Key Responsibilities 

The ideal candidate should be able to fulfill and perform the following key responsibilities: 

• Ensure that stakeholder relationships are developed and enhanced to optimally service the needs of the merSETA skills development ecosystem in accordance with merSETA’s strategic obligations, priorities and governance framework. 
• Develop appropriate policies, procedures, guidelines and plans in line with the merSETA governance framework in support of the unit’s function related services and products. 
• Establish programme planning that ensures that all grant awarded programmes and projects are planned and managed for effective execution with various role players within the merSETA skills development ecosystem. 
• Monitor programme and project commitments to ensure that they are implemented and managed within approved regulatory and policy framework whilst adhering to corporate governance principles and legal compliance. 
• Provide appropriate oversight of the information system, end to end, i.e. meaning from applications, to awards, contract commitments, monitoring, disbursements, deviations, termination and close out. 
• Drive effective execution of the operational risk strategy and framework aligned to the mandatory and discretionary grant management functions. 
• Oversee the development and preparation of grants related reports for management structures and statutory requirements. 
• Lead and manage the grants management team and create a supportive environment and provide leadership around expected standards of professionalism and quality of output in the unit. 
• Oversee and manage the evaluation of mandatory grants ensuring compliance to grants regulations.
• Oversee and manage Discretionary Grants Project disbursement and claims processes and provide recommendations on Discretionary Grants project disbursements, ensuring that merSETA targets are met through Discretionary Grants. 
• Oversee the disbursement of Discretionary Grants in accordance with approved agreements for programmes and projects implemented by the Client Services business unit/Regions. 
• Chair the Discretionary Grants process for Evaluations Committee. 
• Ensure a close working relationship between the different divisions to ensure the continuous delivery on merSETA’s performance targets. 
• Ensure that the synergy between the different divisions is utilized to continuously support merSETA’s performance and delivery against set objectives. 
• Manage and control effective utilization of the grants management budget and ensure cost effective utilization and control of the budget. 
• Continuously track, monitor and measure the merSETA’s grants management results and performance against set sales standards and targets. 
• Build a capable grants management team in the form of skilled people, in all areas and with sound business processes in place. 
• Professional visible representation of the merSETA, ensuring all behaviours and conduct are aligned with the company values. 
• Provide proactive advice and identify opportunities to enhance merSETA’s performance in the short and medium- term. 
• Continuously provide feedback and communication to ensure all stakeholders are informed. 
• Maintain professional and technical knowledge ensuring benchmarking against best practice and a team that is informed of new developments and initiatives.  

Qualifications and Experience 

• Honours degree or equivalent NQF Level 8 qualification in Business Administration/ Management / Public Administration /Finance Management or related field. 
• Master’s degree or equivalent NQF Level 9 qualification in Business Administration/Management / Public Administration /Finance Management or related field be an added advantage. 
• Minimum of 7 years’ experience within grants management, fund administration or related field within skills development, or government funding mechanisms, 5 of which should be at management level. 
• 5 years’ experience in Grants Management, fund administration or related field 
• Experience in a skills development or government funding mechanisms environment is essential. 
• 8 years or more experience within grants management, fund administration or related field within skills development, or government funding mechanisms environment will serve as an advantage.