Executive Director

Job Title: Executive Director - National Institute for Occupational Health (NIOH) Division: Office of the CEO Pay Grade: E5 (five year fixed‑term contract) Reference number: EDNIOH-12/ The NHLS invites suitably qualified and experienced leaders to apply for the Executive Director: NIOH. The ideal candidate will provide strategic direction, management oversight, and monitoring of the NIOH division of the NHLS to ensure effective provision of occupational health services, including identification and investigation of occupational and environmental health and safety problems aligned with South Africa’s occupational health needs. Responsibilities Develop an annual strategy and operational plan for NIOH, aligned with business needs Contribute as a member of the Executive Management team Represent the institute at national and international forums, advocating for resources and policy support Oversee the development of the Occupational Health system, including surveillance and monitoring of occupational diseases in South Africa Ensure the availability of comprehensive and accurate data to the Department of Health Contribute to the sustained growth and development of the NIOH, through maintaining a stable pipeline of projects Ensure compliance with national and international public health regulations and standards Ensure the provision of Occupational Health support, technical advice, research, and training to trade unions and employer organisations through participation in relevant meetings, OHS activities, and specialist committees Ensure effective quality management in order to comply with all quality assurance standards and policies. Promote innovative research and evidence‑based approaches to Occupational Health Facilitate partnerships with other National, International, academic institutions, government agencies, WHO, and other stakeholders Oversee dissemination of scientific findings through publications, conferences, and policy briefs Identify and manage research programmes of the Institute to ensure alignment with the Public Health mission and address local and international occupational health issues. Develop and manage the institute’s budget, ensuring efficient allocation of resources Implement sound governance and accountability mechanisms Build, lead, and mentor a high‑performing team within the NIOH Foster a culture of excellence, collaboration, diversity, and professional development within the NIOH Build and maintain effective relationships with government institutions, healthcare providers, industry, and community organisations Provide policy and technical advice, operational research in capacity‑building activities in OHS to National, Provincial, and Local Government Departments. Communicate institute priorities and achievements to stakeholders, policymakers, and the public Ensure effective communication in response to occupational disease outbreaks and provide guidance to relevant authorities in response to these diseases Contribute to occupational disease strategies and systems for the Department of Health, the Medical Bureau for Occupational Diseases (MBOD), and the Compensation Commissioner for Occupational Diseases (CCOD) Ensure optimal cooperation with various stakeholders and build strong relationships with international bodies, including serving on various committee forums to provide relevant expertise and guidance. Registration with HPCSA as an Occupational Medicine Specialist / Public Health Medicine Specialist. Minimum of fifteen (15) years’ experience at an expert level (strategic & operational) within an Occupational Health and Safety or public health environment of which five (5) years’ experience must have spent at a Senior Management Level. Advantageous Experience, knowledge and understanding of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Labour Standards as well as the WHO guidelines and policies for OHS. Knowledge of the relevant sections of the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act and the Occupational Diseases in Act and the Occupational Diseases in Mines and Works Act. Experience, Knowledge and understanding of the International Commission for Occupational Health guidelines, International Labour Organisation (ILO) Labour standards as well as the WHO guidelines and policies for OHS. Attributes Inspire a sense of vision, purpose, and direction. Build organisational capability to deliver greater results. Exemplifies personal drive and integrity by adhering to and promoting NHLS values and aligning processes accordingly. Understand the organisation’s direction and role within government and align activities with NHLS strategies. Should the successful candidate come from an internal academic platform, their appointment would be underpinned with the assurance to return to a vacant position in their respective discipline after the expiry of the fixed‑term contract. Closing Date: 12 December 2025 Enquiries for the position may be directed to Nompilo Phungula @ , or e‑mail application to Seniority level Director Employment type Contract Job function Strategy/Planning, Project Management, and Research Industries: Public Health, Hospitals and Health Care, and Medical Practices #J-18808-Ljbffr