ISS Executive Director Vacancy Opens to Lead Pan-African Security Organisation
Employer: Institute for Security Studies (ISS)
Position: Executive Director
Location: Pretoria, South Africa
Contract: Five-year renewable appointment
Application Deadline: 20 July 2026
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ISS Executive Director Vacancy Overview
The Institute for Security Studies (ISS) is recruiting an ISS Executive Director to lead the organisation into its next strategic cycle. This is a high-level executive leadership position based in Pretoria, South Africa, offering the opportunity to influence continental and global policy on human security, governance, and conflict transformation.
The ISS Executive Director will oversee a respected pan-African research institution operating at the intersection of policy research, technical assistance, and capacity building. The role requires a leader capable of translating complex research into actionable policy impact across Africa and beyond.
The position comes at a critical time marked by shifting global power dynamics, rising conflict levels, climate-related pressures, and political transitions across the continent. The ISS Executive Director will be responsible for ensuring organisational relevance, visibility, and impact in this evolving environment.
This senior leadership opportunity is aimed at experienced executives with a strong background in research, public policy, governance, fundraising, and organisational management.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Position | ISS Executive Director |
| Organisation | Institute for Security Studies (ISS) |
| Location | Pretoria, South Africa |
| Contract | Five-year renewable appointment |
| Education | Master’s degree required; PhD desirable |
| Experience | Minimum 10 years in senior leadership |
| Closing Date | 20 July 2026 |
The ISS Executive Director will lead fundraising initiatives and cultivate relationships with governments, development partners, multilateral organisations, civil society groups, and international donors. The successful candidate will also oversee organisational planning, financial management, policy implementation, and institutional innovation while maintaining ISS’s profile as a trusted voice on African human security issues.
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ISS Executive Director Key responsibilities
Include driving strategic growth, managing high-performing multidisciplinary teams, ensuring compliance with donor agreements, and strengthening partnerships across the continent and internationally. The role also requires oversight of research programmes, technical assistance projects, and capacity-building initiatives delivered under a Results-Based Management framework.
Applicants should possess exceptional leadership, communication, and strategic planning skills, together with strong financial management capabilities and experience handling complex organisational operations. Candidates should also demonstrate analytical thinking, stakeholder management expertise, and the ability to navigate rapidly changing policy environments.
To qualify, applicants must have at least 10 years of experience in a top leadership role within a research institute, policy-making body, or comparable organisation. Proven experience in fundraising, proposal development, donor engagement, project management, and governance oversight is essential.
Candidates should hold a master’s degree in social sciences, law, international relations, development studies, or a related discipline. A PhD is considered an advantage, while qualifications in business administration, management, or finance are also desirable. Excellent written and spoken English is required, and proficiency in French would strengthen an application.
The successful candidate is expected to begin duties around 1 January 2027, although earlier availability may be considered. The appointment offers a competitive remuneration package and the opportunity to influence policy discussions affecting peace, governance, and security across Africa.
Applicants must submit a curriculum vitae together with a cover letter outlining how they meet the position requirements before the closing date.
Recruitment Notice: The Institute for Security Studies is conducting a merit-based recruitment process for the ISS Executive Director position. Selection will consider executive leadership experience, fundraising capability, governance expertise, research management, financial oversight, and strategic vision. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted during the recruitment process.
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