SALGA Head: Electricity Services Vacancy 2026 at South African Local Government Association (SALGA)

Opportunity Overview

The South African Local Government Association (SALGA) is seeking a Head: Electricity Services to join their team at the National Office in Pretoria. This role is pivotal in enhancing the capacity of municipalities to deliver electricity services to citizens efficiently and cost-effectively.

The incumbent will provide specialised expertise and lead critical electricity distribution support programmes. This opportunity is for a strategic leader who is passionate about driving significant improvements within South Africa's local government electricity sector.

Minimum Requirements

To be considered for this position, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• A Postgraduate Degree in Energy/Electrical, Public Policy, Social Sciences, or a related field.
• At least 10 years’ experience operating at a senior management level within a medium-to-large-sized organisation.
• At least 10 years’ experience in the energy sector, with specific exposure to energy transition and related matters.
• A sound track record in effectively managing complex and sensitive stakeholder engagements at all levels.
• Demonstrated experience in facilitating partnerships and joint multi-sector programmes.
• Competence in influencing, interpreting, and implementing relevant policies, legislation, regulations, and strategic frameworks related to Energy and Electricity.
• Competence in engaging with inter-governmental structures at a senior level, including the ability to lobby policy positions in multi-sector forums.
• Ability to design and drive programmes as a strong self-starter and initiator.
• Excellent writing, communication, advocacy, and interpersonal skills.
• Proven management, project, and financial management skills.
• Attention to detail and computer literacy in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and MS Projects.
• A commitment to SALGA's core values, mission, and vision.

Key Responsibilities

The Head: Electricity Services will undertake the following responsibilities:

• Provide specialist expertise and lead SALGA’s electricity distribution support programmes.
• Work to improve municipal capacity for efficient, cost-effective, and effective electricity delivery.
• Develop and implement a plan of action following the Energy Summit.
• Cultivate a comprehensive understanding of the Electricity Supply Industry, encompassing municipal and Eskom perspectives, challenges, the regulatory environment, strengths, and shortcomings.
• Lead various Electricity Supply Industry reforms and develop well-researched local government positions.
• Conduct analysis of electricity tariffs, understanding the concept of cost of supply or cost-reflective tariffs for both Eskom and municipalities, and their implications.
• Develop well-researched local government positions on Eskom applications and provide technical advice to municipalities during the NERSA tariff application period.
• Offer advice and support on technical areas of municipal operational business, including planning, operations & maintenance, and engineering solutions.
• Build international partnerships and stakeholder relationships with agencies to secure funds for supporting municipalities, particularly in technology and innovation.
• Redesign grants and proposals for electricity funding models in municipalities to support aspects like pre-paid meters and alternative energy.
• Support the development of new business models and enhance operational resilience through new technology.

What the Work Involves

As the Head: Electricity Services, you will be based at SALGA's National Office in Pretoria, reporting directly to the Portfolio Head: Trading Services. Your daily work will involve a significant amount of strategic leadership, analysis, and engagement. You will be instrumental in developing plans, understanding the complexities of the electricity sector from both municipal and Eskom viewpoints, and guiding municipalities on critical issues like tariff applications and technical operations.

The role requires building strong relationships with both local and international stakeholders to secure funding and drive innovative solutions in areas such as alternative energy and new business models. This position demands a strategic thinker who can translate policy into actionable programmes, working to enhance electricity service delivery across South African municipalities.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online by October 07, 2026.

To apply, please visit the official application portal: https://www.cvspaces.co.za/Users/CvSpacesLogin?tc=1&vacancyId=1712