Director: Technology Innovation and Artificial Intelligence Governance

DIRECTOR: TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE GOVERNANCE is listed by DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES. The post is based in Pretoria, Gauteng. The closing date is 05 October 2026.

Job Details

Requirements

• An appropriate NQF Level 7 qualification / Degree in Information and Communication Technology
• (ICT) / Computer Science, Information Systems / Digital Transformation, Engineering/Innovation Management or a relevant equivalent qualification.
• A minimum of five (5) years’ experience at Middle / Senior Management in leading digital transformation, technology adoption, or innovation ecosystem development.
• A postgraduate qualification (NQF Level 8 or above) in Digital Economy Studies, Technology Management, or Public Sector Innovation will be an added advantage.
• Skills / Competencies And Knowledge: Strategic Capability and Leadership, People Management and Empowerment, Programme and Project Management, Financial Management, Change Management, Problem Solving And Analysis, Client Orientation, Customer Focused Communication, Emerging Technology Integration, Internet Of Things (Iot), Cloud Computing, Big Data Analytics, Digital Transformation, ICT Ecosystem, National Digital and Future Skills Strategy 4IR Initiatives, AI Governance and Responsible AI, Emerging Technology Strategy and Foresight, Technology Policy and Regulatory Analysis, Innovation Ecosystem Development, Entrepreneurship and ICT SMME Development, Technology Commercialisation, Strategic Partnership Development and Resource Mobilisation, Public-Private Partnerships, International Technology Cooperation, Technology Investment and Financing Models, Government Policy and Legislative Processes, Technology Standards and Ethics, Innovation Procurement and Market Creation.

Duties / Responsibilities

• The purpose of the post is to manage and create an enabling digital environment, policy framework and innovative strategic reforms that govern the delivery of technology innovation, research and artificial intelligence governance services in line with the department’s strategic objectives.
• The successful candidate will manage and drive the development and implementation of technologies and artificial intelligence policies and strategies to drive innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic growth in the digital sector.
• Research and analyse emerging technologies, market trends and industry practices to inform strategic decision-making and increase innovation in high-tech manufacturing and relevant industries.
• Invest in research and development (R&D), establish financing and alternative start-up scheme activities to support and promote responsible innovation practices.
• Facilitate access to venture capital, grants, blended finance, development finance, corporate investment and public-private partnerships, and manage intellectual property and technology transfer processes to support the commercialisation of government-supported innovation.
• Identify the latest emerging disruptive technologies, potential opportunities of emerging technologies applicable to government, society, and operational services and develop mitigation strategies to mitigate potential risks.
• Spearhead initiatives to support ICT and mobilise support and incubation to foster a culture of experimentation and creativity within society, driving forward-thinking approaches to problemsolving and service delivery.
• Develop and support innovation ecosystems, guiding technologies and enterprises through the continuum of research, innovation, prototyping, incubation, funding, commercialisation, market adoption and scaling.
• Collaborate with industry partners, research institutions, and other stakeholders to establish partnerships to drive technology adoption and innovation and stay updated on the latest technological advancements and trends.
• Build, negotiate and sustain strategic partnerships with multinational technology companies, research institutions, universities, international organisations, development agencies, investors and entrepreneurs, identifying mutual value and mobilising resources to convert relationships into sustainable programmes.
• Drive global developments and policy frameworks related to emerging technologies to ensure alignment with national objectives and priorities.
• Monitor and interpret international technology policy developments within the ITU, United Nations, G20, BRICS, African Union and other relevant institutions, and translate these into South African policy responses and implementation programmes.
• Conduct SEIAS and manage the design of an AI governance framework to monitor compliance with relevant regulations and standards, manage risks and ensure ethical and responsible AI use.
• Support the establishment and maintenance of AI Institute, Hubs and Centres of Excellence, and support initiatives to develop AI applications, platforms and solutions in collaboration with entities and partners.
• Contributing to key result areas such as strategic functional leadership, managing human resources, managing financial resources, driving change and operational excellence, and managing and ensuring compliance.

Knowledge, Skills and Competencies

Strategic Capability and Leadership, People Management and Empowerment, Programme and Project Management, Financial Management, Change Management, Problem Solving And Analysis, Client Orientation, Customer Focused Communication, Emerging Technology Integration, Internet Of Things (Iot), Cloud Computing, Big Data Analytics, Digital Transformation, ICT Ecosystem, National Digital and Future Skills Strategy 4IR Initiatives, AI Governance and Responsible AI, Emerging Technology Strategy and Foresight, Technology Policy and Regulatory Analysis, Innovation Ecosystem Development, Entrepreneurship and ICT SMME Development, Technology Commercialisation, Strategic Partnership Development and Resource Mobilisation, Public-Private Partnerships, International Technology Cooperation, Technology Investment and Financing Models, Government Policy and Legislative Processes, Technology Standards and Ethics, Innovation Procurement and Market Creation.

Application Instructions

Link CLICK HERE

Application address:
Application Link CLICK HERE

Notes

Please forward your application, quoting the relevant reference number, to the link quoted in the specific advertisement below. This link requires applicants to use a Google account.

Applications must be submitted with two (2) attachments: 1. A Z83 Form (2021 version), obtainable from the DPSA website (Z83 editable) and 2.

A recently updated comprehensive Curriculum Vitae. If either or all of these two attachments are not submitted, the applicant’s application will be disqualified.

Each post advert must be accompanied by its own application form for employment and must be fully completed, initialed and signed by the applicant. Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.

Only shortlisted candidates will be required to submit certified copies of qualifications obtained and other related documents on or before the day of the interview, following communication from Human Resources and will be subjected to verification by the South African Qualifications Authority. Candidates in possession of a foreign qualification must also provide an evaluation certificate issued by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA), at own expense.

Failure to submit the requested documents will result in the application not being considered further. Due to the anticipated large volume of responses, correspondence will be limited to shortlisted candidates only.

All shortlisted candidates 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 will be an integrity (ethical conduct) assessment.

After the pre-entry assessments, an oral interview will be conducted. Suitable candidates will be subjected to personnel suitability checks (criminal record, citizenship, credit record checks, qualification verification and employment verification).

By responding to the advertisement, applicants consent to the collection, processing and storing of their Personal Information in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) Act No. 4 of 2013. Candidates will therefore be required to give consent in terms of the POPI Act in order for the Department to conduct the verifications.

Information will be used for the purpose of recruitment only and more specifically for the purpose of the position/vacancy you have applied for and will not be shared with third parties without prior consent, unless required by law. All applicants must declare any conflict or perceived conflict of interest and must disclose membership on Boards and directorships associated with.

If you have not been contacted within six (6) months of the closing date, please accept that your application was unsuccessful. The submitted CVs will be destroyed as legislated in the National Archives Act.

In the event that your application is unsuccessful, the Department will retain your personal information only for audit purposes as required by policies. All the information requested now or during the process is required for recruitment purposes.

Failure to provide the requested information will result in your application not being considered further. The Department reserves the right not to make an appointment to the advertised post(s).

The successful candidate must disclose particulars of all registrable financial interests and sign an employment contract within one month from the date of assumption of duty. A Performance Agreement must be concluded and signed within three months from the date of assumption of duty.

Notes for applicants of SMS posts: Successful completion of the Nyukela Public Service SMS Pre-entry Programme as endorsed by the National School of Government, available as an online course on https://thensg.gov.za/training-course/sms-pre-entryprogramme/, prior to the finalisation of the appointment, is a requirement for all SMS positions. 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. MANAGEMENT ECHELON

Circular Notes

Circular Notes

must be submitted on the most recently approved Z83 Application for Employment Form, obtainable from the DBE Website or any Public Service Department/Webpage. Use of the old Z83 Form will result in disqualification.

The Z83 must be completed in full and page 2 duly signed. A clear indication of the post and reference number that is being applied for must be indicated on your Z83.

Applicants are not required to submit copies of qualifications and other relevant documents on application but must submit the Z83 with a detailed Curriculum Vitae (only). Certified copies of qualifications and other relevant documents will be requested from shortlisted candidates on or before the day of the interview.

Successful candidates will be subjected to Personnel Suitability Checks (criminal record, citizenship & financial/asset record checks, qualification and employment verification including social media profiles). Appointment is subject to positive results of the security clearance process.

The successful candidate will be required to sign an annual performance agreement and, where applicable, annually disclose his/her financial interests. All applicants are required to declare any conflict or perceived conflict of interest, to disclose memberships of Boards and directorships that they may 4 be associated with.

Applicants, who do not comply with the requirements outlined above, will not be considered. MANAGEMENT ECHELON

Enquiries

• Ms N Sekele Tel No: (012) 427 8599,
• Ms N Khosa Tel No: (012) 427 8260,
• Mr M Cilo at 068 227 5029

Required Documents

Z83, CV, Qualifications, Other

DPSA Circular Source

• Circular: DPSA Circular 34 of 2026
• Source pages: 12–13
• Open the DPSA circular PDF