Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) General Manager: Capacity Building & Inclusive Development Vacancy 2026

Opportunity Overview

The Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) is a talent-driven, customer-centric, and impact-focused organisation dedicated to supporting technology innovation with positive socio-economic outcomes. TIA seeks team players who are value creators, agile thinkers, customer-centric, and possess a dynamic work ethic, fostering a culture of teamwork, impact, and accountability.

This permanent General Manager position offers a pivotal role in providing strategic leadership. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing, managing, and scaling initiatives that strengthen human capital and promote inclusive participation within South Africa's National System of Innovation (NSI). This ensures programmes advance national innovation priorities, drive socio-economic transformation, and enable equitable access to skills and resources across the innovation value chain.

Minimum Requirements

• Qualifications:
• Honour’s degree in Innovation Management, Human Capital Development, Education, Social Sciences, or a related field.
• A Master’s degree in Innovation Management, Human Capital Development, Education, Social Sciences, or a related field will be an added advantage.
• Experience:
• 5 – 8 years’ experience in capacity building, inclusive development, or innovation programme management.
• 9 plus years’ experience in capacity building, inclusive development, or innovation programme management.
• Proven experience in leadership roles with multi-stakeholder engagement.
• Experience in managing large-scale programmes and budgets, preferably within the NSI or innovation sector.
• Knowledge and Skills:
• National System of Innovation (NSI)
• Capacity Building and Human Capital Development
• Inclusive Development Principles and Frameworks
• Programme and Project Management
• Public Sector Governance and Regulatory Compliance
• Policy Analysis and Development
• Stakeholder and Ecosystem Management
• Monitoring, Evaluation, and Impact Reporting
• Financial Literacy and Resource Management
• Digital Transformation and Innovation Trends

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of multi-year financial and resource strategies for the directorate, ensuring sustainability and cost-effectiveness.
• Prepare and manage annual budgets, forecasts, and financial plans in compliance with PFMA and organisational requirements.
• Secure co-funding and investment partnerships from public and private stakeholders, including donors, SETAs, corporates, and DFIs.
• Strengthen financial governance through robust controls, performance reporting, cost optimisation, funding development, strategic financial planning, and risk management.
• Build and sustain strategic relationships with key partners, including government departments, SETAs, universities, research councils, industry leaders, and international organisations.
• Advocate for TIA’s programmes and priorities in national, regional, and international forums to enhance visibility and influence.
• Build and manage strategic partnerships that mobilise resources and strengthen cross-sector collaboration.
• Provide strategic leadership across capacity building.

What the Work Involves

As the General Manager, you will be based in Pretoria, Gauteng, overseeing the strategic direction and operational execution of capacity building and inclusive development initiatives. Your daily work will involve significant financial stewardship, including preparing and managing substantial budgets, forecasts, and financial plans. A critical part of the role is to actively secure diverse funding and investment partnerships from both public and private sector stakeholders.

You will be expected to build and maintain strong relationships with a wide array of partners, from government departments and universities to industry leaders and international bodies. This will involve advocating for TIA’s programmes in various forums and establishing strategic collaborations to mobilise resources. You will provide strategic leadership to your team, guiding the integration and delivery of programmes that enhance human capital and ensure equitable access to innovation opportunities across South Africa.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online through the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) eRecruit portal.

• Apply Online: Visit the official TIA eRecruit portal: https://tia.erecruit.co/candidateapp/Login
• Closing Date: 2026/09/24
• Reference Number: TIA260904-5