Careers at The South African Weather Service (SAWS)

TCTC Salary range: 460 770.00 -R583 451.00

Job Summary:

• This position is responsible for matters pertaining to the availability and quality control of near real time and historical air quality data managed by the South African Weather Service. The incumbent will assist in the provision of quality data to local clients and will be expected to be involved in and contribute to various projects including air quality related research and the development, installation, maintenance and upgrading of existing systems utilized by SAWS.

The incumbents’ key responsibilities include:

• Quality control and quality assurance of air quality data
• Active involvement in the commissioning and installation of new technical applications and solutions
• Report on the availability and quality of data from the monitoring network
• Interaction with technical staff in technical as well as scientific and ICT fields, with respect to operational and other associated assistance
• Strict adherence to national and internationally prescribed standards in respect of the air quality infrastructure maintenance and the derived data
• Keep abreast of the latest air quality monitoring systems and infrastructures and related developments, technologies and techniques
• Provision of near real-time, quality controlled and assured ambient air quality data and information gathered by ambient air quality monitoring stations reporting to the SAAQIS through the SAAQIS web site to government, business and industry, academia, research institutes and the general public
• Publication of research, air quality newsletters, official publications, legislation, Gazettes and other documents related to air quality and air quality management in South Africa on the SAAQIS web site
• Development and presentation of Air Quality Monitoring Reports
• Delivery of commercial and/or public good services through various projects including client liaison, research, development, installation, upgrading or maintenance of the scientific systems relevant to specific AQ research field
• Participation in programs, projects or activities related to commercial and/or public good services
• Development of new products and establishment of new processes that will improve the service delivery to clients
• Conducting administrative functions related to the post.

Required Minimum Education/Training:

• A 4 year degree in Environmental Sciences or equivalent or higher qualification in Sciences such as Chemistry and Physics

Required Minimum Knowledge and Work Experience

• Minimum of 3 years scientific experience in data, research and information activities
• Good knowledge of computer and information systems as well as database management systems
• Knowledge of air quality and other environmental legislation
• Code 8 driver’s license for a gear shift vehicle (manual)
• Administrative and organizational skills for varied tasks
• Ability to work under pressure and within time constraints
• Excellent communication skills both written and verbal
• Knowledge and skills in formulating and writing of reports and scientific papers, with specific reference to air quality related topics
• Ability to read, analyse and interpret air quality data and information.

Deadline:29th October,2026

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TCTC Salary Range: R 379 952 - R 560 478

Job summary:

The Forecaster is primarily responsible for the monitoring and issuing weather forecasts. In so doing he/she ensures that a significant part of fulfilling the office’s mandate is to:

• Provide forecasting services which include specialized services such as aviation forecasting, assistance to local disaster management structures, forecasts for the agricultural fraternity, sports and recreation, the marine industry and all industries that may require specialized forecasts from time to time.

Key Performance Areas:
Products, Service Delivery / Infrastructure maintenance:

• Generate and quality control Aviation specific forecasts, including warnings.
• Analysis and evaluation of forecast and warning services.
• Supervise the carrying out of METAR, SPECI and SYNOP coded Meteorological Observations 
• Approve and/or initiate requests for additional Upper Air Ascents as part of performing  Upper Air Observations.

Innovation, Process Improvement & Revenue Generation:

• Generate and quality control commercial-specific forecasts where applicable.
• Review related TQM processes and suggest improvements.
• Assist with the analysis of data and records to drive continual improvement.

Administration, Governance, Risk & Compliance

• Ensure updated competencies as required (e.g. AMF competency).
• Promote the SAWS Quality Policy and integrate it into the day-to-day activities within the Office/Unit.
• Ensure the adherence of relevant policies or policy requirements.
• Ensure that all work performed is so done according to documented requirements.(SOP, Business Continuity plans etc.)
• Provide assistance during audits of the office/unit as may be required.
• Participate within the work environment in such a manner that legislative requirements relating to Occupational Health & Safety are met.
• Perform routine office administration practices including lodging claims, leave processing, overtime, transport administration, periodic reporting, administration of
• registers, etc.

People, Culture and Values:

• Attend and provide training as and when required.
• Sharing knowledge and skills with appropriate stakeholders thereby promoting the strategy of SAWS being a learning organization.
• Conduct meteorological related case studies / research. 

Stakeholder Management:

• Collaborate with Airport Management Centre when issuing severe weather warnings.
• Liaise with clients to ascertain requirements, and levels of service provision excellence.
• Communicate forecasts to all relevant stakeholders.
• Represent SAWS in meetings with stakeholders as instructed or requested.
• Ensure that customer communication is carried out effectively.
• Promote the awareness of SAWS products and services to all stakeholders.
• Support staff involved in exhibiting SAWS products and services at dedicated client contact events such as exhibitions, corporate events, workshops, conventions, expos etc.

Minimum Requirements and Attributes:

• BSc Meteorology (with Honours) or equivalent and a Postgraduate Diploma in Weather Forecasting
• WMO BIP-M requirements
• ICAO / WMO Competency requirements 

Deadline:29th October,2026

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TCTC Salary range: R1 911 978.00 - R2 467 147.00

Job Summary:

• To provide strategic leadership and executive oversight of the Infrastructure and Information Systems Division, ensuring that SAWS has reliable, resilient, secure and fit-for-purpose infrastructure and information systems to deliver its national weather, climate, aviation, marine, agriculture, and related services.
• To provide enterprise-wide leadership of ICT and meteorological observation infrastructure, including weather radar, lightning detection, surface and upper-air observing systems, aviation and marine meteorological infrastructure, telecommunications and ICT systems, ensuring lifecycle management, modernisation, resilience, sustainability, and alignment with national and international standards.
• To lead and ensure that the infrastructure and ICT systems deliver accurate, reliable climate intelligence while integrating ICT strategy, programme and portfolio management, international data-sharing, IP/data policy governance, cybersecurity, risk management, business development, and R&D-driven innovation. The incumbent is responsible for the strategic leadership and oversight of ICT, Technical Services, and Regional Offices, ensuring that these functions operate effectively, efficiently, and in an integrated manner to support SAWS’s national mandate.

The incumbents’ key responsibilities include:
SAWS’ Strategic Infrastructure and Asset Management

• Develop and implement strategies and plans to ensure that SAWS’ critical meteorological infrastructure supports the delivery of world-class weather, climate, aviation, marine, and related services.
• Provide strategic oversight of the full infrastructure lifecycle, including needs assessment, planning, investment prioritisation, procurement, implementation, commissioning, operations, maintenance, renewal, modernisation, and decommissioning.
• Ensure the efficient development and implementation of Knowledge Management Provide strategic governance of SAWS’s integrated meteorological observation portfolio, ensuring interoperability with WMO standards, resilience against climate and disaster risks, and benchmarking against international best practice.
• Lead the planning, prioritisation, and delivery of ICT and infrastructure programmes. Balance investments across legacy systems, modernisation initiatives, and innovation projects. Ensure infrastructure projects and programmes are delivered on time, within budget, and aligned with SAWS’s strategic objectives and quality standards.
• Lead the development, implementation, and periodic review of infrastructure sustainability and lifecycle plans, informed by asset condition, operational risk, service requirements, lifecycle costs, technological developments and future demands.
• Anticipate technological shifts in Meteorological and ICT systems. Guide infrastructure upgrades and digital transformation aligned with Industry 4.0 and climate resilience goals. Embed AI, IoT, and predictive analytics into forecasting and asset management. Ensure cost-effective adoption of new technologies and retirement of old technologies to maintain competitiveness.
• Lead enterprise cybersecurity strategy to protect sensitive climate and aviation data. Implement disaster recovery, and business continuity strategies for mission-critical systems. Ensure compliance with South African legislation and international obligations. Embed resilience into ICT systems to mitigate cyber threats and operational risks.
• Oversee compliance with international meteorological data-sharing agreements (WMO). Develop and enforce SAWS’s data governance and IP policies, ensuring secure, ethical, and equitable use of climate data. Represent SAWS in global ICT and meteorological forums, influencing international standards and agreements.

Innovation and Revenue Generation

• Enable innovation through reliable, scalable, and fit-for-purpose technological and meteorological infrastructure and information systems.
• Provision of enhanced, agile, and reliable technological and meteorological solutions for the organisation that enable product development and revenue generation.
• Collaborate with relevant divisions to identify and enable opportunities for new products, services, technology-enabled solutions and cost efficiencies.
• Lead and guide the teams that are responsible for the improvement and extension of innovation for services to both the public and commercial clients of SAWS.
• Ensure technology investments support SAWS competitiveness, service excellence, and opportunities for sustainable revenue generation.

Governance, Risk & Compliance

• Provide executive leadership in divisional governance, risk management, business continuity, and internal controls.
• Pro-actively guide and advise the organisation on technological, infrastructure, operational, financial, and legislative risks and emerging developments affecting service delivery.
• Ensure the SAWS’ infrastructure projects are delivered within the agreed scope, timeframes, and budget.
• Ensure divisional audit findings are addressed within the prescribed timeframes and that corrective controls measures are effective.
• Monitor and report on meteorological infrastructure and ICT performance, service availability, investment outcomes, risks and strategic objectives

Financial and Resource Management

• Provide strategic oversight of the Division’s budget and ensure responsible, efficient, and effective utilisation of financial resources
• Align expenditure and investment decisions with approved priorities, operational requirements, lifecycle needs and available resources.
• Ensure appropriate financial, procurement, and contract management controls within the Division
• Ensure compliance with the applicable PFMA regulations
• Provide strategic oversight of major vendors, service providers, and contractors supporting infrastructure, ICT services, ensuring contractual performance, service levels, value for money, and alignment with SAWS requirements.

Regional Offices and Operational Service Delivery

• Provide strategic oversight of SAWS Regional Offices and ensure alignment of regional operations with national strategies, policies, standards, and service delivery requirements.
• Ensure effective utilisation and management of regional infrastructure, resources, and operational capabilities.
• Promote consistency in operational standards, service delivery, and performance across Regional Offices.
• Ensure regional operational requirements are appropriately incorporated into national infrastructure, technology, and resource planning.

Capacity and Capability Building

• Effectively lead and manage the IIS division by maintaining a motivated team to deliver on the SAWS mandate within the allocated resources.
• Keep abreast of industry developments and best practices, changes in relevant legislation and ensure that the teams are upskilled and adjust their processes and procedures accordingly.
• Promote a culture and practices that reflect the SAWS values and manage the team’s performance
• Ensure that staff are appropriately skilled and that their performance is managed appropriately.
• Ensure the development and implementation of strategies that ensure a performance culture, ensuring quality service as well as unassailable service delivery.
• Ensure that organisational capability, skills, and structures are aligned with current and future infrastructure and information systems requirements.

Stakeholder Management

• Strategic Representation of SAWS and/ or the country and provide thought leadership in Regional and International meteorological bodies and participate in bilateral and/or multi-lateral engagements e.g., WMO, ICAO, and so forth.
• Maintain and grow strategic partnerships with the local, regional, and international bodies/institutions with the aim of improving the SAWS public good and commercial offering
• Engage strategically with internal stakeholders to ensure infrastructure and information systems requirements are aligned with operational and business needs.

Required Minimum Education/Training:

• Master’s Degree in Engineering (Electrical, Electronic, Systems, or Mechanical), Computer Science, or IT.
• An MBA or equivalent management qualification will be an added advantage.

Required Minimum Knowledge and Work Experience

• Minimum 12–15 years in ICT and technology infrastructure leadership, with at least 5 years at
• Executive level or Senior Management in a specialised/complex public-sector, scientific, technical, infrastructure or technology environment.
• Proven track record in programme and portfolio management of large-scale ICT and/or meteorological infrastructure projects
• Proven experience in infrastructure lifecycle management, investment planning, procurement and major technology/infrastructure projects.
• Knowledge of ICT systems, infrastructure, cybersecurity, digital transformation, and information governance. 
• Knowledge of meteorological observation infrastructure and operational processing systems.
• Proven track record in building and leading highly successful and motivated teams.
• Knowledge of the PFMA and Treasury Regulations

Technical 

• Policy formulation and governance
• Business and Financial Acumen
• Strategy development and implementation
• Organisational performance measurement (strategic, operational, and financial)
• Budgeting Governance, Risk and Compliance Management
• Change management and innovation.
• Project Management
• Total Quality Management
• Procurement and contract management
• Infrastructure lifecycle and asset management
• Stakeholder and partnership management
• ICT and digital transformation
• Cybersecurity, business continuity, disaster recovery

Behavioral

• Strategic Leadership and thinking
• Strategic agility and adaptability
• Customer-centric focus
• Strong Organisational and Planning Skills
• Influencing and negotiation Skills
• Results driven.
• Excellent Communication skills
• Written and verbal/ presentation skills.
• Resilience and influential
• Integrity and confidentiality
• Resilience and sound judgement
• High emotional intelligence

Deadline:29th October,2026

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TCTC Salary range: R 1 134 843 – R 1 508 244

Job Summary:

• To develop and implement the SAWS commercial strategy that supports the growth and sustainability of non-regulated revenue generation pipeline and make sure that these remain relevant to local and international trends and customer requirements and thus ensuring the sustainability of the entity.

Key Performance Areas:

• Contribute to the overall SAWS strategic and business planning discussions and ensure that a relevant and applicable non-statutory commercial strategy is in place and implemented and that commercial business objectives are understood by the Management team and Commercial Partners.
• Target key customers and manage the lead processes to completion in order to grow commercial revenue.
• Liaise with users and key customers to understand their specific requirements and communicate these to the relevant internal stakeholders and service providers to ensure fit for purpose weather, aviation, air quality and climate related solutions in line with competitive market-based pricing strategies.
• Lead the review of the market on a regular basis in order to establish profitable strategic commercial partnerships and manage the relationships against objectives set for growth in non-statutory commercial revenue.
• Ensure the understanding of SAWS’ products and services as well as their brand propositions by current, new, and potential customers.
• Lead the preparation and submission of the relevant tender documents and participate in contract negotiations.
• Collaborate with other stakeholders to compile and build applicable and competitive commercial models for specific client proposals.
• Conduct market research and benchmarks to ensure a competitive pricing model.
• Collaborate with other SAWS internal stakeholders in the testing of products and services in the market and identify the potential customers for these.
• Manage the tracking and reporting of the commercial strategy including the implementation of applicable sub strategies to change and extend the commercial mindset.
• Track a lead pipeline per weather sensitive sector and product category in order to confirm revenue potential as well as financial revenue targets set annually.
• Manage the department’s budget and monitor revenue against targets.
• Effective monitoring of the commercial financial evaluations and analysis, customer analysis, market and organisational capabilities, and comprehensive customer contract management ensuring that SAWS meets its revenue and profitability objectives.
• Continuously stay abreast with market and international trends which may impact the organisations commercial initiatives/plans.
• Manage the on-boarding of new customers and provide account management for key customers and contracts
• Work cross functionally to manage customer and partner impacts when datafeed, system and equipment outages etc occur, until the issues are resolved
• Implement programmes / projects for key customers against tender or customer requirements
• Ensure that the organisation delivers the products/services in line with its commercial contracts
• Develop and implement strategies for the retention of customers and commercial partners
• Established execution of governance, risk, and compliance frameworks for the function, in line with the overall risk management framework
• Develop and implement the commercial related policies and procedures and ensure that these are known by and accessible to the relevant stakeholders
• Facilitate the development of pricing processes or price change requests
• Establish and maintain system-related documents relevant to commercial activities
• Work with the finance team to develop the department’s annual targets and monitor the performance of commercial activities using key metrics in order to prepare reports for various stakeholders.
• Collaborate with the Legal team and other internal stakeholders to develop the relevant commercial contracts and Memorandums of Understanding (MOU’s) for all key stakeholders
• Ensure that all Contracts are relevant and up-to-date and include relevant service level agreements (SLA’s) if required.
• Collaborate with and coordinate diverse teams (Marketing, Research and Development
• Regional, ICT etc.) to manage existing and new key customers and their requirements, thereby improving turnover and profitability.
• Participate in relevant initiatives that seek to position the organisation as a recognized and preferred meteorological and climate information provider of choice in South Africa and subSaharan Africa.
• Develop and maintain high level strategic relationships and networks with key stakeholders in the meteorological industry, government agencies, global companies, and other relevant functions
• Maintain a good working team relationship with all internal and external stakeholders
• Keep up to date with any legislative requirements with respect to aviation, marine and other specialized meteorological products, and services.
• Provide inputs into appropriate resource management processes and practices including skills development of customer facing members in line with the commercial strategy.
• Effectively lead and manage the department by maintaining a motivated team to deliver on the SAWS mandate within the allocated resources and ensure that signed performance agreements are assessed annually.
• Ensure skills transfer and the development of the team members within the department, through mentoring, technical and business training, and challenging assignments that build
• confidence and demonstrate the team's ability to make significant contributions to the organisation.
• Promote a culture and practices that reflect the SAWS values.

Required Minimum Education/Training:

• A Post-Graduate Degree in Sales/Marketing/Commerce

Required Minimum Work Experience:

• Minimum of 10 years experience in commercial, business development, and customer-facing roles within a scientific, technical, meteorological, environmental, and or science-driven organisation.
• Demonstrated experience in identifying, segmenting and developing weather- and climatesensitive markets and sectors including the commercialising of scientific and technical products and services, strategic partnerships, strategic engagement, and revenue generation within a science- or data-driven organisation.
• Experience in developing and implementing commercial strategies, business plans, and organisational prioritisation frameworks in a scientific or technical environment.
• Experience working with relevant digital technologies, data platforms, CRM systems, analytic tools and digital customer engagement solutions.
• Proven experience in Customer Relations Management, including managing strategic clients, public-sector stakeholders, research partners, and commercial customers.
• Proven track record in building, leading and managing high-performing multidisciplinary and customer focused team.
• At least 5 years people management experience
• Experience in a public sector would be an added advantage
• Knowledge of the PFMA, the SAWS and the National Credit Acts and all other regulations governing a Section 3A Public Entity

Technical and Behavioural Competencies Required

• Prospecting and Interpersonal selling skills
• Document Management
• Product Research and Development
• Budgeting
• Financial analytical skills and business acumen
• Knowledge of industry standards, best practices, and trends in the discipline.
• Innovation and creativity
• Leadership
• Influencing and Negotiation Skills
• Conflict management skills
• Networking and Collaboration
• Results driven
• Problem Solving
• Excellent Communication skills (Written and verbal/ presentation skills)
• Maintaining confidentiality
• Ability to work after hours

Deadline:30th October,2026

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TCTC Salary Range: R339 061- R393 465

Job summary:

• To supervise observations and collection of Meteorological and climate data in support of research and forecasting purposes and act as first line of support in the installation, maintenance, and where possible, repair and upgrade of meteorological equipment. In addition, the Chief Meteorological Technician supervises junior and Senior Meteorological Technicians.

Key Performance Areas:
Products, Service Delivery / Infrastructure maintenance:

• Supervise and perform timely visual weather Observations as determined by the relevant Weather Office.
• Develop, implement and review SOPs for departmental operations.
• Supervise and collect Meteorological and climate data and reports to the relevant stakeholders. 
• Perform quality control of meteorological data before submitting to SAWS database.
• Perform quality control of aeronautical information from the African region before submitting to OPMET databank.
• Install, maintain, and where possible, repair as well as assist with upgrades of weather observation equipment.
• Continuously monitor the performance of equipment and perform routine and nonroutine maintenance.
• Supervise and performs maintenance planning and monitoring of maintenance schedule.

Innovation, Process Improvement & Revenue Generation:

• Analysis of available meteorological and climatological data.
• Introduced measures to improve data quality and or availability.
• Analyse current techniques and technologies used in the collection and processing of data to ensure the best practices are used and applied consistently across the board.
• Perform routine office administration practices including lodging claims, leave processing, overtime, transport administration, reporting (including MRep), administration of registers, etc.
• Ensure the availability of the relevant Standard Operating Procedures, and that the junior personnel are well inducted on these, have easy access to them and comply accordingly.
• Ensure Compliance with designated national and international standards.
• Analyse and Interpret office performance through monitoring, and evaluation and where applicable implement corrective actions.
• Oversee the data collection function of the Office to ensure conformance to standard operating procedures, regulations and quality controls.
• Maintain the SHEQ (Safety, Health Environment and Quality) system. 
• Monitor the Risk Register and ensure the implementation of identified risks mitigation actions.
• Participate in various regional audits and ensure that all audit findings are addressed.
• Participates in budget planning and procurement process in line with approved SCM policies.

People, Culture and Values:

• Promote a culture and practices that reflect the SAWS values and manage the team’s performance.
• Develop Capacity and capability required to sustain/ maintain observations section operation.
• Takes ownership of own development activities to ensure performance against agreed standards.
• Contributes to team success by contribution and commitment to the team.
• Mentoring and training of new employees (including on-job training).

Stakeholder Management:

• Collaborate with the other regional Team in an effort to deliver the SAWS mandate
• Implement public awareness programmes for the local communities. (Office outreach activities).

Minimum Requirements and Attributes:

• NQF Level 4 or Senior Certificate (with Mathematics and Physical Science) and Weather Observers Certificate (NQF Level 5)
• ICAO AMO competency certificate
• WMO BIP-T requirements
• A valid code 08 driver’s license or higher
• At least 5 years’ experience within the Meteorological Environment, 2 of which must have been at supervisory level.
• Ability to read, analyse and interpret written request for weather data and information.
• Knowledge of international standards such as WMO and ICAO. Advanced knowledge of observation tools. 

Deadline:2nd November,2026