Programme Director Vacancy at the National Council Against Smoking (NCAS)

Programme Director – NCAS (R650 000-750 000 annual gross salary, depending on experience and expertise)

Contract Type: Fixed Term (2 Years), renewable subject to performance and funding availability.

Application Deadline: 8 May 2026

The National Council Against Smoking (NCAS) is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Programme Director to lead and manage its operational functions and play a critical role in implementing its strategic goals. This senior-level position supports the Executive Director and works closely with internal teams and external partners to deliver on NCAS’s mission.

This is an exciting opportunity to be at the forefront of public health advocacy, policy influence, and rights-based development in the area of tobacco control, ensuring that South Africa’s leading tobacco control organisation operates efficiently, transparently, and with impact.

Key Responsibilities

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Programme Director will:

• Provide strategic and operational leadership, overseeing the implementation of NCAS’s strategic plan and mission-aligned programs.

• Oversee development and implementation of NCAS programs, including advocacy, communications, and tobacco and nicotine use cessation services.

• Serve as the primary point of coordination for program reporting and delivery, including fundraising, stakeholder engagement, and communications.

• Manage day-to-day operations, including oversight of finance, human resources, office management, and internal systems.

• Prepare grant proposals, budgets, financial reports, donor reports, and high-level communications, in consultation with the Executive Director.

• Supervise and support NCAS staff, promoting excellence, accountability, and effective teamwork.

• Ensure effective delegation, performance tracking, and adherence to organisational policies and procedures.

• Serve as a public spokesperson for tobacco control, representing NCAS in engagements with media, funders, government, policymakers and civil society partners.

• Represent NCAS in high-level engagements, including with donors, advocacy coalitions, and other external stakeholders.

• Establish and maintain strategic partnerships, enhancing NCAS’s visibility and influence.

• Review contracts for services in accordance with delegated authority.

• Perform other duties as assigned by the Executive Director.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Minimum of a Master’s degree in Public Health, Law, Development Studies, Social Sciences, or a related field.

• At least 5 years of relevant work experience, including at least 2 in a leadership/management role.

• Proven experience in advocacy, strategic planning, project implementation and/or public interest work.

• Demonstrated ability to lead teams, manage resources and communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders, including evidence of grant success.

• Strong analytical, financial, and operational management skills, especially in non-profit settings.

• Experience engaging with senior government officials, policymakers, civil society, and donor institutions is highly desirable.

• Understanding of tobacco control, public health, or rights-based advocacy is a distinct advantage.

  
  

We Offer:

• A competitive salary in the range of between R650 000-750 000 annual gross salary, depending on experience and expertise.

• The opportunity to contribute meaningfully to public health and human rights in South Africa and across the continent.

  
  

To Apply:

Submit the following documents:

• A comprehensive CV;

• Contact details for three referees (including email and phone numbers);

• Cover letter motivating why you consider yourself the most suitable for the jon

• ·Certified copies of qualifications

Please email your application documents to info@againstsmoking.org.za for the attention of the Executive Director, with the subject line: Application – Programme Director.

Closing Date: 08/05/2026