About Mpumalanga Green Cluster Agency (MGCA)
The Mpumalanga Green Cluster Agency employs the triple helix cluster model with representation from government, industry, and academia as part of its design setup. The cluster works at the interface between business, government, and academia in order to identify and remove barriers to an economically viable green economy, catalyzing its uptake to enable the region and its citizens to prosper.
MGCA is a nonprofit organization that works to advance a sustainable and inclusive green economy and create shared value in the Mpumalanga province. We work both at the micro and macro levels, supporting green-tech SMEs to build their businesses, enabling bigger businesses to improve their environmental footprint, and assisting the provincial government to create the right environment for a more resilient green economy. Ultimately, we are helping to facilitate more investment and ecosystem building and stimulate job creation in Mpumalanga’s green economy.
Purpose of the Job
The purpose of the Enterprise Development Officer is to drive sustainable business development and investment for the Mpumalanga Green Cluster Agency (MGCA). The role focuses on strengthening partnerships across government, industry, and academia, while supporting the growth and competitiveness of SMEs in the green economy. By developing innovative business models, securing funding, and facilitating stakeholder collaboration, the Enterprise Development Officer ensures MGCA’s strategic objectives are met, contributing to regional economic growth, environmental sustainability, and the Just Transition in Mpumalanga.
Enterprise Development Officer: Responsibilities and Tasks
The Enterprise Development Officer is expected to undertake the following tasks:
Strategic Development:
- Develop and execute strategic plans to establish and grow MGCA’s business functions.
- Identify new business opportunities and secure funding and partnerships that align with MGCA’s mission.
- Propose and evaluate innovative ways to deliver services, creating value propositions for different stakeholders, and exploring new revenue streams for the MGCA.
- Align the MGCA business model with local economic development policies in the region and develop a strategic enterprise development programme.
Funding and Investment:
- Lead and support efforts to identify, negotiate, and secure funding and investment for MGCA initiatives and projects.
- Providing direct support to SMMEs in preparing and submitting applications on the Just Energy Transition (JET) funding platform and
- Prepare and present business cases and proposals to potential investors and funding bodies where required.
Cluster Engagement:
- Facilitate collaboration and partnerships among the triple helix cluster members (government, industry, and academia) to advance MGCA’s objectives.
- Work closely with stakeholders to identify and overcome barriers to the green economy in Mpumalanga.
Support to MGCA’s partnerships and work in the Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) sector:
- Representing MGCA through professional presentations and stakeholder engagements where required.
- Develop, execute, and oversee a business strategy that prioritizes growth and positive ratings for MGCA’s partnerships in the Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) sector.
- Maintain positive professional relationships with SMEs.
- Conduct high-level industry research to identify new business opportunities for SMEs—including new markets, growth areas, trends, customers, partnerships, products, and services—or new ways of reaching existing markets.
- Conduct high-level industry research to develop effective business strategies and revenue-generating solutions for partnerships in the Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) sector
- Promote SMEs’ products or services to prospective investors and funding entities.
- Identifying market opportunities for SMEs through meetings, networking, and other channels.
- Participate in collaborative business meetings to update key stakeholders involved in the development of MGCA’s SME’s partnerships and meet with existing and potential clients and markets for SMEs.
- Review contracts for SMEs to ensure they meet legal and corporate guidelines.
- Review and develop business plans of MGCA’s partnerships in the SME sector to ensure business growth and optimal access to funding opportunities for SME’s.
- Creating development plans, financial forecasts, cash flow projections, and growth projections for SMEs.
- Attending events such as exhibitions and conferences where appropriate and required.
- Assist in the preparation of SMEs for participation in investor conferences and business pitch opportunities and MGCA-organized and other related pitch challenge events.
- Generate funding leads, scrutinize market opportunities, and identify funding opportunities for SMEs.
- Write and develop funding proposals for SMEs.
- Producing required reports for management.
GENERAL OBLIGATIONS
The Enterprise Development Officer is expected to fulfill the following general obligations:
- Represent MGCA in professional forums, discussions, and negotiations, effectively communicating its mission and goals.
- Maintain a deep understanding of the green economy, including trends, challenges, and opportunities, to inform strategic decisions.
- Ensure compliance with legal and ethical standards in all business development and funding activities.
- Prepare reports and updates for the board and stakeholders, highlighting progress, challenges, and strategic direction.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS, COMPETENCIES, AND EXPERIENCE
Qualification:
- Bachelor’s degree in business administration, environmental science, or a related field. A master’s degree is preferred.
Professional Experience:
- Minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience in business development, preferably in the non-profit sector or green economy or local economic development.
- Strong understanding of the triple helix cluster model and experience working at the intersection of government, industry, and academia.
- Demonstrated success in securing funding and investments, with a solid network of potential investors and partners.
- Sound knowledge of South African public and private sector landscape in relation to Just (Energy) Transition, green economy and climate change
- Proven network in South Africa in the area of green economy, local economic development, Just (Energy) Transition, climate change and/or sustainable finance
- Excellent technical writing and communication skills, verbal and written; proven track record of drafting and editing complex knowledge and communication materials as required
- Demonstrated experience of working in a team environment.
Other Knowledge, Additional Competences
- Knowledge of and sensitivity to climate change-related impacts as well as social and environmental challenges in South Africa
- Ability to work independently, to approach tasks proactively, and to provide results on time
- Ability and willingness to acquire knowledge and quickly master new topics
- Good ability to write and edit reports and ideally experience in media/communication work
- Very good practical knowledge of Microsoft 365 office tools
- Ability to facilitate workshops and events
Contract length and remuneration
This is a contract position. Contract renewal will depend on performance and the organization’s requirements at the time. There will be a three-month probation period for this position.
Remuneration will be market-related, with the recognition that MGCA is a not-for-profit organization.
Offers made will take qualifications, experience, and level of responsibility into account.
Application Details
Applications must include:
- A letter of motivation
- A detailed CV
- Copies of academic transcripts and proof of qualification
- Proof of eligibility to work in South Africa (copy of SA ID or work permit)
Applications must be submitted via email by 19 September 2025: admin@mpumalangagreencluster.co.za
