Senior Economic Development Consultant – Durban or Cape Town

About the role

We are seeking an experienced Senior Economic Development Consultant to shape manufacturing and industrial policy across South Africa and the wider continent, working at the intersection of macro policy, cluster platforms and firm‑level competitiveness.

Key responsibilities

• Design and manage industrial cluster programmes that bring together business, government and development partners to unlock growth in sectors such as automotive, chemicals, textiles and advanced manufacturing.
• Lead project design, resourcing and execution, drafting comprehensive proposals with costing, workplans and resource plans.
• Drive and deliver sustainable project engagements generating over R3.3 million revenue at approximately 50 % gross profit.
• Lead, coach and develop project teams of three or more consultants to become high‑performing professionals.
• Conduct rigorous analytical research to inform national policy, cluster strategies, investment decisions and localisation interventions.
• Lead programme governance and facilitate high‑level strategic workshops with public and private sector leaders.

Required profile

• Master’s degree in an analytical discipline such as Economics, Development Economics, Engineering, Commerce, Geography or Industrial Psychology.
• Minimum 3 years of relevant experience in economic development, industrial policy or management consulting.
• Proven ability to manage multi‑stakeholder projects, lead teams and produce high‑quality strategic deliverables.

Required skills

• Advanced Excel proficiency.
• Advanced PowerPoint proficiency and strong executive presentation abilities.