VACANCY: CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER (CEO)
Organisation: Regional Psychosocial Support Initiative (REPSSI)
Application Deadline: Tuesday, 17 November 2026
Duty Station: REPSSI Headquarters, Randburg, South Africa
Contract Duration: 5 years, subject to donor funding availability and satisfactory performance
The position is open to qualified individuals with experience working in Southern and Eastern Africa. The successful candidate will be expected to work from REPSSI Headquarters in Randburg, South Africa.
ABOUT REPSSI
REPSSI (the Regional Psychosocial Support Initiative) is a renowned pan-African organisation that has supported governments and non-governmental organisations in providing holistic psychosocial care and support to children and their families in East and Southern Africa for 20 years.
REPSSI works in 13 countries and aims to enhance the psychosocial and mental wellbeing of girls, boys, youth, their families and communities so they can respond to challenges such as HIV and AIDS, conflict, poverty, climate change, environmental disasters and social strife.
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES: 2026–2030
REPSSI’s 2026–2030 strategy is anchored in five SMART outcomes that reflect its commitment to delivering mental health and psychosocial wellbeing at scale, with integrity and impact:
- Mobilise at least $35 million in diversified funding to sustain and scale work across 13 countries, with 60% of new resources aligned with strategic priorities and community partners.
- Generate and disseminate 20 high-quality evidence products, including regional studies, policy briefs and practice guides, that influence Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) policy and programming across East and Southern Africa.
- Ensure that 90% of direct service delivery meets or exceeds quality benchmarks, as defined by regional Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL) standards and validated through community feedback, independent surveys and evaluations.
- Strengthen the capacity of 250 local organisations and government systems to deliver integrated, gender-responsive MHPSS services, with at least 50% led by youth, women, marginalised groups and key populations.
- Embed psychosocial wellbeing into 10 regional and national policy frameworks, positioning MHPSS as a core pillar of social protection, education and climate resilience.
JOB SUMMARY
REPSSI seeks to appoint an experienced and vibrant Chief Executive Officer (CEO) who will provide overarching, inspirational leadership to a dynamic organisation operating in a fast-paced, highly competitive environment with a national, regional and international footprint.
Together with the Board, the CEO will ensure REPSSI’s relevance to the community, the accomplishment of its mission and vision, and accountability to its diverse constituents.
The successful candidate must be a prudent manager and inspiring leader with business acumen who can take bold actions to enhance REPSSI’s global standing as a leading African psychosocial support advocate and provider of technical expertise.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategic and Executive Leadership
- Provide visionary strategic leadership.
- Develop, review and ensure effective implementation of the strategic plan to maintain REPSSI’s competitive position.
- Guide business plans for REPSSI programmes.
- Ensure effective management of the executive team and day-to-day operations.
Strategic Stakeholder Management
- Maintain good relations with existing development partners at national, regional and international levels.
- Identify potential and new strategic partners and opportunities.
- Ensure active and meaningful contributions to strategic partnerships.
- Expand REPSSI’s reputation and brand through innovative communication mechanisms.
Resource Mobilisation
- Lead resource mobilisation efforts with traditional and non-traditional partners.
- Secure new and additional resources while maximising existing resources.
Financial Sustainability
- Oversee the development and effective management of annual budgets.
- Ensure proper expenditure control and reporting.
- Conduct risk analyses on potential investments and advise the Board of Directors on investment risks and returns.
- Ensure compliance with all audit requirements and sustain an unqualified audit opinion.
Research and Innovation
- Provide strategic and thought leadership on REPSSI’s key competencies and its role, both internally and externally.
Programme Development, Delivery and Training
- Lead and assure programme quality through the development of innovative programme elements that respond to new research and opportunities.
- Promote organisational stability through the implementation of standards, controls, systems and procedures, supported by regular evaluation.
Human Resources and Transformation
- Motivate and lead a high-performance management team operating across 13 African countries.
- Provide mentoring as a cornerstone of career development for the team.
Board Secretariat and Support
- Provide timely and reliable reports and information to the Board and its members.
- Assist the Board in exercising its oversight responsibilities and fiduciary duties.
ESSENTIAL SKILLS AND PERSONALITY TRAITS
- Strategic leadership and financial management experience.
- In-depth knowledge of corporate governance and general management practices.
- An entrepreneurial mindset with excellent organisational and leadership skills.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
- Strong negotiation and advocacy skills.
- Ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced and challenging programme environment.
- Ability to set ambitious targets and drive performance beyond them.
- Ability to work outside conventional office hours and across time zones.
- Knowledge of psychosocial support and mental health in Africa.
- Strong ethical and governance leadership.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
- A master’s degree in Social Sciences, Management or a relevant field.
- At least 8 years of experience in a senior leadership position in a relevant field.
- At least 10 years of overall relevant professional experience.
- Management experience in a global or multi-branch organisation is preferred.
- Significant resource mobilisation and advocacy experience (non-negotiable).
- Willingness to travel regionally and internationally, as the position requires up to 50% travel.
CONTRACT AND REMUNERATION
This is a five-year contract position, subject to the availability of donor funding and satisfactory performance.
Remuneration will be commensurate with skills and experience. REPSSI is committed to the principles of employment equity.
HOW TO APPLY
Submit the following documents to [email protected]:
- A one-page written motivation.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Contact details for three work-related referees.
- Certified copies of your identity document and qualifications.
Email subject line: Chief Executive Officer
If you do not hear from REPSSI within 30 days after the application deadline, consider your application unsuccessful.