Chief Executive Officer (Ref. WS04/022026) at The South African Weather Service (SAWS)

Job Summary:

• To provide strategic leadership and direction to ensure that the SAWS discharges its legislative mandate and obligations consistent with applicable national and international standards and deliver commercial services for the long-term sustainability of the organisation.
• The role also ensures that the SAWS, on behalf of the Republic of South Africa, fulfils a range of international obligations under the Convention of the World Meteorological Organisation.

Key Performance Areas:
Strategic Leadership

• Provide strategic leadership, for the organisation and identify opportunities for growth and sustainability under the guidance of the SAWS Board.
• Oversee the development of the SAWS Strategic Plan, aligned to the SAWS mandate in termsof the South African Weather Services Act (Act No. 8 of 2001), the strategic objectives of the
• Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) and National priorities.
• Implement the required action plans and resource allocation to ensure achievement of the SAWS strategic objectives.

Financial Management

• Identify new markets and opportunities for commercial revenue generation to ensure the financial viability of the organization.
• Oversee financial management of the organisation to ensure optimal resource allocation for delivery against the mandate.
• Ensure minimal over / or underspending against the approved budget.

Annual Performance Plan (APP)

• Ensure the development of the SAWS Annual Performance Plan (APP), aligned to the SAWS mandate in terms of the South African Weather Services Act (Act No. 8 of 2001) and the strategic objectives of the SAWS.
• Drive and report on organisational performance against the Annual Performance Plan targets.

Stakeholder Management

• Oversee the monitoring, evaluation and reporting of the SAWS service delivery on its regional and international responsibilities to various stakeholder e.g., DFFE, DIRCO, MASA, SADC, AU, WMO, ICAO, EUMETSAT and so forth.
• Ensure strategic representation and participation of the SAWS and/or the country in various regional and international meteorological bodies.
• Coordinate and provide some thought leadership in bilateral and/or multi-lateral engagements, e.g., WMO, ICAO, SADC, UNFCCC, IPCC, MASA and so forth.
• Develop and maintain strategic partnerships with the local, regional, and international bodies/institutions with the aim of improving the SAWS public good and commercial offering.
• Enhance staff morale, organisational performance and SAWS’s good public image and reputation.

Capacity and Capability Building

• Drive Human Capital Development, education, and awareness in the sector in response to the SAWS’ mandate.
• Oversee the provision of world-class Aeronautical and Marine Meteorological Services to the aviation and marine industry users, both domestically and internationally.
• Provide strategic leadership and ensure that the SAWS is positioned as the regional leader and has world-class research and forecasting capability.
• Ensures efficient and effective Corporate Services.
• Provides guidance, coaching and mentoring of the executive team and other subordinates.

Governance, Risk & Compliance

• Accountable for overall governance of risk and driving culture of risk management within the entity by setting the tone at the top, promoting accountability, integrity and other factors that will create a positive control environment.
• Manage risk and drive a culture of risk management to ensure sound financial management of SAWS’ operations, minimize risk exposure for the organisation.
• As the Accounting Officer of the SAWS, ensure that all revenue, expenditure, assets, and liabilities are managed efficiently and effectively.
• Ensure that the organisation complies with all relevant legislation and submits all the relevant statutory reports according to the prescribed timeframes.
• Ensure organizational adherence to world class corporate governance practices.
• Oversee the implementation of the SAWS’ Transformation (BBBEE and Culture) Strategies.

Required Minimum Education / Training

• A relevant Master’s Degree at NQF Level 9
• An MBA (as a specialised management Master’s) will be an added advantage.

Required Minimum Knowledge and Work Experience

• A minimum of eight years’ experience at an Executive level
• Previous experience as CEO would be an added advantage
• Solid knowledge of corporate governance in South Africa
• Good understanding of Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) and Treasury Regulations
• Understanding of SAWS mandate and applicable regulations
• Proven track record in building and leading highly successful and motivated teams
• Proven track record in leading transformation, ideally within the public sector
• Communication, networking, and stakeholder management experience
• Experience in managing diversity within a complex environment
• Experience within a Scientific Organisation would be an added advantage

Technical and Behavioural Competencies Required
Technical

• Policy formulation
• Business and Financial Acumen
• Strategy development and implementation

Budgeting

• Organisational performance management (Strategic, operational, and financial)
• Governance and Risk Management
• People management and Coaching skills

Behavioural

• Good Leadership and Vision
• Strategic Thinking and agility

Customer centric focus

• Strong Organisational and Planning Skills
• Influencing and Negotiation Skills
• Networking and Stakeholder Management skills
• Results driven
• Excellent Communication skills (Written and verbal/ presentation skills)
• Resilience and influential
• Maintaining confidentiality

Closing Date: 08 March 2026