Chief Executive Officer

National Institute for Humanities and Social Sciences; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 1 200 000 - 1 500 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research institution in Johannesburg seeks an Executive Director to provide strategic leadership and direction. The ideal candidate will have a PhD in humanities or social sciences, with at least 8 years of management experience. Responsibilities include overseeing core programmes, securing funding, and fostering stakeholder relationships. A commitment to academic transformation and diversity is essential. This role offers the opportunity to influence higher education and research in South Africa.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 8 years in organizational management roles, with strategic oversight.
• Experience in senior management roles within public higher education or research institutes.
• Proven understanding of the South African public service and higher education environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide visionary leadership for the NIHSS, translating mandate into goals.
• Oversee development of core programmes supporting national priorities.
• Cultivate relationships with stakeholders to promote collaboration.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic management

Communication

Financial management

Networking

Change management

Education

Doctoral degree (PhD) in humanities or social sciences

Job description

Job Location : Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

Application Deadline : February 15, 2026

Key Responsibilities

• Provide visionary leadership and strategic direction for the NIHSS, translating its mandate into coherent goals, programmes and initiatives.
• Oversee the development and implementation of NIHSS’s core programmes (e.g. doctoral scholarships, Catalytic Research Projects, Humanities Hubs), ensuring they advance HSS scholarship and address national priorities.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with key stakeholders; including DHET, universities, research councils, government, civil society and international partners in order to promote collaboration and support for the HSS sector.
• Ensure effective governance, accountability and compliance with legislation (Higher Education Act, PFMA, etc.), NIHSS policies and Board decisions. Act as the Institute’s accounting officer.
• Secure and manage funding (government allocations, grants, donations) to sustain NIHSS programmes. Oversee budgeting, financial reporting and resource allocation in line with public sector standards.
• Champion NIHSS’s values of social responsibility and equity. Lead efforts to transform the HSS landscape, support diversity in scholarships, and implement employment equity targets.
• Represent the NIHSS at national and international forums (conferences, policy dialogues, networks) to raise the profile of South African HSS scholarship. Promote norm-driven internationalisation and Global South collaborations.

Minimum Requirements, Qualification and Experience

• A doctoral degree (PhD) in a discipline within the humanities or social sciences is essential.
• Minimum of 8 years in broad organisational management roles, including strategic and operational oversight. Proven track record of driving institutional growth or transformation is essential.
• At least 5 years in a senior management or executive position in contexts such as public higher education institutions, research institutes, academic think tanks or similar public‑sector academic entities. Experience managing complex budgets, personnel and stakeholder portfolios is required.
• Proven understanding of the South African public service and higher education environment, including experience with government processes, policy development and legislative frameworks.
• A distinguished record of research and scholarship appropriate to an academic leader (e.g., publications, grants, or equivalent achievements).
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex academic or research programmes, including oversight of multi‑institutional projects, scholarships or funding initiatives.
• Experience in financial planning and management of institutional budgets. Knowledge of fundraising and donor relations.
• Strong track record of managing teams and engaging diverse stakeholders. Excellent networking, communication and negotiation skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to academic transformation and social impact, including advancing diversity and equity in higher education.
• Additional / Advantageous Requirements:
• Associate Professorship
• Experience with large‑scale international or continental research collaborations (e.g. BRICS HSS networks, African scholarship initiatives).
• Established international research networks and partnerships.
• Familiarity with emerging global HSS agendas (e.g. decolonisation, global South perspectives).
• Fluency in additional official South African languages is an advantage.
• Core Competencies: Strategic Capability and Leadership
• People Management and Empowerment
• Programme and Project Management
• Financial Management
• Change Management
• Behavioural Attributes: Vision and Innovation
• Integrity and Ethics
• Collaboration and Collegiality
• Communication
• Resilience and Adaptability
• Commitment to Transformation.

Closing Date: 16 January 2026