Chief Executive Officer at National Institute for Humanities and Social Sciences (NIHSS)

Key Responsibilities: 

• Provide visionary leadership and strategic direction for the NIHSS, translating its mandate into coherent goals, programmes and initiatives. 
• Oversee the development and implementation of NIHSS’s core programmes(e.g. doctoral scholarships, Catalytic Research Projects, Humanities Hubs), ensuring they advance HSS
• scholarship and address national priorities. 
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with key stakeholders; including DHET, universities, research councils, government, civil society and international partners in order to promote collaboration and support for the HSS sector. 
• Ensure effective governance, accountability and compliance with legislation (Higher Education Act, PFMA, etc.), NIHSS policies and Board decisions. Act as the Institute’s accounting officer. 
• Secure and manage funding (government allocations, grants, donations) to sustain NIHSS programmes. Oversee budgeting, financial reporting and resource allocation in line with public sector standards. 
• Champion NIHSS’s values of social responsibility and equity. Lead efforts to transform the HSS landscape, support diversity in scholarships, and implement employment equity targets. 
• Represent the NIHSS at national and international forums (conferences, policy dialogues, networks) to raise the profile of
• South African HSS scholarship. Promote norm-driven internationalisation and Global South collaborations.

Minimum Requirements, Qualification and Experience: 

• A doctoral degree (PhD) in a discipline within the humanities or social sciences is essential. 
• Minimum of 8 years in broad organisational management roles, including strategic and operational oversight. Proven track record of driving institutional growth or transformation is essential.
• At least 5 years in a senior management or executive position in contexts such as public higher education institutions, research institutes, academic think tanks or similar public-sector academic entities. Experience managing complex budgets, personnel and stakeholder portfolios is required. 
• Proven understanding of the South
• African public service and higher education environment, including experience with government processes, policy development and legislative frameworks. 
• A distinguished record of research and scholarship appropriate to an academic leader(e.g.
• publications, grants, or equivalent achievements). 
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex academic or research
• programmes, including oversight of multi-institutional projects, scholarships or funding initiatives. 
• Experience in financial planning and management of institutional budgets. Knowledge of fundraising and donor relations. 
• Strong track record of managing teams and engaging diverse stakeholders. Excellent networking, communication and negotiation skills. 
• Demonstrated commitment to academic transformation and social impact, including advancing diversity and equity in higher education.
• Additional / Advantageous Requirements: 
• Associate Professorship 
• Experience with large-scale international or continental research collaborations (e.g. BRICS HSS networks, African scholarship initiatives). 
• Established international research networks and partnerships. 
• Familiarity with emerging global HSS agendas (e.g. decolonisation, global South perspectives). 
• Fluency in additional official South African languages is an advantage. Core Competencies: Strategic
• Capability and Leadership 
• People Management and Empowerment 
• Programme and Project Management 
• Financial
• Management 
• Change Management. Behavioural Attributes: Vision and Innovation 
• Integrity and Ethics 
• Collaboration and Collegiality
• Communication 
• Resilience and Adaptability 
• Commitment to Transformation.

Closing Date: 16 January 2026