Occupational Certificate: Air Quality Policy and Planning Specialist

Purpose

The purpose of this part-qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as an Air Quality Policy and Planning Specialist.

An Air Quality Policy and Planning Specialist manages the policy development and planning processes in line with the implementation and regulation of air quality rights in terms of the relevant legislation to ensure that air quality rights for human health and the environment are protected.

Rationale

Air pollution and air quality management are pivoted on the Bill of Rights in the Constitution of South Africa. To give effect to this right, it is necessary to ensure that levels of air pollution in the republic are not harmful to human health or well-being. The National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act (NEMAQA), 2004 (Act No. 39 of 2004) provides an objectives-based approach to the management of air quality at different governance and operational levels and is the legislation meant to ensure that the rights to clean air are upheld.

The NEMAQA framework prescribes the government's roles and responsibilities across all spheres. These roles include

• Policy and Regulations Development and Implementation.
• Air Pollution Strategies Development and Implementation.
• Environmental Impact Management.
• Air Pollution Authorisation, Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement.
• Air Pollution Information Management (ambient monitoring, emission inventory).

The implementation of the National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act requires specialised administration and technical capacity for government officials to fulfil their functions, roles and responsibilities, and to deliver on their mandate fully. The National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act implementation also requires specialised technical knowledge in understanding legislation, air pollution control and management, strategy development and implementation, as well as enhanced knowledge in atmospheric science.

Over the years, the government has undertaken a number of capacity development programmes in order to support officials in this regard. However, the training programs are ad hoc, neither accredited nor recognised in career-pathing programmes. On the other hand, environmental qualifications offered at tertiary institutions are not focused on providing the required knowledge, work experience, or practical skills that cover the scope necessary for government officials. As a result, air quality management expertise is scarce, and skilled personnel working in government are mostly absorbed by the private sector.

There is therefore an urgent need to build sector capacity in air quality specialists; air quality control officers; atmospheric emission licensing officers; compliance monitoring and enforcement officers; strengthening capacity within mandated agencies; training regulators to understand air quality and related legislation, procedures and report writing.

Upon completion of this qualification, the skills levels of environmental practitioners and policymakers will be enhanced in air quality management improving the skills base of the sector, especially in local government, reducing high vacancy rates, in particular, within the public sector; and improving service delivery toward protecting the human health and the environment. The Air Quality Policy and Planning Specialist would be able to progress to an Air Quality Analyst.

The key economic benefits from this occupational qualification would be to improve the quality of service delivery in air quality management, ensuring adequate protection of the health of the poor and most vulnerable people, and effectively lessening the burden on the health care system, as well as encouraging more investment from the private sector and foreign investors in cleaner production initiatives.

Typical learners to the qualification are those holding any NQF Level 6 in Environmental Management or related qualification. This part qualification offers learners air quality policy development and planning knowledge and skills. The Occupational Certificate: Air Quality Policy and Planning Specialist will address the capacity gaps in air quality management practitioners and policymakers. This part qualification was developed in consultation with both statutory and non-statutory bodies.

RPL for access in a qualification

Learners will gain access to the qualification through RPL for Access as provided for in the QCTO.

RPL Policy. RPL for access is conducted by accredited education institution, skills development provider or workplace accredited to offer that specific qualification/part qualification.

RPL for exemption of modules

Learners who have acquired competencies of the modules of a qualification or part qualification will be credited for modules through RPL.

RPL for access to the external integrated summative assessment

Accredited providers and approved workplaces must apply the internal assessment criteria specified in the related curriculum document to establish and confirm prior learning. Accredited providers and workplaces must confirm prior learning by issuing a statement of result.

Entry Requirements

An Environmental or Natural Science qualification at NQF Level 6.

This part-qualification is made up of the following Knowledge, Practical and Work Experience modules

Knowledge Modules

• 213305-001-00-KM-01, The Fundamentals and Principles of Air Pollution and Atmospheric Science, Level 7, 3 Credits.
• 213305-001-00-KM-02, Fundamentals and Principles of Air Quality Management Regulatory Framework, Level 6, 3 Credits.

Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 6

Practical Skill Modules

• 213305-001-00-PM-01, Develop, Implement, Monitor and Evaluate Processes for Air Quality Management Policies and Strategies Aligned with National and International best Practices for Human Health and the Environment, Level 6, 10 Credits.

Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules:10

Work Experience Modules

• 213305-001-00- WM-01, The Development, Implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation Processes for Air Quality Management Policies and Strategies, Level 6, 12 Credits.

Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules:12

1. Manage air quality management policies, regulations and strategies.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Identify, review and analyse air quality challenges, problems and impact on life, environment and economy.
• Develop air quality management policies, regulations and strategies.
• Implement and monitor air quality management policies, regulations and strategies.
• Analyse and evaluate air quality management policies, regulations and strategies.

Integrated Assessment

Integrated Formative Assessment

The skills development provider will use the curriculum to guide them on the stipulated internal assessment criteria and weighting. They will also apply the scope of practical skills and applied knowledge as stipulated by the internal assessment criteria. This formative assessment together with work experience leads to entrance in the external integrated summative assessment.

Integrated Summative Assessment

An external integrated summative assessment, conducted through the relevant QCTO Assessment Quality Partner is required for the issuing of this qualification. The external integrated summative assessment will focus on the exit level outcomes and associated assessment criteria.