Group Executive: Programmes

Development Bank Of Southern Africa (Dbsa); Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 1 500 000 - 2 500 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading development bank in Gauteng seeks a Group Executive: Programmes to lead and manage large-scale infrastructure initiatives. Responsibilities include overseeing strategic design, engaging stakeholders, and ensuring sustainability and compliance with governance frameworks. The ideal candidate has at least 12 years in senior management and extensive experience with Public-Private Partnerships. This role offers a competitive salary in a significant leadership position.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 12 years' senior management experience in programme or project management.
• 5 years in an executive role managing large-scale infrastructure programmes.
• Proven experience in managing joint programmes with donors and development partners.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and oversight of large-scale infrastructure programmes.
• Coordinate and manage high-impact joint programme initiatives.
• Engage with stakeholders to formalise contracts and governance frameworks.

Skills

Programme / Project Management

Strategy Planning & Development

Negotiation Skills

Contract Management

Risk Management

Stakeholder Management

Financial Acumen

Reporting & Presentation Skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering, Finance, Economics, Development Studies, or Project Management

Postgraduate qualification (e.g., MBA, MDevF, or equivalent)

Job description

Group Executive: Programmes

Midrand, Gauteng

Salary: R1500000 - R2500000

Posted today

Job Description

The Group Executive: Programmes (GEP) will lead the oversight and design of multiple programmes and offices on behalf of the Bank. This includes managing large-scale infrastructure projects and programmes involving Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), as well as those supported by government, development finance institutions, third party funders, donors and multilateral development partners.

The GEP also provides strategic oversight of existing programmes and initiatives such as the Climate & Environment Finance Unit (CEFU), Green Fund, Programme Execution & Innovation, Independent Power Producers Office (IPPO), Development Labs (DLABS), and other programmes ensuring their effective execution, alignment with the Bank's strategic objectives, and financial sustainability throughout their lifecycle, from ideation to potential carve-out.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic design, development, and oversight of large-scale infrastructure programmes, including those funded through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), government, development finance institutions, donor agencies, and multilateral development partners.
• Drive alignment with institutional priorities, stakeholder expectations, and national development objectives.
• Coordinate and manage a diverse portfolio of high-impact joint programme/initiatives from initiation through to completion.
• Oversee effective planning, execution, and delivery of project outcomes in line with agreed timelines, quality standards, and contractual obligations.
• Proactively resolve bottlenecks and mitigate delivery risks across multiple programme offices.
• Serve as the primary contact for these joint programme/initiatives.
• Oversee and manage the current and future joint programmes/initiatives on behalf of the Bank.
• Lead the delivery of third-party infrastructure programmes/initiatives on a full cost recovery basis, ensuring financial sustainability and alignment with stakeholder objectives.
• Engage and collaborate with stakeholders to define and formalise the terms, conditions, and governance frameworks of joint programme/initiatives, including contracts and memorandum of understanding.
• Work with legal, supply chain management, human resources, finance and other relevant Bank units to ensure that the conditions are sound, compliant and aligned in terms of the Bank's frameworks, policies and procedures.
• Establish and formalise decision-making structures, including steering committees, for joint programmes and initiatives in collaboration with key stakeholders.
• Oversee contract management processes, including the negotiation of amendments, resolution of breaches, and coordination of transitions or handovers of responsibilities from primary stakeholders.
• Oversee the execution of infrastructure programmes/initiatives that are internal to the Bank including existing initiatives, ensuring delivery within approved budgets and funding frameworks to achieve targeted developmental impact.
• Mobilise funding and/or advocate for grant allocations to support strategic, high-impact infrastructure programme/initiatives.
• Drive effective utilisation of secured funding to enable the successful implementation and completion of approved programmes/initiatives.
• Ensure alignment of programmes/initiatives with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) stewardship and sustainability standards such as the Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement with the Bank's ESG frameworks, policies, and procedures.
• Champion socially inclusive and climate-resilient development across all programmes/initiatives.
• Develop and implement robust frameworks to measure, monitor, and optimise the developmental impact and financial sustainability of programmes and initiatives.
• Lead the development, management, and control of budgets, costing methodologies, and resource allocations for all programmes and initiatives.
• Monitor expenditure, identify variances, and drive cost-effective utilisation of resources in alignment with programme objectives.
• Provide strategic oversight of all Supply Chain Management (Procurement) processes to support the effective delivery of programmes and initiatives.
• Ensure that all projects are executed within the approved financial, governance, risk, and compliance frameworks.
• Embed sound governance principles and practices that uphold the integrity of the institution and safeguard the interests of both internal and external stakeholders.
• Foster a collaborative, high-performance culture that supports employee empowerment, professional growth, and organisational excellence.
• Manage complex stakeholder relations and maintain effective relationships with Ministers, Director Generals, Executives, Leaders, Donors and associated institutions.
• Engage with stakeholders and potential clients to enhance understanding of the Bank's broader developmental mandate beyond financial returns.
• Coordinate with key stakeholders to assess and address operational risks related to programme management and delivery, ensuring alignment with Bank's goals.
• Lead the preparation and submission of high-quality documents and reports to the Board, Board subcommittees, Executive Committee (EXCO), and other governance bodies on areas of accountability.
• Prepare and provide reports as well as recommendations to the respective governance and stakeholder groups for prudent decision making.
• Provide direction and management to the Division to enable strategy execution; attract, retain, and develop talent and ensure succession planning and sufficient capacity and capability in all critical functions, supporting diversity strategies and initiatives.

Qualifications & Experience

• A relevant bachelor's degree in engineering, Finance, Economics, Development Studies, or Project Management.
• A postgraduate qualification (e.g., MBA, MDevF, or equivalent) in Business Administration, Public Policy, Infrastructure Finance, or related field.
• A minimum of 12 years' senior management experience in programme or project management, particularly in large-scale infrastructure, PPPs, or development finance initiatives.
• A minimum of 5 years in an executive role managing complex, multi-stakeholder infrastructure programmes/initiatives with demonstrated success in delivering on mandates.
• Proven experience in managing joint programmes with donors, DFIs, and multilateral development partners, including governance and contracting frameworks.
• Demonstrated ability to mobilise and manage funding, including grants and donor contributions.
• Strong experience in stakeholder engagement with government ministries, international partners, and executive governance structures.
• Exposure to ESG principles, sustainable development frameworks, and climate-resilient infrastructure programmes.
• Sound knowledge of public sector procurement, contract management, and financial oversight in high-value programme delivery.
• Desirable: Certification in Project/Programme Management (e.g., PMP, PRINCE2)
• Knowledge of the complex financial and regulatory environments across Africa.

Technical Competencies

• Programme / Project Management
• Strategy Planning & Development
• Negotiation Skills
• Contract Management
• Risk Management
• Stakeholder Management
• Financial Acumen
• Reporting & Presentation Skills

Required Personal Attributes

• Leading & Empowering Others
• Leading & Managing Change
• Strategic Planning & Innovative Thinking
• Teamwork & Cooperation
• Developing Others
• Driving delivery of results
• Decisiveness