• Experience conducting or translating research on value chains, labour absorption, or economic development outcomes.
• Ideal Candidate Profile: You are a senior technical finance professional who combines strong analytical rigour with practical deal-making experience.
• You are comfortable working between public and private sectors, interrogating complex financial structures, and applying an investment lens to real-world job creation challenges.
• You bring independence of thought, strong judgment, and a commitment to using public resources catalytically for inclusive growth.

Duties

• Originate and develop a pipeline of high-impact, employment-focused investment opportunities in partnership with private sector firms, intermediaries, developers, and ecosystem partners.
• Analyse, structure, and assess complex financial instruments and funding models, including blended finance, debt structures, outcome-based financing, and performance-linked grants.
• Conduct rigorous financial, commercial, and operational due diligence on project applications, including assessment of financial additionality, sustainability, and execution risk.
• Identify and analyse financial, market, governance, and performance risks arising from different project structures, and recommend appropriate mitigation strategies.
• Lead and quality-assure appraisal reports and funding recommendations submitted to Technical Evaluation and Investment Committees.
• Provide technical oversight of high-risk or complex projects within the Jobs Fund portfolio and support remedial action where performance challenges arise.
• Conduct independent applied research on job creation opportunities, priority value chains, the informal economy, and green and Just Energy Transition–related sectors, translating insights into funding and strategy inputs.
• Present financial, risk, and research findings clearly to internal decision-makers and external stakeholders.
• Coach, mentor, and technically support junior staff, building institutional capability in financial appraisal, risk analysis, and innovative finance.
• Represent the Jobs Fund in relevant stakeholder engagements, market forums, and learning platforms.

How to apply

Please register or if you are already registered, sign in and apply for the position/s on the GTAC eRecruitment website: https://erecruitment.gtac.gov.za/erecruitment/

Enquiries: Kaizer Malakoane at 066 250 7072

Notes

The Jobs Fund is recruiting a Senior Technical Finance Specialist to strengthen its capacity to originate, structure, appraise, and oversee innovative, employment-generating projects that leverage public finance to unlock private investment. This is a senior specialist role suited to an experienced finance professional with strong private-sector exposure and a deep understanding of development, impact, and transition finance. Only South African Citizens, and Permanent Residents need to apply as per PSR 2016. Applications should be accompanied by a duly completed and signed Z83 form (obtainable from any Public Service department). The post title and reference number must be clearly indicated on the Z83 form. A recent comprehensive CV should be submitted. Certified copies of qualifications and other relevant documents will be required to be submitted to HR on or before the day of the interview from shortlisted candidates. All short-listed candidates will be subjected to security vetting to confirm employment, personnel suitability checks. Short-listed candidates must make themselves available for a panel interview on the date determined by GTAC. Late applications, and those not meeting the requirements, will not be considered. Should you not receive feedback from GTAC within 2 months of the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful. GTAC reserves the right to fill or not fill the advertised post. Preference will be given according to EE and Gender target. All shortlisted candidates, including the SMS, shall undertake two pre- entry assessments. One will be a practical exercise to determine a candidate’s suitability based on the post’s technical and generic requirements and the other must be an integrity (ethical conduct) assessment. All shortlisted candidates for SMS posts will be subjected to a technical exercise and interview. Following the technical exercise and interview, a maximum of three (3) SMS candidates will undergo psychometric assessments to assess cognitive capabilities, behavioural preferences, emotional intelligence, and integrity. In accordance with the DPSA Directive on Compulsory Capacity Development, Mandatory Training Days and Minimum requirements, this SMS level appointment will be subject to the completion of the Senior Management Pre-entry programme as endorsed by the National School of Government. The applicants should therefore have proof that they have registered for the Pre-entry certificate and have completed the course before the appointment. The cost of the pre-entry certificate is at the candidate’s expense. To access the pre-certificate course, please visit: https://www.thensg.gov.za/training-course/sms-pre-entry- programme. Applications: Only online applications will be accepted. Applications not accompanied by a comprehensive CV and fully completed and signed Z83 form will not be considered. The GTAC is an equal-opportunity employer and encourages applications from women and people with disabilities. Our buildings are accessible to people with disabilities and reasonable accommodation is provided for persons with disabilities. MANAGEMENT ECHELON