Position Purpose

To provide specialist advisory support in the development, review and implementation of fiscal policy and revenue enhancement strategies within the local government sector.

The role focuses on strengthening municipal financial sustainability, supporting evidence-based policy development, maintaining fiscal frameworks, and contributing to improved revenue management and financial governance.

The incumbent will play a central role in analysing fiscal data, modelling scenarios, reviewing legislation, and advising senior leadership on fiscal policy positions and municipal finance reforms.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic & Business Planning

• Support development and implementation of the cluster business plan

• Conduct research and prepare analytical reports on fiscal policy and legislation impacting local government

• Contribute to forecasting processes, fiscal modelling and scenario analysis

• Prepare presentations, reports and policy briefs for leadership and sector stakeholders

• Support alignment of fiscal and revenue enhancement programmes to organisational strategy

Fiscal Framework & Policy Advisory

• Maintain, review and update fiscal frameworks and associated data files

• Analyse intergovernmental fiscal transfers, revenue trends and tariff structures

• Provide evidence-based recommendations on fiscal reforms

• Analyse and comment on national and provincial legislation impacting municipalities

• Develop policy positions and responses on municipal finance matters

Research & Data Analytics

• Conduct ongoing analysis of municipal financial performance and audit outcomes

• Engage with sector research bodies and financial reports

• Assess sector plans, financial data and local government intelligence

• Identify fiscal risks and recommend mitigation strategies

• Collaborate with academic and research institutions where required

Governance, Risk & Compliance

• Support compliance with public finance legislative frameworks

• Uphold corporate governance principles

• Identify and mitigate operational, financial and reputational risks within the portfolio

• Monitor expenditure and ensure alignment with approved budgets

Stakeholder Engagement

• Participate in sector working groups and finance forums

• Prepare fiscal policy implementation frameworks and guidance materials

• Engage municipalities, government departments and other stakeholders

• Support effective representation of local government interests in intergovernmental relations platforms

Minimum Requirements Qualifications

• Postgraduate degree in Finance, Economics, Public Finance, or related Social Science field

• Master’s degree in Finance, Economics or Business advantageous

Experience

• 3–5 years’ experience in a Specialist or Senior Advisory role within a medium to large organisation

• Experience in fiscal policy analysis, municipal finance or public sector advisory

• Experience operating in a multidisciplinary environment

Additional Requirements

• Valid driver’s licence

• Willingness to travel extensively

Knowledge & Technical Competencies

• Strong understanding of fiscal policy and regulatory frameworks (national and provincial)

• Knowledge of public finance legislation (MFMA, PFMA and related frameworks)

• Understanding of local government mandates and financial sustainability challenges

• Financial management and budgeting principles

• Political and intergovernmental dynamics

Technical Skills

• Fiscal modelling and scenario analysis

• Data analytics and financial analysis

• Research and policy drafting

• Programme design, implementation and monitoring

• Advanced MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, MS Project)

• Strong written communication and policy report writing