Functional Head – Informal Settlements Management & Community Liaison

About the role

The Functional Head will lead the management and control of informal settlements within Region 5, ensuring alignment with the Municipal Sustainable Human Settlements Plan, relevant policies and upgrading strategies. The role involves strategic oversight, community liaison and coordination with multiple stakeholders to improve living conditions and prevent land invasions.

Key responsibilities

• Conduct regular surveys to map locations, origins and conditions of informal settlements.
• Monitor settlements, prevent land invasions and enforce municipal policies.
• Prepare specifications, contracts and manage procurement of service providers for settlement projects.
• Oversee contractors for road relocation, grading and infrastructure upgrades.
• Develop and manage budgets, expenditure and financial reporting for settlement programmes.
• Supervise community liaison officer and administrative staff responsible for informal settlements.
• Implement standard operating procedures, coordinate resettlement plans and maintain the informal settlements database.
• Respond to enquiries from council committees, oversight bodies and media, and ensure compliance with national regulations.
• Collaborate with formalisation teams, stakeholders and intergovernmental partners to deliver resettlement and upgrading initiatives.

Required profile

• Three‑year tertiary qualification (national diploma or degree) in Town Planning, Public Administration, Development Studies, Human Settlements or related field.
• Minimum six years’ experience in human settlement administration, preferably in local government.
• Supervisory experience is an advantage.
• Valid Code B driving licence and computer literacy.
• Ability to undergo a criminal record check and provide fingerprints at own cost.