Job Description
To provide executive leadership, governance oversight and strategic direction for the Occupational Qualifications Sub-Framework (OQSF) and Certification functions of the organization, ensuring the integrity, credibility, responsiveness and sustainability of the occupational qualifications system. The incumbent will be accountable for safeguarding the institutional mandate in respect of qualification development, quality assurance, certification, regulatory compliance and stakeholder coordination, while ensuring alignment with national legislation, Council directives, government priorities and international best practice.
Job Description:
- Lead the development and implementation of the OQSF Management strategy aligned to the organizational strategy and APP.
- Provide strategic advice to the CEO, EXCO, MANCOM and Council on OQSF and certification matters.
- Ensure compliance with the NQF Act, QCTO Act, regulations and related policies.
- Drive innovation, efficiency and continuous improvement in OQSF systems.
- Oversee the development, review, and maintenance of occupational qualifications and part-qualifications.
- Ensure qualifications are responsive to labour market and industry needs.
- Provide oversight on curriculum documents and assessment specifications.
- Ensure adherence to quality and regulatory standards.
- Provides strategic oversight of the certification function for occupational qualifications.
- Ensure the integrity, accuracy and security of certification processes and systems.
- Oversee the approval, issuing, verification and replacement of certificates.
- Ensure compliance with legislative and regulatory requirements relating to certification.
- Monitor turnaround times and service standards for certification.
- Implement controls to mitigate certification-related risks, including fraud prevention.
- Ensure audit readiness and responsiveness to internal and external audit findings relating to certification.
- Ensure robust quality assurance systems for occupational qualifications.
- Monitor the implementation of approved qualifications by relevant partners.
- Oversee risk management and internal controls within the OQSF portfolio.
- Ensure compliance with governance and audit requirements.
- Lead engagements with SETAs, professional bodies, industry representatives and relevant stakeholders.
- Oversee the coordination of Development Quality Partners (DQPs) and Assessment Quality Partners (AQPs).
- Represent the organisation at high-level stakeholder and policy forums.
- Lead the development and review of OQSF and certification policies.
- Influence national policy direction relating to occupational qualifications.
- Represent the organisation in high-level national and sectoral forums.
- Provide authoritative interpretation of legislative and regulatory frameworks
- Ensure alignment with national frameworks and regulatory requirements.
- Provide executive oversight of budgeting, expenditure and financial controls within the portfolio.
- Ensure optimal allocation and utilisation of resources.
- Ensure cost-effective and sustainable operational models.
- Strengthen internal controls to support clean audit outcomes
- Provide executive leadership to the OQSF Chief Directorate.
- Provide oversight and leadership to Directors/Senior Managers within the portfolio.
- Drive a culture of accountability, performance excellence and ethical conduct.
- Build organisational capacity within the OQSF and certification environment.
- A recognised bachelor’s degree in education, Public Administration, Management, Quality Assurance, Skills Development (NQF Level 7).
- A postgraduate degree (NQF Level 8) is recommended.
- 10 years collective experience, 5 of which must be at senior level.
- Proven experience in qualifications development, quality assurance, regulatory environment or skills development.
- Experience working with governance structures (Council, Board, EXCO).
- Demonstrated strategic leadership capability.
- Experience within the PSET sector, regulatory/quality assurance environment, and public entity.
- In-depth knowledge of the NQF framework and occupational qualifications system.
- Understanding of public sector governance and regulatory frameworks.
- Policy development expertise.
- Financial and risk management knowledge.
Skills Required:
- Strategic thinking
- Executive leadership
- High-level stakeholder management
- Decision-making, complex problem-solving, and accountability
- Integrity and ethical leadership
- Excellent report writing, presentation, and communication skills
- Strong stakeholder management and advisory capability.
- Organisational performance
- Stakeholder management
- Strong Influence and negotiation
- Change management
- People leadership
- Attention to detail
- Planning and organising
QCTO is an equal opportunity employer committed to the principles of Employment Equity. We aim to promote equity through filling all numeric targets as contained in the Employment Equity Plan. To facilitate this process successfully, an indication of race, gender, and disability status is required. Preference will be given to underrepresented groups as per the QCTO Employment Equity targets. People who are differently abled are encouraged to apply.
Closing Date: 27/2/2026