Matsapha Town Council is a statutory local authority established under the Urban Government Act of 1969 and is responsible for administering, regulating, and developing Eswatini’s premier industrial and commercial town. As a key contributor to national economic growth, the municipality plays a critical role in facilitating industrial development, infrastructure investment, and sustainable urban growth. On behalf of our client, Matsapha Town Council, we invite applications from suitable qualified and experienced candidates for the position of the Town Engineer. The position reports directly to the Town Clerk.
Job Summary
- Type: full-time
- Location: Mbabane
- Category: Engineering
- Closing Date: 2026-09-11
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the development and implementation of engineering, infrastructure, and asset management strategies aligned to Council’s Integrated Development Programme (IDP).
- Provide strategic and technical advice to Council, the Town Clerk, and Management on infrastructure development, service delivery, economic growth, and urban development.
- Drive long-term infrastructure planning to support industrial, commercial, and residential growth.
- Develop and implement infrastructure investment strategies that support sustainable municipal development.
- Lead the planning, design, procurement, implementation, and monitoring of municipal Capital Improvement Projects (CIPs).
- Ensure projects are delivered within approved budgets, timelines, and quality standards.
- Oversee contractor, consultant, and project performance management.
- Promote best practice project governance, contract management, and procurement compliance.
- Direct the maintenance, rehabilitation, and upgrade of municipal roads, drainage systems, public facilities, and related infrastructure.
- Develop and implement asset management frameworks to ensure infrastructure sustainability and lifecycle optimisation.
- Monitor infrastructure performance and recommend future investment priorities.
- Oversee building application reviews, development approvals, and planning compliance processes.
- Ensure compliance with planning schemes, building regulations, municipal by-laws, and statutory requirements.
- Support responsible urban development and spatial planning initiatives.
- Lead smart-city and digital infrastructure initiatives aimed at improving municipal efficiency and service delivery.
- Ensure compliance with all applicable legislation, engineering standards, environmental requirements, and municipal policies.
- Strengthen governance, risk management, and internal control systems within the department.
- Ensure timely resolution of audit findings and effective implementation of corrective actions.
- Prepare and manage departmental operating and capital budgets.
- Monitor expenditure and ensure sound financial control.
- Lead resource mobilisation efforts, including grant funding opportunities, infrastructure partnerships, and external funding initiatives.
- Ensure compliance with procurement and financial management requirements.
- Develop and maintain strategic relationships with government ministries, regulators, utility providers, contractors, consultants, investors, and community stakeholders.
- Represent Council at technical forums, infrastructure planning engagements, and stakeholder consultations.
- Promote customer-focused and stakeholder-centred service delivery.
- Provide leadership, coaching, and mentorship to departmental employees.
- Foster a high-performance culture through effective performance management and accountability.
- Identify and support talent development, succession planning, and training initiatives.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering or an equivalent engineering qualification.
- Master’s Degree in Engineering Management, Project Management, Strategic Management, Business Administration (MBA), Town Planning, Public Administration, or a related field will be an added advantage.
- Additional exposure to project management, technical departmental leadership, delivery of Capital Improvement Projects within approved budgets and timelines, and smart city or digital infrastructure initiatives will be an added advantage.
- Professional registration with the Association of Engineers and Surveyors of Eswatini (AESAP) or an equivalent recognised professional body.
- Minimum of five (5) to seven (7) years’ progressive engineering experience, including at least five (5) years in a management role within a municipal, engineering, infrastructure, utilities, construction, or public sector environment.
- Demonstrated experience in infrastructure development, project management, stakeholder engagement, and departmental leadership.
- Experience in local government or municipal infrastructure management.
Salary
Not specified
How to Apply
Apply by email: recruitment.sz@sng.gt.com
Address: SNG Grant Thornton Advisory (Eswatini) (Pty) Ltd, Umkhwa House, Lot 195, Karl Grant Street, Mbabane
Address: SNG Grant Thornton Advisory (Eswatini) (Pty) Ltd, Umkhwa House, Lot 195, Karl Grant Street, Mbabane
About the Company
The Matsapha Town Council operates as the governing local authority for Matsapha, Eswatini's primary industrial town. Its core mandate involves the administration, urban planning, and sustainable development of this vital economic hub. Responsibilities include providing essential infrastructure like roads and sanitation, managing waste, and delivering crucial civic services to support both residents and the extensive business community. The Council significantly contributes to fostering an environment conducive to economic growth and an improved quality of life within the Matsapha area. Committed to progress, they ensure continued sustainable development and efficient service delivery for this key region in Eswatini.
Driving sustainable urban development and quality service delivery in Eswatini.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications and certifications are typically required for the Town Engineer role at Matsapha Town Council?
Applicants usually need a Bachelor’s degree in Civil or Municipal Engineering from a recognized university, preferably accredited by the Eswatini Institution of Engineers (EIE) or equivalent. Registration with the EIE as a Professional Engineer (PrEng) is strongly preferred, and relevant experience in local government infrastructure projects in Eswatini is highly valued.
What does a typical day look like for a Town Engineer in Matsapha?
Day-to-day duties include reviewing development applications, inspecting roadworks and stormwater systems, coordinating with contractors on municipal infrastructure upgrades, and attending council technical committee meetings. Field visits to construction sites across Matsapha—especially along the MR3 corridor and industrial zones—are frequent, and responsiveness to urgent public infrastructure issues (e.g., drainage blockages during rainy season) is expected.
How does the local work culture in Eswatini influence expectations for this role?
Respect for hierarchy and formal communication channels is important; reports and recommendations are typically submitted through proper council administrative procedures and require alignment with national policies like the Urban Development Framework. Relationship-building with community leaders, traditional authorities (e.g., indvuna), and local contractors is essential for smooth project implementation in Matsapha’s semi-urban context.
What realistic career progression paths exist for a Town Engineer in Eswatini’s local government sector?
With strong performance and continued professional development, engineers may progress to Senior Town Engineer, Director of Engineering, or cross-over into broader municipal management roles such as Town Clerk or Chief Executive Officer. Some also transition into advisory roles with the Ministry of Transport and Communications or regional development agencies like the Eswatini Water Services Corporation.
What benefits—such as leave, medical aid, and pension—can a Town Engineer expect in this position?
Employees of Matsapha Town Council are typically covered under the Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF) and entitled to 30 days’ annual leave, sick leave, and maternity/paternity leave per the Swaziland Employment Act. Medical aid is often provided through a council-negotiated group scheme, though coverage levels depend on current council budget allocations and collective bargaining agreements.