PUBLIC PROTECTOR VACANCIES

​CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Location: Head Office, Pretoria
Reference: PPSA 02/02/2026
All –Inclusive Package: R2 352 642.00 – R 2 650 233 per annum.
5-Year Fixed Term Contract
 
Role Overview:
The Chief Executive Officer position reports to the Public Protector and assists the Public Protector, in line with Section 3 (1) (b) of the Public Protector Act 23 of 1994, in providing strategic and operational leadership to ensure the institution functions efficiently and fulfils its mandate of promoting good governance, protecting the public against maladministration, and enforcing accountability in state institutions. The role oversees financial and human resources management, governance, compliance and day to day operations of the institution, while guiding staff and managing key stakeholder relationships to support the institution`s overall performance, sustainability and service delivery excellence across the institution
 
Qualifications and Experience:
A Master’s degree (NQF 9) in Business/Public Administration Law, Finance or equivalent obtained from a recognised and registered tertiary institution. A valid driver`s licence.
Ten (10) years proven leadership experience in a similar environment of which five years must have been at an Executive level . Strategic planning skills and experience in conducting organisational effectiveness and efficiency reviews Understanding of Corporate Governance Prescripts-King IV Principles and best practices. Good understanding and knowledge of Public Service prescripts and legislations in Strategic Financial Management, auditing practices, the Public Financial Management Act (PFMA) and Treasury Regulations. Extensive experience in financial management, Human capital, including governance principles and other related matters
 
Competencies and Skills
• Strategic Capability: Visionary and results-driven leadership. Proven ability to develop, articulate and implement strategic vision.
• Ethical and integrity-driven leadership: Upholds the highest standards of ethics, transparency, and accountability.
• Leadership and people management: Exceptional leadership skills with the ability to inspire, motivate, and develop a large and diverse team. Adaptable, resilient, and committed to public service values.
• Financial and business acumen: Strong command of financial management, budgeting, and resource allocation.
• Stakeholder engagement and communication: Outstanding interpersonal, communication, with the ability to engage effectively at all levels, from government ministers to community members.
• Governance, Risk and Compliance: A demonstrable track record of upholding integrity and ensuring compliance within a highly regulated environment.
• Problem solving and Decision making: Superior analytical skills and the ability to make sound judgements and decisive actions.
• Project Management: Oversee all projects of the institution
 
Key responsibilities and duties:
 
Strategic Leadership and Governance
• Assists the Public Protector in providing effective strategic direction and leadership in the development and implementation of Strategic Plan, Annual Performance Plan and Business Plans
• Ensuring achievement of strategic goals and adherence to institutional values.
• Facilitation of annual review of organisational strategic plan and annual plans.
• Driving the performance enhancement and accountability system of the organisation and ensuring strategic performance reporting.
• Developing the institutional budget and aligning with strategic plan and approval by Executive Committee (EXCO).
• Leading Public Protector South Africa core and support functions in line with legislation-the Constitution, the Public Protector Act, the PFMA and driving compliance with relevant legislation for efficiency and quality of investigating processes and standards.
• Facilitating business process engineering to ensure efficiency of key processes.
• Taking measures to ensure managerial best practices and evaluate legislative compliance regarding Human Resource Management and development Supply Chain Management, Information Technology; Facilities Management, Financial Management, communication and Outreach.
• Leading and monitoring the process of policy development and implementation and ensuring compliance with relevant policies and statutory prescripts.
 
Financial Stewardship
• Take ultimate accountability for the financial health and stability of the institution ensuring effective budget and expenditure management.
• Ensuring Corporate Governance in line with King IV Principles, legislative and policy prescripts and best practices
• Ensure the development and implementation of the effective, efficient and transparent systems of financial management, risk management and improvement of internal control to achieve clean audit opinion.
• Planning and monitoring expenditure patterns in line with budget, leading the risk management process to ensure that risks are identified, monitored and reduced for achievement of strategic goals.
• Maintain high standard of integrity and ethics and instil them throughout the institution
 
Stakeholder and Relationship Management
• Build and maintain a strong, positive relationship with all stakeholders including the chapter 9 institutions.
• Manage International Relations and Parliamentary stakeholders.
 
Operational Excellence
• Manage the day-to-day activities of PPSA to ensure the effective and efficient delivery of services.
• Drive a culture of excellence, innovation, and high performance across all business functions.
• Oversee the overall security of the institution and implementation of the Minimum Information Security Standards (MISS).
 
Human Capital and Organisational Culture
• Lead diverse team and foster high performing organisational culture.
• Digital Transformation and Change Management
• Ensure the development and implementation of change management strategies.
• Be a change Leader during a transformation change to ensure effective change management.
 
Why Join PPSA:
This is a high-impact leadership opportunity to shape accountability and governance in South Africa. The CEO will influence public sector reform, enhance citizen trust, and ensure that ordinary South Africans have access to justice and protection against maladministration.
 
Enquiries: Ms Zandile Luthuli at tel. (012) 366-7263

​Note: All appointments will be done in terms of the Public Protector Act and a 12-months probation period which may be extended to 18 months will be applicable should the performance targets not met. The successful candidates will be expected to sign the secrecy declaration form and performance agreement within 2 months of accepting the position.
 
All successful candidates will have to undergo security clearance and vetting. Competency assessments will be conducted.
 
The Public Protector South Africa reserves the right not to fill the vacancies. Correspondences will be limited to the short-listed candidates. Should you not be contacted within 2 months, please consider your application to be unsuccessful.
 
Applications must be accompanied by a covering letter with a detailed CV and 3 references and including certified copies of qualifications and ID document. The Public Protector South Africa is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer and is committed to the achievement and maintenance of representivity (race, gender and disability). Preference will be given to the candidates whose appointment or promotion meets the requirements for Employment Equity representivity in the Office.
 
Edge Executive Search Group has been appointed to handle the recruitment for the above position. To apply, click: https://www.ditto.jobs/job-details?id=56909367
 
CLOSING DATE: 24 February 2026 16:30