DSBD Vacancy 2026: Assistant Director – Informal & Micro Business Development
The Department of Small Business Development (DSBD) is inviting suitably qualified South Africans to apply for an Assistant Director: Informal & Micro Business Development position in Pretoria.
The position offers an annual salary of R487,197 and is aimed at candidates with a relevant Bachelor’s degree at NQF Level 7 and at least three years of functional specialist experience in areas such as informal-sector development, local economic development, project management or micro-business support.
Applications close on 29 August 2026 at 16:00. Late applications will not be considered.
Quick Overview
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Department of Small Business Development |
| Position | Assistant Director: Informal & Micro Business Development |
| Reference Number | ASD IMBD |
| Post Number | POST 29/117 |
| Opportunity Type | Government Job |
| Location | Pretoria, Gauteng |
| Salary | R487,197 per annum |
| Closing Date | 29 August 2026 |
| Closing Time | 16:00 |
| Qualification | Bachelor’s Degree at NQF Level 7 |
| Experience | Minimum 3 years |
| Application Method |
Overview
The Department of Small Business Development is responsible for supporting the growth and development of South Africa’s small-business sector.
This vacancy is located within the area of Informal and Micro Business Development. The successful candidate will contribute to programmes and interventions designed to support informal businesses and micro enterprises.
The role combines research, programme implementation, stakeholder engagement, policy support, data management, beneficiary administration, monitoring and reporting.
For professionals with experience in small-business development, economic development or project management, this position offers an opportunity to contribute directly to government programmes supporting entrepreneurs and small enterprises.
About the Department of Small Business Development
The Department of Small Business Development (DSBD) is a South African national government department focused on creating an enabling environment for small businesses and cooperatives.
Its work includes supporting entrepreneurship, improving opportunities for small enterprises and developing programmes intended to help businesses grow and participate more effectively in the economy.
The department states that it is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer and that it seeks to promote representativity across race, gender, youth and disability.
Available Opportunity
Assistant Director: Informal & Micro Business Development
Reference Number: ASD IMBD
Post: 29/117
Location: Pretoria
Salary: R487,197 per annum
The successful candidate will work in an environment involving informal-sector and micro-business development.
The role includes supporting the implementation of the National Informal Business Upliftment Strategy (NIBUS) and the Informal and Micro Enterprise Development Programme (IMEDP).
The successful applicant will also be involved in research, programme development, beneficiary support, stakeholder engagement, monitoring and reporting.
Location
The position is based in Pretoria, Gauteng.
Applicants should consider the location before applying because the vacancy is not advertised as a remote position.
Closing Date
Applications close on 29 August 2026 at 16:00.
The Department of Small Business Development states that applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
Job seekers are encouraged to apply early rather than waiting until the final day.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- A Bachelor’s degree at NQF Level 7
- Qualification in Public Administration, Business Management, Development Studies, Project Management, Economics, Development Finance or a related field recognised by SAQA
- At least three years’ experience at functional specialist level
- Experience in the informal sector, local economic development, project management or micro-business support
- Proven experience in developing, drafting and implementing policies, frameworks, strategies, guidelines and governance instruments
- Knowledge of the National Development Plan
- Understanding of the National Integrated Small Enterprise Development framework
- Knowledge of the National Informal Business Upliftment Strategy
- Understanding of the Informal and Micro Enterprise Development Programme
- Knowledge of the Public Finance Management Act
- Computer literacy, including MS Office 365
- Valid Code B/EB driver’s licence
- Ability to obtain the required security clearance
Skills and Competencies
The department is looking for candidates who demonstrate skills and competencies in:
- Incentive processing
- Policy development
- Data management
- Problem solving
- Planning and organising
- Analytical thinking
- Interpersonal skills
- Client orientation
- Customer focus
- Stakeholder relations
- Service delivery
- Innovation
- Networking
Key Duties
The successful candidate will perform a range of responsibilities related to informal and micro-business development.
Key duties include conducting research and comparative analysis to identify best practices and emerging trends.
The employee will contribute to the design, review and improvement of programmes, models, instruments and interventions aimed at supporting the development and growth of informal and micro businesses.
The role will also support the implementation of NIBUS and IMEDP. This includes application assessment and processing, due diligence, funding recommendations, beneficiary support, stakeholder linkages and administration of approved claims and disbursements.
Another important part of the position involves coordinating stakeholder engagements and capacity-building initiatives involving municipalities, government institutions, associations and sector partners.
The successful candidate will also monitor programme performance through compliance monitoring, post-disbursement assessments, performance tracking and reporting.
Additional responsibilities include maintaining beneficiary and programme information systems, managing data, preparing reports and presentations, drafting correspondence and submissions, and communicating with internal and external stakeholders.
Salary and Benefits
The position offers a salary of:
R487,197 per annum
The official vacancy information supplied does not provide a separate monthly salary or detailed benefits breakdown.
Applicants should refer to the official government vacancy documentation for the applicable employment conditions.
Documents Required
Applicants must submit:
- A fully completed and signed Z83 application form
- A recent comprehensive CV
The department states that copies of qualifications, identity documents and other relevant documents will only be required from shortlisted candidates.
Non-South African citizens will be required to provide proof of permanent residence in South Africa if shortlisted.
Applicants should ensure that their CV clearly demonstrates the qualifications, experience and competencies required for the position.
How to Apply
Applicants must submit their application by email.
Step 1: Complete the Z83 Form
Download and complete the latest Z83 application form.
The department notes that the new Z83 form has been applicable since 1 January 2021.
Step 2: Prepare Your CV
Prepare a recent and comprehensive CV showing your qualifications, employment history, relevant experience and skills.
Step 3: Check the Reference Number
The correct reference number is:
REF NO: ASD IMBD
Step 4: Send Your Application
Email your completed and signed Z83 form and comprehensive CV to:
Use “REF NO: ASD IMBD” as the email subject line.
Documents must be submitted in acceptable formats, including MS Word or PDF.
Step 5: Submit Before the Deadline
Applications must reach the department before:
29 August 2026 at 16:00
Late applications will not be considered.
Official Application Link
Official DSBD vacancy information:
https://www.dsbd.gov.za/
Application Email:
recruitment8@dsbd.gov.za
Applicants should use the official Department of Small Business Development application instructions and should never pay anyone to submit an application.
Application Tips — VukaGuide Editorial Team
- Apply several days before the deadline.
- Use REF NO: ASD IMBD as the email subject.
- Complete and sign the Z83 form correctly.
- Make sure your CV clearly demonstrates at least three years of relevant experience.
- Highlight experience involving informal businesses, micro enterprises, local economic development or project management.
- Check that your qualification is recognised by SAQA where applicable.
- Attach documents in an accepted format such as PDF or MS Word.
- Keep a copy of the email and attachments you submitted.
- Check your email regularly after applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the salary for the DSBD Assistant Director vacancy?
The advertised salary is R487,197 per annum.
What qualification is required?
Applicants need a Bachelor’s degree at NQF Level 7 in Public Administration, Business Management, Development Studies, Project Management, Economics, Development Finance or a related recognised qualification.
How much experience is required?
Applicants need at least three years’ experience at functional specialist level in the relevant environment.
Where is the position located?
The position is based in Pretoria, Gauteng.
When does the vacancy close?
Applications close on 29 August 2026 at 16:00.
How do I apply?
Applications must be emailed to recruitment8@dsbd.gov.za with REF NO: ASD IMBD in the subject line.
Do I need to submit certified qualifications?
No. According to the vacancy notice, copies of qualifications, identity documents and other relevant documents will be requested from shortlisted candidates only.
Expert Guidance — VukaGuide Editorial Team
This DSBD opportunity is best suited to experienced professionals rather than first-time job seekers because the department requires a relevant NQF Level 7 qualification and at least three years of functional specialist experience.
When preparing your application, focus your CV on experience that directly matches the vacancy. In particular, highlight work involving informal-sector development, micro-business support, local economic development, project management, policy development, stakeholder engagement or government programmes.
Applicants should also make sure their CV provides enough detail for the recruitment team to assess their experience against the requirements.
Do not wait until 29 August to submit the application. Government recruitment emails can involve large attachments and technical delays, so early submission is the safer approach.
Disclaimer
VukaGuide publishes opportunity information sourced from official organisations. We are not the recruiting organisation and do not charge application fees.
Applicants should verify all requirements, application instructions and closing dates with the Department of Small Business Development before applying.
Beware of recruitment scams. Never pay a person to secure a government job or guarantee selection.
Trust Signals
Written by: VukaGuide Editorial Team
Reviewed by: VukaGuide Editorial Team
Published: 19 August 2026
Last Updated: 19 August 2026
Reading Time: 5–6 min read
Primary Source:
Department of Small Business Development — Official Vacancy Advertisement, POST 29/117, Ref No: ASD IMBD.
Editorial Review:
This article has been reviewed against the supplied official vacancy information to accurately reflect the salary, qualification, experience requirement, closing date and application procedure.
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