Location: Randburg, South Africa
Contract: Five years, subject to donor funding and performance
About REPSSI
The Regional Psychosocial Support Initiative (REPSSI) is a leading pan-African organisation dedicated to improving the mental health and psychosocial wellbeing of children, young people, families and communities across East and Southern Africa. For more than 20 years, REPSSI has partnered with governments, non-governmental organisations and community stakeholders to strengthen access to holistic psychosocial care and support.
Operating in 13 African countries, the organisation addresses the psychosocial effects of HIV and AIDS, conflict, poverty, climate change, environmental disasters and social challenges. Its work promotes resilience, inclusion and improved wellbeing among vulnerable populations.
REPSSI’s 2026–2030 strategy focuses on expanding impact, strengthening partnerships and positioning mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) as a critical component of sustainable development across the region.
Position Overview
REPSSI seeks an experienced, visionary and results-driven Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to provide strategic leadership and guide the organisation’s continued growth, sustainability and regional influence.
Based at the organisation’s headquarters in Randburg, South Africa, the CEO will work closely with the Board of Directors, executive leadership team, development partners and other stakeholders to advance REPSSI’s mission and vision. The successful candidate will be responsible for strengthening organisational performance, financial sustainability, programme quality and institutional accountability.
The role requires an accomplished leader with strong business acumen, entrepreneurial thinking and a demonstrated commitment to psychosocial wellbeing in Africa.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic and Executive Leadership
The CEO will lead the development, implementation and review of REPSSI’s strategic plan, ensuring alignment with organisational priorities and emerging regional needs. The role includes overseeing daily operations, guiding programme business plans and building an effective executive management team.
Stakeholder Engagement and Partnerships
The CEO will maintain strong relationships with existing development partners while identifying new strategic partnerships at national, regional and international levels. The position also requires strengthening REPSSI’s reputation, visibility and influence through effective advocacy and innovative communications.
Resource Mobilisation and Financial Sustainability
A central responsibility will be securing diversified funding from traditional and non-traditional donors and maximising existing resources. The CEO will oversee annual budgets, expenditure controls, financial reporting, investment risk assessments and audit compliance, while maintaining an unqualified audit opinion.
Research, Innovation and Programme Quality
The successful candidate will provide thought leadership on psychosocial support and mental health, promote evidence-based programming and encourage innovation. The CEO will ensure that programmes meet established quality standards through effective systems, procedures, monitoring and evaluation.
Human Resources and Organisational Development
The CEO will lead and mentor a high-performing management team operating across 13 African countries. The role emphasises professional development, accountability, organisational transformation and a culture of excellence.
Board Governance and Accountability
The CEO will provide timely, accurate reports to the Board and support its oversight responsibilities, strategic decision-making and fiduciary duties.
Strategic Priorities for 2026–2030
REPSSI aims to mobilise at least US$35 million in diversified funding, produce 20 high-quality evidence products and ensure that 90% of direct service delivery meets or exceeds quality benchmarks.
The organisation also plans to strengthen 250 local organisations and government systems, with at least half led by youth, women or marginalised groups, and integrate psychosocial wellbeing into 10 national and regional policy frameworks.
Qualifications and Experience
Applicants must possess a master’s degree in Social Sciences, Management or a relevant discipline, alongside at least eight years of senior leadership experience and ten years of overall relevant professional experience.
Candidates should demonstrate substantial resource mobilisation and advocacy experience, strong financial management capabilities, knowledge of corporate governance and an understanding of mental health and psychosocial support in Africa. Experience managing a multinational or multi-branch organisation is an advantage.
Essential attributes include strategic thinking, ethical leadership, negotiation skills, excellent communication, sound organisational management and the ability to lead in a demanding, fast-paced environment. The successful candidate must be willing to undertake regional and international travel of up to 50%.
Application Procedure
Interested candidates should submit the following documents:
- A one-page written motivation.
- An updated curriculum vitae.
- Contact details for three work-related referees.
- Certified copies of identification and academic qualifications.
Applications should be emailed to **vacancies@repssi.org**, using Chief Executive Officer as the subject line.
Remuneration will be commensurate with qualifications, skills and experience. REPSSI is committed to employment equity. Applicants who do not receive feedback within 30 days after the closing date should consider their applications unsuccessful.
Application Deadline
17 November 2026
This is an opportunity for an experienced executive to lead a respected regional organisation, strengthen investment in psychosocial wellbeing and advance sustainable, evidence-based support for children, young people and communities across Africa.
