DIRECTOR – 21 September 2026

To apply, click on the link at the end of the posts and all the best with your applications

DIRECTOR

The South African Council on Higher Education (CHE) is an independent statutory
body established by the Higher Education Act (Act No. 101 of 1997, as amended). As
the Quality Council for Higher Education in terms of the National Qualifications
Framework Act (Act No. 67 of 2008, as amended), it advises the Minister of Higher
Education, Science and Innovation on all higher education matters and is responsible
for quality assurance and promotion through the Higher Education Quality Committee
(HEQC).

The Accreditation Sub-programme assesses the quality of provision of specific
programmes and/or qualifications against certain predetermined criteria or standards
of quality. It does this through accrediting new programmes to be offered by
institutions, evaluating and approving institutional requests for extending programme
offerings to other delivery sites and undertaking site visits to verify the capacity of
higher education institutions to offer quality programmes in line with the accreditation
applications that were submitted, working closely with respective professional bodies
in the domain of professional qualifications.

Applications are invited from interested and suitably qualified candidates for
appointment to the following position:

POSITION: DIRECTOR
SUB-PROGRAMME: ACCREDITATION
TOTAL COST OF EMPLOYMENT PACKAGE
R 1 554 696.00 PA

The CHE seeks a person with appropriate experience and expertise to be
appointed to this position. The successful candidate will report to the
Executive Director: Quality Assurance Coordination, Standards and Capacity
Development.

Key responsibilities

• Oversee the assessment of the quality assurance mechanisms in place for the
  accreditation of higher education programmes and qualifications.
• Provide conceptual and strategic leadership, management and direction for the
  various projects and activities of the Accreditation Sub-programme.
• Contribute to research and scholarship in higher education external quality
  assurance.
• Build and maintain effective and efficient systems (frameworks, policies,
  procedures) of programme and qualification accreditation as part of an
  integrated, interconnected quality assurance framework.
• Communicate and liaise with higher education institutions, quality councils, the
  Department of Higher Education and Training and other stakeholders, as
  necessary.
• Supervise the development and maintenance of on-line systems and databases
  on all accreditation related information.
• Assume responsibility for the Sub-programme staffing, budget, planning and
  reporting.
• Collaborate with CHE directors in systems implementation and policy
  development.
• Advise the Executive Director on quality assurance matters.
• Any other reasonable and related tasks which may be assigned from time to
  time

NB. The job description may be subject to change from time to time at the
discretion of the CHE.

Minimum requirements
A Doctorate in a relevant field plus extensive experience. The key areas of
competence required for this position include:

• An understanding of the South African higher education system, including indepth knowledge of higher education policy and practice.
• A sound understanding of the mandate of the CHE.
• Knowledge and understanding of higher education and quality assurance theory
  and practice supported by a minimum of 3 years’ experience in a senior leadership
  position working with higher education institutions or in a higher education
  environment at provider and/or system level, especially in relation to quality
  assurance issues.
• Experience in learning and teaching in higher education.
• Specific knowledge and understanding of accreditation as a quality assurance
  mechanism.
• Familiarity with the Quality Assurance Framework of the CHE.
• Proven leadership and managerial (including conflict management) skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to oversee events management, facilitate workshops and speak in public.
• Demonstrated ability to manage and report on complex processes.
• Experience in developing policies or strategic documents.
• An ability to direct the work of the Sub-programme with initiative and efficiency.
• Knowledge and experience of developing and or using online systems, data
  management and data analysis would be a strong recommendation, and all-round
  computer literacy is essential.

Competencies
▪ Building the vision
▪ Conceptual and strategic thinking
▪ Organisational commitment
▪ Capacity development
▪ Managing change
▪ Intellectual capacity management
▪ Integrity
▪ Monitoring, evaluation, and compliance management
▪ Systems thinking
▪ Developing and maintaining relationships
▪ Budget planning and monitoring
▪ Sound judgment and decision making
▪ Planning and organising
▪ Analyses and problem solving
▪ Effective verbal and written communication

APPLICATION PROCEDURES
To apply please submit a completed job application form available from the CHE
website (www.che.ac.za/newsroom/vacancies), a CV and certified copies of
qualifications accompanied by a detailed motivation regarding your suitability for the
position, as well as how you meet each of the stipulated requirements. The names
and contact numbers of three work related referees should be provided. Applications
not on the prescribed application form and submitted without the certified
copies attached will not be considered.

Applications must be forwarded to H&S Labour Brokers, for attention
Elginita Moodley via e-mail to che004@hslabour1.co.za

Correspondence will be limited to shortlisted candidates. If you have not been
contacted within 30 days after the closing date, please consider your application as
unsuccessful. Shortlisted candidates will be required to undergo psychometric tests
and competency assessments to determine their suitability for employment

Further details pertaining to conditions of service including remuneration are available
from +27 12 349 3872 or email Mashiane.m@che.ac.za. Details related to the
technical aspects of the position may be directed to Nene.S@che.ac.za. The CHE is
committed to Employment Equity and aims to attract and retain talented individuals
to achieve its equity objectives. Therefore, people from designated groups, including
those with disabilities, are encouraged to apply.

Closing date: 28 September 2026

No late applications will be considered