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    Town and Regional Planner Vacancy at the Western Cape Government

    Job Opportunity 6 Mins Read
    Town and Regional Planner Vacancy at the Western Cape Government

    The Department of Infrastructure in the Western Cape Government is seeking a dedicated and experienced Town and Regional Planner (Production) to contribute to municipal human settlement planning.

    This role offers an exciting opportunity to play a significant part in shaping the urban and regional landscapes of the Western Cape, ensuring sustainable and inclusive development in line with strategic goals and objectives.

    Town and Regional Planner Vacancy Details

    • Position: Town and Regional Planner (Production): Municipal Human Settlement Planning
    • Ref No: DOI 25/2024
    • Salary Grade: A: R687,879 – R739,509 per annum (OSD as prescribed)
    • Centre: Department of Infrastructure, Western Cape Government
    • Location: Cape Town, CBD
    • Enquiries: Dr RN Robertson at (021) 483 5609

    Minimum Requirements:

    • An appropriate B-Degree in Urban/Town and Regional Planning or an equivalent qualification.
    • Compulsory registration with SACPLAN as a professional Town and Regional Planner upon appointment.
    • A minimum of 3 years post-qualification Town and Regional Planning experience.
    • A valid Code B driving license.

    Key Skills and Competencies for the Town and Regional Planner Vacancy

    The Town and Regional Planner role requires a unique blend of knowledge and skills to effectively contribute to the planning and development of human settlements. Below is a detailed list of the key competencies needed:

    • National and Provincial Human Settlements: Understanding the strategic goals, objectives, targets, and activities at both national and provincial levels to align municipal planning efforts with broader developmental policies.
    • Public Service Legislation Related to Human Settlements: Familiarity with legislation that impacts the planning, development, and management of human settlements, including policy directives and regulatory frameworks.
    • The Housing Act: Comprehensive knowledge of the Housing Act, which governs the provision of housing in South Africa, ensuring compliance and alignment with national housing policies and standards.
    • Western Cape Housing Development Act: Specific understanding of the regional legislation that affects housing development within the Western Cape, adapting planning practices to meet local requirements.
    • National Housing Code: In-depth knowledge of the National Housing Code, which outlines national policy, guidelines, and standards for housing development projects, ensuring projects meet national benchmarks.
    • Project Management: Expertise in planning, executing, monitoring, and closing projects. This includes understanding project management principles, methodologies, and tools that are essential for managing development projects within the sector.
    • Written and Verbal Communication: The ability to articulate ideas, plans, and technical information clearly and persuasively in both written and spoken formats, engaging effectively with stakeholders at all levels.
    • Computer Literacy: Proficiency in using computer software, including MS Office and specialized planning tools, to prepare reports, presentations, and perform data analysis.
    • Financial Management: Skill in planning, directing, and controlling financial resources, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting, to ensure efficient use of funds in projects.
    • Time Management: The ability to organize, prioritize, and manage time effectively, ensuring that project milestones and deadlines are met.
    • Customer and Client Liaison: Building and maintaining positive relationships with customers, clients, and stakeholders, understanding their needs, and providing timely responses and solutions.
    • Dispute Resolution: Skills in identifying, addressing, and resolving conflicts or disagreements in a professional and constructive manner, ensuring a harmonious working environment.
    • Research: The ability to conduct thorough and detailed research, analysis, and synthesis of information, using insights to inform planning decisions and strategies.

    Duties:

    The role of a Town and Regional Planner is pivotal in shaping the urban and regional landscapes, ensuring sustainable development, and improving the quality of life for communities. Here is an expanded view of the duties involved in this role:

      • Develop comprehensive land use plans and zoning regulations to guide urban growth and development, ensuring they align with environmental sustainability, economic viability, and social equity.
      • Review and approve development proposals and projects, ensuring they meet established planning principles, policies, and regulatory requirements.
      • Collaborate with architects, engineers, and developers to design spaces that are functional, aesthetically pleasing, and conducive to community needs.
      • Foster a learning environment within the department by organizing training sessions, workshops, and seminars for staff development in urban planning and related disciplines.
      • Oversee daily administrative operations, ensuring efficient workflow, resource allocation, and the achievement of departmental goals.
      • Mentor junior planners and interns, guiding them through complex planning processes and encouraging their professional growth.
      • Prepare and manage the annual budget for planning projects, ensuring resources are allocated efficiently and aligned with strategic priorities.
      • Monitor expenditure, conduct financial analysis, and adjust budget allocations to respond to project demands and fiscal constraints
      • Liaise with finance departments and external funding bodies to secure funding for planning projects, ensuring compliance with financial policies and regulations.
      • Undertake research to gather data on demographic trends, environmental constraints, economic opportunities, and community needs, using findings to inform planning decisions.
      • Stay abreast of new theories, methods, and technologies in town and regional planning, integrating innovative approaches into planning practices.
      • Evaluate the effectiveness of existing planning policies and projects, recommending modifications or new initiatives based on research findings and community feedback.
      • Facilitate public meetings, workshops, and consultations to engage community members in the planning process, ensuring their voices are heard and considered in development projects.
      • Build and maintain relationships with government agencies, non-profit organizations, business groups, and other stakeholders to foster collaboration and support for planning initiatives.
      • Communicate complex planning concepts and proposals to a diverse audience, preparing reports, presentations, and informational materials to educate and inform stakeholders about planning projects and policies.
      • Keep up-to-date with changes in legislation and policy affecting town and regional planning, ensuring all planning activities comply with current laws and guidelines.
      • Work closely with legal advisors to resolve any legal issues related to land use, zoning, and development proposals, minimizing risks and protecting public interests.
      • Advocate for policy changes or new legislation to address emerging planning challenges, collaborating with government officials and policymakers to promote sustainable development practices.

    Application Process:

    Note: Shortlisted candidates will be required to submit documentation for verification and attend interviews at a scheduled date and time. The selection process will adhere to the EE targets of the employing department.

     

    The role of a Town and Regional Planner within the Department of Infrastructure at the Western Cape Government is both challenging and rewarding. It demands a blend of technical expertise, strategic thinking, and effective communication to shape the future of urban and regional environments. By applying principles of town and regional planning to land development, engaging in human capital development, executing budgeting strategies, and conducting rigorous research, planners ensure that development is sustainable, inclusive, and reflective of community needs.

    In sum, this vacancy presents a compelling opportunity for professionals eager to contribute their skills and knowledge towards meaningful municipal human settlement planning. It’s a call to action for those ready to take on the challenge of shaping the Western Cape’s future, ensuring that development efforts are guided by principles of equity, sustainability, and community engagement.

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