Programme Manager (Lead) at The Universal Service and Access Agency of South Africa (USAASA)

Key Purpose of the Role

• The Universal Service and Access Agency of South Africa (USAASA) seeks to appoint a highlyexperienced Programme Manager (Lead) to establish and lead an internal Programme Management Office (PMO). The PMO will drive the successful implementation of the Agency’s Governance & Controls Strengthening Programme, a high-priority institutional stabilisation initiative designed to strengthen internal controls, enhance programme execution, and support compliance across all divisions.The successful candidate will provide strategic programme direction, governance oversight, execution leadership, and cross-functional coordination for this intensive institutional improvement programme.

Key Performance Areas

• Establish an internal PMO with appropriate governance frameworks, templates, tools and processes.
• Develop the master programme plan, Work Breakdown Structure (WBS), Gantt Chart and delivery roadmap.
• Lead, coordinate and provide oversight across all workstreams (Operations, Finance, SCM, ICT, Legal, Corporate Services, SRPM).
• Ensure effective execution of corrective actions and strengthening of internal controls, including BDM-related controls.
• Oversee evidence collection, verification and quality assurance to ensure full audit readiness.
• Prepare strategic reports, dashboards, briefing notes and submissions for EXCO, BARC, Board, DCDT and other stakeholders.
• Manage programme risks, issues, dependencies and escalations.
• Provide mentorship, coaching and skills transfer to internal PMO resources.
• Ensure alignment with PFMA, Treasury Regulations, AGSA requirements and USAASA governance frameworks.

Minimum Requirements
Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (NQF 7) in Public Administration, Commerce, ICT, Engineering, Project/Programme Management or related field.
• A postgraduate qualification (NQF 8)

Experience

• Minimum 10 years’ experience in complex, multi-stakeholder environments.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in the public sector under PFMA-governed institutions.
• Demonstrated experience leading organisational reform, governance strengthening, audit remediation, turnaround programmes or large-scale risk mitigation initiatives.
• Proven experience managing cross-functional teams and high-risk programmes.

Competencies

• Exceptional programme planning, leadership and governance skills.
• Strong understanding of PFMA, Treasury frameworks and public-sector compliance.
• Advanced communication, report writing and dashboarding skills.
• High-level problem solving, analytical reasoning and systems thinking.
• Ability to manage pressure, deadlines and competing priorities.