Job Description

The Group Executive: Programmes (GEP) will lead the oversight and design of multiple programmes and offices on behalf of the Bank. This includes managing large-scale infrastructure projects and programmes involving Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), as well as those supported by government, development finance institutions, third party funders, donors and multilateral development partners.



The GEP also provides strategic oversight of existing programmes and initiatives such as the Climate & Environment Finance Unit (CEFU), Green Fund, Programme Execution & Innovation, Independent Power Producers Office (IPPO), Development Labs (DLABS), and other programmes ensuring their effective execution, alignment with the Bank's strategic objectives, and financial sustainability throughout their lifecycle, from ideation to potential carve-out."

Key Responsibilities

KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS

1. Strategy Formulation and Implementation


Lead the strategic design, development, and oversight of large-scale infrastructure programmes, including those funded through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), government, development finance institutions, donor agencies, and multilateral development partners. Drive alignment with institutional priorities, stakeholder expectations, and national development objectives. Coordinate and manage a diverse portfolio of high-impact joint programme/initiatives from initiation through to completion. Oversee effective planning, execution, and delivery of project outcomes in line with agreed timelines, quality standards, and contractual obligations. Proactively resolve bottlenecks and mitigate delivery risks across multiple programme offices. Serve as the primary contact for these joint programme/initiatives.

2. Programme Management: Joint Initiatives


Oversee and manage the current and future joint programmes/initiatives on behalf of the Bank. Lead the delivery of third-party infrastructure programmes/initiatives on a full cost recovery basis, ensuring financial sustainability and alignment with stakeholder objectives. Engage and collaborate with stakeholders to define and formalise the terms, conditions, and governance frameworks of joint programme/initiatives, including contracts and memorandum of understanding. Work with legal, supply chain management, human resources, finance and other relevant Bank units to ensure that the conditions are sound, compliant and aligned in terms of the Bank's frameworks, policies and procedures. Establish and formalise decision-making structures, including steering committees, for joint programmes and initiatives in collaboration with key stakeholders. Oversee contract management processes, including the negotiation of amendments, resolution of breaches, and coordination of transitions or handovers of responsibilities from primary stakeholders.

3. Programme Management Bank Specific Initiatives


Oversee the execution of infrastructure programmes/initiatives that are internal to the Bank including existing initiatives , ensuring delivery within approved budgets and funding frameworks to achieve targeted developmental impact. Mobilise funding and/or advocate for grant allocations to support strategic, high-impact infrastructure programme/initiatives. Drive effective utilisation of secured funding to enable the successful implementation and completion of approved programmes/initiatives. Ensure alignment of programmes/initiatives with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) stewardship and sustainability standards such as the Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement with the Bank's ESG frameworks, policies, and procedures. Champion socially inclusive and climate-resilient development across all programmes/initiatives.

4. Operational Management


Develop and implement robust frameworks to measure, monitor, and optimise the developmental impact and financial sustainability of programmes and initiatives. Lead the development, management, and control of budgets, costing methodologies, and resource allocations for all programmes and initiatives. Monitor expenditure, identify variances, and drive cost-effective utilisation of resources in alignment with programme objectives. Provide strategic oversight of all Supply Chain Management (Procurement) processes to support the effective delivery of programmes and initiatives. Ensure that all projects are executed within the approved financial, governance, risk, and compliance frameworks. Embed sound governance principles and practices that uphold the integrity of the institution and safeguard the interests of both internal and external stakeholders. Foster a collaborative, high-performance culture that supports employee empowerment, professional growth, and organisational excellence.

5. Stakeholder Engagement


Manage complex stakeholder relations and maintain effective relationships with Ministers, Director Generals, Executives, Leaders, Donors and associated institutions. Engage with stakeholders and potential clients to enhance understanding of the Bank's broader developmental mandate beyond financial returns. Coordinate with key stakeholders to assess and address operational risks related to programme management and delivery, ensuring alignment with Bank's goals.

6. Reporting


Lead the preparation and submission of high-quality documents and reports to the Board, Board subcommittees, Executive Committee (EXCO), and other governance bodies on areas of accountability. Prepare and provide reports as well as recommendations to the respective governance and stakeholder groups for prudent decision making.

7. People Management


Provide direction and management to the Division, to enable the strategy execution Attract, retain, and develop talent and ensure succession planning and sufficient capacity and capability in all critical functions, supporting diversity strategies and initiatives as well Promote DBSA values and a culture of high performance through implementing performance management in line with the planned strategic objectives, goals, quality standards and agreed key performance measures using sound performance management principles.

Key Measurements of Outputs

Successful oversight, management and implementation of agreed programme/initiatives.

Stakeholder satisfaction of joint programmes/initiatives.

Quality of delivery and performance of programmes/initiatives.

Unqualified audit opinion and full compliance with internal and external regulatory reporting standards, reflecting effective governance and financial control.

Percentage of infrastructure programmes/initiatives delivered on time, within budget, and meeting agreed developmental impact and quality standards.

Amount of third-party and internal funding secured and percentage of funds effectively utilised across all programmes in line with programme/initiatives objectives and timelines.

Quantifiable achievement of key sustainability indicators aligned with the SDGs, Paris Agreement, and Bank ESG frameworks across programmes/initiatives.

Achievement of team performance targets including staff engagement, leadership effectiveness, succession planning, and capability development across the Division.

KEY INTERNAL LIAISON RELATIONSHIPS (The list is not exhaustive)

DBSA Board

DBSA Board Committees

Executive Committee

Management & Employees

KEY EXTERNAL LIAISON RELATIONSHIPS (The list is not exhaustive)

Parliament

National & Provincial Governments

National Treasury

Stakeholders

State-Owned Enterprises (SOE's), Metropolitans and Municipalities

Private Sector

Funders/Donors

Expertise & Technical Competencies

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

Minimum Qualification Requirements



A relevant bachelor's degree in engineering, Finance, Economics, Development Studies, or Project Management.

A postgraduate qualification (e.g., MBA, MDevF, or equivalent) in Business Administration, Public Policy, Infrastructure Finance, or related field.


Minimum Experience



A minimum of 12 years' senior management experience in programme or project management, particularly in large-scale infrastructure, public-private partnerships, or development finance initiatives.

A minimum of 5 years in an executive role managing complex, multi-stakeholder infrastructure programme/initiatives with demonstrated success in delivering on agreed mandates.

Proven experience in managing joint programmes with donors, DFIs, and multilateral development partners, including governance and contracting frameworks.

Demonstrated ability to mobilise and manage funding, including grants and donor contributions.

Strong experience in stakeholder engagement, including engagement with government ministries, international partners, and executive governance structures.

Exposure to ESG principles, sustainable development frameworks, and climate-resilient infrastructure programmes.

Sound knowledge of public sector procurement, contract management, and financial oversight in high-value programme delivery.


Desirable Requirements



Certification in Project/Programme Management (e.g., PMP, PRINCE2)

Knowledge of the complex financial and regulatory environments across Africa.

TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES

Programme / Project Management Strategy Planning & Development Negotiation Skills Contract Management Risk Management Stakeholder Management Financial Acumen Reporting & Presentation Skills

Required Personal Attributes

LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES

Leading & Empowering Others Leading & Managing Change Strategic Planning & Innovative Thinking Teamwork & Cooperation Developing Others Driving delivery of results * Decisiveness