Job Ref #: EDSS006
Industry: Research
Job Type: Permanent
Positions Available: 1

Job Description

SANSA has the mandate to drive the promotion and use of space and cooperation in space-related activities. To achieve this mandate, the Agency fosters research in space science and technology, advances space engineering programmes and supports the creation of an environment conducive to industrial development in space technologies within the framework of national government policy. More information about the organisation can be found at http://www.sansa.org.za.

SANSA thrives on its employees’ creativity, competencies, expertise and ingenuity to succeed in a high-performing environment. If you aspire to the SANSA values of customer-centricity, collaboration and teamwork, innovation and solutions driven, we care for our people, and extend trust, then SANSA could be the place for you.

The following opportunity exists in SANSA to be filled by an individual with the relevant skills, drive, competencies and qualifications.

Executive Director: Space Science

Location: Hermanus, Western Cape

Programme: Space Science

Contract Type: 5-year performance-based contract

Job Requirements

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, The Executive Director has overall responsibility for the management of the Space Science Programme, ensuring it is appropriately positioned on a sustainable basis to deliver strategic programmes for the benefit of the sectors, markets and communities that it serves. The Executive Director is also a Member of the SANSA Executive Team and as such shares a collective responsibility for the strategic oversight of the organisation.

Key performance areas will include, but are not limited to:

• Strategy Planning, Development and Implementation
• Operations Management
• Enterprise Risk Management
• Stakeholder Management
• Business Development

 The ideal candidate must have the following qualifications and experience:

• Masters in science, engineering, technology, innovation and commerce or a closely related field
• An MBA will be an added advantage.
• At least 10 years in business or technology development, innovation and engineering environment, with a minimum of 5 years in a senior or top management role.
• Innovation Leadership: A proven capacity to lead cutting-edge programmes;
• Strategic Management: Proven track record of the ability to run a national or international business unit efficiently.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Experience in national and international presence and advocacy; and
• Governance: Understanding of compliance, finance and organisational systems.

Background verification, including criminal record, credit checks, security clearances, qualifications, and citizenship checks, as well as competency assessment and psychometric testing, may form part of the selection process. By applying for these vacancies, the candidates consent that SANSA can collect, process, and share their Personal Information (PI) for verification, assessments, and employment purposes only.

SANSA subscribes to the principles of the Employment Equity Act. We use Affirmative Action (AA) measures in an endeavour to redress the disadvantages in employment experienced by designated groups. As per the Employment Equity Plan of SANSA and its Employment Equity goals and targets, preference will be given to African males and females, Coloured males and females, Indian males and females and People with disabilities).

Should you meet the above requirements, are very energetic and would love to join a very committed team, please upload your detailed CV, and apply on: Current Opportunities (mcidirecthire.com)

Disclaimer

Due to the high volume of applications received, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Should a candidate not hear from us within four (4) weeks following their application, they should consider their application unsuccessful. Strictly fair and non-discriminatory selection procedures will be followed.

SANSA reserves the right to defer or close a vacancy at any time.

Closing Date: 23 January 2026