Executive Director

Action Appointments Development Recruitment; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 90 000 - 120 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading South African anti-corruption organization seeks a strategic leader to guide its vision and advocacy initiatives. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in law or public policy, demonstrated leadership in anti-corruption, and a passion for social justice. Key responsibilities include engaging with diverse stakeholders, developing effective governance and funding strategies, and fostering a culture of transparency. This role offers a unique opportunity to influence policy reform and conduct impactful advocacy.

Qualifications

• 10 years of progressive leadership experience, with at least 5 years in senior executive roles.
• Experience in fundraising strategies and financial management.
• Comprehensive understanding of South African anti-corruption legislation.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Board to refine organisational vision.
• Establish performance monitoring systems.
• Maintain strategic relationships with government and civil society.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Stakeholder engagement

Public relations

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Education

Master's degree in Law, Business Administration, or Public Policy

Undergraduate qualification with extensive experience

Job description

About the Job

Corruption Watch (CW) is a leading South African anti-corruption non-profit organisation with a 14-year track record of fighting corruption and promoting transparency.

As an accredited chapter of Transparency International, CW plays a crucial role in South Africa's anti-corruption ecosystem through evidence-based advocacy, strategic litigation, public engagement and policy development.

At the core of CW's mandate is the public reporting system, which empowers citizens to report corruption experiences.

The organisation transforms these reports into actionable intelligence for research, policy interventions, limited investigations, strategic litigation, and public awareness campaigns that drive systemic change.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Collaborate with the Board to develop and refine the organisational vision and strategic direction.
• Communicate and lead strategic planning processes and ensure effective implementation across all departments.
• Position CW as a thought leader in anti-corruption discourse nationally and internationally.

Operational Excellence

• Establish and implement robust performance monitoring systems and key performance indicators.
• Ensure financial sustainability through diversified funding strategies and sound fiscal and human resources management.
• Implement effective governance frameworks and internal controls.
• Foster a culture of accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement.

Stakeholder Engagement and Advocacy

• Maintain strategic relationships with government agencies, national departments, civil society, private sector, and international partners.
• Represent CW in high-level national and international forums, media engagements and public platforms.
• Lead advocacy initiatives that influence policy and legislative reform.
• Build coalitions to amplify anti-corruption efforts across sectors.

Organisational Development

• Provide inspirational leadership to staff and promote professional development.
• Ensure effective internal communication and collaborative working relationships.
• Oversee fundraising strategy and donor relationship management.

Requirements

Education & Professional Background

A Master's degree in Law, Business Administration, Public Policy, or a related field, with 10 years of progressive leadership experience, including at least 5 years in senior executive roles; OR an undergraduate qualification with 13 years of progressive leadership experience, including a minimum of 8 years in senior executive roles.

Demonstrated expertise in legal practice, policy analysis, governance, financial management or public administration.

Comprehensive understanding of South African anti-corruption legislation and regulatory framework.

Proven track‑record in developing and implementing fundraising strategies.

Experience with strategic litigation and policy advocacy.

Leadership & Interpersonal Skills

• Exceptional ability to engage with senior stakeholders including high-profile activists and leaders, Ministers, Director-Generals and Chief Executive Officers in the public, private and non-governmental sectors.
• Outstanding public relations, media relations and communication capabilities.
• Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities.

Proven people management and team leadership skills

Combination of grassroots activism with experience and sophisticated management skills.

Cultural competency and ability to work effectively in diverse environments.

Personal attributes

• Uncompromising integrity and commitment to transparency.
• Resilience and ability to operate effectively under pressure.
• Passion for social justice and anti-corruption work.
• Strategic mindset with attention to operational detail.