Chief: Fire and Disaster Management

In brief

**Overview** This position is for a Chief: Fire and Disaster Management within the Witzenberg Municipality, a Grade 4 Municipality at post level T16, with an annual salary of R 724 838.46. The core purpose of this role is to manage and direct the Fire Services and Disaster Management Sub-Directorate. This involves researching and evaluating best practices, interpreting statutory directives and treasury guidelines for strategic planning, reviewing policies and procedures, and executing critical management and statutory reporting. The ultimate goal is to ensure the Sub-Directorate contributes positively to the Municipality's vision of improving community quality of life and complies with legislative frameworks and standards. **What you will do** The Chief: Fire and Disaster Management will be responsible for: * Managing and directing the key performance and result indicators associated with Fire Services and Disaster Management. * Identifying and defining immediate, short-, and long-term objectives, plans, and priorities for the Sub-Directorate, including planning, research, development, and projects. * Analysing, aligning, and directing the operational capacity and capabilities of the Sub-Directorate to meet strategic plans and legislative frameworks. * Studying capital and operating expenditure trends and forecasts, and preparing estimate reports for budget inclusion, considering internal and external funding. * Directing, managing, and controlling the implementation of policies, procedures, and systems for Fire Services and Disaster Management. * Staying informed on operational developments and legislation (e.g., MFMA, Fire Brigade Services Act, SA National Standards, Disaster Management Act) and aligning internal processes. * Aligning information systems, applications, work processes, and role boundaries to support functional outcomes. * Managing and directing applications and sequences related to expenditure control and authorization. * Monitoring transactional sequences for capital and ad-hoc projects/programmes and approving financial reports. * Managing and directing procedures, systems, and controls for operational sequences. * Communicating statutory and procedural requirements to personnel. * Inspecting work sites and conducting observations to determine awareness levels and identify needs for corrective measures. * Managing and controlling the formulation of contracts and tender documents, and overseeing contractual obligations. * Coordinating drafting and reporting processes for contracts/tenders, verifying details and compliance. * Sourcing and researching suppliers to meet municipal requirements. * Directing, managing, and controlling the key performance indicators and outcomes of personnel within the Sub-Directorate. * Defining/adjusting role boundaries, workflow processes, and job design based on service delivery requirements. * Determining staffing levels and preparing motivations for filling vacancies. * Managing and controlling key dimensions and requirements for the provision of Fire Services and Disaster Management activities. * Mapping and preparing fire safety and disaster management programmes and plans. * Formulating operational plans and addressing the implementation of safety and disaster management programmes for special events. * Managing, directing, and monitoring sequences for the provision of Emergency/Fire and Rescue Services. * Initiating and implementing management procedures during fire and rescue operations, leading firefighting teams, and executing damage/disaster control. * Establishing and managing the immediate and medium- to long-term objectives and priorities of the functionality. * Initiating and facilitating the establishment of Fire Protection Associations and voluntary firefighting teams. * Managing, coordinating, and controlling the application of fire technology and engineering principles, and enforcing Fire Protection Regulations and fire safety legislation. * Assessing building plans and land use applications for fire safety compliance. * Facilitating, controlling, and coordinating procedures for staging events in the municipal area in accordance with relevant legislation. * Administering processes and procedures relating to applications for events/public gatherings. * Disseminating advice, guidance, and information on functional responsibilities (Administrative functions). * Participating in various meetings, committees, management forums, and consultation processes. **Requirements (from the original advert)** * Relevant Tertiary qualification, preferably a Bachelor’s Degree in Fire Technology. * Compliance with the relevant Minimum Competency Levels for Financial Officials as prescribed. * A Valid Code EC1 Driver's License. * Computer literacy MS Office Applications. * 12 years including relevant managerial experience. * Good management, human relations, interpersonal, and communication skills. * Ability to give attention to detail, a high level of responsibility, and the ability to work under pressure. * Good sight, hearing and speech ability; must be physically fit and healthy. * Ability to perform manual operations and duties on foot. * Must be able to climb ladders, operate from heights, walk or crawl in the dark, on narrow and uneven surfaces and operate in proximity to electrical power lines and/or other hazards. * Must work overtime and/or attend meetings after normal office hours when required. * Must perform duties in the whole municipal area when required. * Please note: A performance agreement is also applicable to this position whereby the employer reserves the right to institute a performance management program. **Who should apply** This role is suitable for a highly experienced manager with a strong background in fire technology and disaster management, preferably holding a Bachelor’s Degree in the field. The ideal candidate will have at least 12 years of relevant managerial experience and must comply with specific financial competency levels. They must possess excellent management, human relations, interpersonal, and communication skills, coupled with an ability to work under pressure, attention to detail, and a high sense of responsibility. Physical fitness, good sight, hearing, and speech ability are essential, as the role requires performing manual operations, working from heights, in confined spaces, and in proximity to hazards. Candidates must also be prepared to work overtime, attend meetings after hours, and perform duties across the entire municipal area. **Deadline** 23 October 2026 **Reference** Original posting: https://www.myjobmag.co.za/job/chief-fire-and-disaster-management-witzenberg-municipality Source: myjobmag

Summary drafted with AI assistance from the original advert. The advert itself is the authority — how we use AI.

At a glance

• At least 12 years of experience.

• Microsoft Office

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