Chief Executive Officer

About the position

The South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP), the statutory and regulatory authority for the natural scientific profession, is seeking to appoint a visionary, strategic, and results-driven Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead the organisation in fulfilling its regulatory mandate and advancing the professionalisation of the natural science sector.

This executive leadership role is responsible for providing strategic direction and overall management of SACNASP, ensuring full compliance with the National Scientific Professions Act (Act No. 27 of 2003) and other applicable legislative and regulatory frameworks. The CEO will serve as the Accounting Officer and will be accountable to Council for the effective governance, performance, and sustainability of the organisation.

The CEO will lead the development and implementation of SACNASP's strategic objectives as outlined in the 2025-2030 Strategic Plan, ensuring alignment with national priorities and sectoral needs. This includes overseeing operations, driving organisational performance, strengthening regulatory frameworks, and promoting excellence in the registration, regulation, and development of natural science professionals.

The role further entails establishing and strengthening stakeholder partnerships across government, academia, industry, and professional bodies to advance collaboration, advocacy, and the recognition of the natural science profession. The CEO will also ensure sound financial management, effective resource utilisation, and the establishment of high-performing teams to deliver on SACNASP's mandate.

The successful candidate will report directly to the President of the Council, the Council and all Council Committees, and will provide leadership in positioning SACNASP as a credible, responsive, and forward-thinking regulatory authority within the natural sciences sector.

Key Responsibilities:

• Ensure SACNASP complies with all the prescripts of the enabling legislation.
• Lead the operations at SACNASP, including relevant projects as applicable.
• Drive, strengthen and enhance the mission and vision of the SACNASP.
• The incumbent is an accounting officer of SACNASP and reports to the Council on all matters of the organisation.
• Directs the execution of the responsibilities of SACNASP in general and, in particular, the scientific and professional affairs of natural scientists regarding registration, regulation, continuing professional development, candidate mentoring, student enrolment and general enabling activities.
• Directs the marketing of registration with SACNASP to students, qualifying scientists and the target industries.
• Directs support and recognition in the natural sciences and oversees all aspects of activities and developments in the natural sciences that could have a bearing on SACNASP.
• Lead the development, coordination and implementation of appropriate strategies, policies and programmes to effectively advance the purpose, goals and objectives of SACNASP.
• Oversee the monitoring and evaluation of the implementation of strategies, policies and programmes in relation to set targets, which are meant to advance the work of SACNASP, through the development and utilisation of effective monitoring frameworks
• Create, strengthen, consolidate and widen existing strategic partnerships and relationships with relevant stakeholders such as Universities, Learned Societies, government departments, Industry, and scientists, to advance the implementation of the mission and vision of SACNASP.
• Manage the staff of SACNASP through effective staff performance management and development systems.
• Manage the budget of SACNASP in line with relevant legislation and financial management prescripts, e.g., PFMA Treasury Regulations.
• Management of planning cycles and processes, including the writing of business plans, strategic plans, quarterly and annual reports.

Minimum Requirements

Qualifications & Professional Standing:

• A Doctoral Degree (PhD) degree in a natural science discipline is required.
• A qualification in Business Administration, Public Administration, Governance leadership will be an added advantage.
• Compulsory registration with the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP) as a Professional Natural Scientist (Pr.Sci.Nat.).
• A demonstrable track record of professional credibility and standing within the natural sciences sector.

Experience:

• A minimum of 10 years' relevant professional experience, preferably within the Natural Sciences, scientific research, professional regulation, higher education, science policy or related environment.
• At least 5 years' senior management or executive experience.
• Proven experience in organisational strategy, operational performance, people management and financial sustainability.
• Proven track record in stakeholder engagement, including government, academia, industry, and professional bodies.
• Proven track record of strategic implementation, business development, revenue diversification, financial oversight and organisational transformation.
• Experience in corporate governance, regulatory compliance, risk management, and accountability to a governing Council or Board.

Closing date: 13 November 2026

This position will comply with Employment Equity principles.

SACNASP reserves the right not to make an appointment.

Desired Skills:

• Strategic Leadership

Desired Work Experience:

• More than 10 years

Desired Qualification Level:

• Doctorate