Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Fempower; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 750,000; Full time

Job summary

A national institution is seeking a charismatic Chief Executive Officer to lead a critical turnaround. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in transforming organizations, political acumen, and strong governance expertise. Responsibilities include stabilizing operations, driving digital transformation, and restoring public trust. Minimum qualifications include a PhD or dual Master's degrees with 15 years’ relevant management experience. This is a national mission aimed at improving education access and youth employability.

Qualifications

• Proven track record of rescuing and transforming complex organisations under scrutiny.
• Political acumen and gravitas to command confidence from Cabinet and Parliament.
• Expertise in governance, compliance, and institutional accountability.
• Strong business and financial acumen with proven stewardship of multi-billion-rand budgets.
• History of delivering digital innovation and performance-driven cultures.
• Influence and authority to unite diverse stakeholders behind a reform agenda.

Responsibilities

• Lead a comprehensive turnaround programme, stabilizing operations and embedding accountability.
• Restore public trust through uncompromising governance and ethical leadership.
• Drive digital transformation, building technology-enabled systems.
• Mobilize new funding streams through partnerships and donor engagement.
• Influence government, regulators, and civil society at the highest levels.
• Position the institution as a trusted enabler of higher education access.

Job description

Overview

Are you a proven Turnaround Specialist ready to shape South Africa’s future?

A national institution, responsible for one of the largest public funding portfolios in the country, is seeking an influential and visionary Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead through a period of bold reform and renewal. This is not a maintenance role, it is a defining turnaround mandate that demands authority, credibility, and the courage to inspire confidence at the highest levels of society.

The Opportunity

As CEO, you will :

• Lead a comprehensive turnaround programme, stabilizing operations and embedding a culture of accountability, performance, and service excellence.
• Restore public trust through uncompromising governance, transparency, and ethical leadership.
• Drive digital transformation, building technology-enabled, future-fit systems.
• Mobilize new funding streams through partnerships, donor engagement, and Treasury collaboration.
• Influence and align government, regulators, academia, unions, and civil society at the highest levels.
• Position the institution as a trusted enabler of higher education access and youth employability.

The Ideal Candidate

We are searching for a charismatic, respected turnaround leader who brings :

• A proven track record of rescuing and transforming complex organisations under scrutiny.
• The political acumen and gravitas to command confidence from Cabinet, Parliament, and national stakeholders.
• Deep expertise in governance, compliance, and institutional accountability.
• Strong business and financial acumen, with proven stewardship of multi-billion-rand budgets.
• A history of delivering digital innovation and performance-driven cultures.
• The influence, authority, and national visibility to unite diverse stakeholders behind a bold reform agenda.

Minimum Qualifications: A PhD or dual Master’s degrees (NQF 9 / 10 minimum) in Finance, Public Administration, or a related field, coupled with 15 years’ management experience (10 at executive level).

Why This Role Matters

This is more than a leadership appointment, it is a national mission. The successful candidate will not only lead a critical institutional turnaround but also leave a lasting legacy by ensuring equitable access to education, strengthening youth employability, and advancing South Africa’s socio-economic transformation.