Chief Executive Officer

OVERVIEW Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency Ltd (Sedfa), a development finance institution responsible for the provision of financial and non-financial support to Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), invites qualified candidates to apply for the Chief Executive Officer position.

The institution is a merged entity between the Small Enterprise Finance Agency (sefa), Small Enterprise Development Agency (Seda), and Co-Operative Banks Development Agency(CBDA). The entity is listed as a Schedule 3B National Government Business Enterprise, with the State as the sole shareholder and the Department of Small Business Development as the Executive Authority.

NO. OFINCUMBENTS

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MAIN PURPOSEOF THE JOB

The CEO will provide visionary and strategic leadership in formulating and executing Sedfa’s corporate strategy, ensuring full compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. This role entails overseeing the development of long-term objectives, policies, budgets, and corporate operational plans to strengthen the competitiveness, impact, and sustainability of small enterprises. As a key driver within South Africa’s economic policy landscape, the CEO will position Sedfa to deliver transformative outcomes that contribute meaningfully to national development priorities.

REMUNERATION Negotiable

REPORTING TO Reports to the Board Chairperson of Sedfa

KEYPERFORMANCEAREAS

• Serve as the Accounting Officer of Sedfa in line with the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA).

• Coordinate and organise the resources of Sedfa and implement the National Development Plan (NDP) and Medium-Term Strategic Framework (MTSF) priorities pertaining to small enterprises.

• Provide strategic direction and leadership to Sedfa in the formulation and execution of the organisational strategy.

• Oversee that relevant government strategies impacting small enterprises are fully implemented.

• Provides leadership to ensure effective stakeholder engagement and management within small enterprise ecosystems role players.

• Provide leadership in the enhancement of operational efficiency for Sedfa.• Oversee legal, governance and control systems.• Lead the monitoring and evaluation function to ensure achievements against corporate

plans at all levels of the organisation.• Manage the resources (people, finance, and assets).

REQUIREDMINIMUMQUALIFICATION

• Minimum qualifications: An Honours degree (NQF Level 8) in Business / Commerce/ Economics/ or related field.

• A Master’s degree (NQF Level 9) in Business Administration, Finance, or Economics and or Masters in Business Administration (MBA), Finance, Economics, or related fields will be an added advantage.

JOB TITLE: CHIEF EXECUTIVEOFFICER (CEO)

Closing Date: 5 Sep 2025

Fixed Term Contract (FTC): 5 yearsDivision: Office of the Chief Executive OfficerSubmit Applications to:

REQUIRED WORKEXPERIENCE

• Minimum of 15+ years of work experience, ideally in both financial and non-financial sectors with a focus on small enterprise development or development finance, of which 8 years’experience should have been in an Executive Management role.

REQUIRED WORKEXPERIENCE

• Executive management experience, including working with Boards and shareholders.• In-depth knowledge of financial management, including budgeting, investment strategies,

and financial analysis.• Expertise in sourcing funding, managing capital, and developing financial solutions that

support small enterprises.• Experience working with development finance institutions (DFIs) and other funding

• Broad understanding and experience in small enterprises programme and support,

development, and financing• Ability to develop and implement long-term strategic plans that align with Sedfa’s mission

to support small enterprise development.• Strong understanding of market trends, business models, and growth strategies for small

• Strong risk management skills to balance financial and non-financial objectives.• Successful track record in formulating and implementing business strategies and Corporate

Governance Systems.• Sound knowledge of transformational agenda and corporate governance for small

enterprise support strategy, legislative frameworks, and Programmes.• Ability to make strategic decisions and execute plans effectively with excellent decision

making and problem-solving capabilities, especially in a complex and dynamic

• Ability to lead organisational changes and drive unified corporate cultural transformation.• Knowledge of industry-specific regulations standards, regulatory frameworks, and

corporate governance principles.• Proficiency in relevant technology and software tools.• Detail-oriented with a focus on quality and efficiency.• Proactive and forward-thinking, with a solid ability to anticipate challenges and

• Resilient and capable of handling stress in a dynamic work environment.• Ability to advocate for small enterprises and influence policy in favor of their development,

growth and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including government, donors, investors, and ecosystem role players.

• Innovative mindset to explore new ways of financing and supporting entrepreneurship.• Ability to advocate for policies that support small enterprise development in financial and

• Strong knowledge of small enterprises, development finance, and entrepreneurial

ecosystems.

CRITICALCOMPETENCIES

Advanced level of competencies required:

• Strategic Thinking• Change Management• People & Asset Management• Innovation, Problem Solving & Adaptability• Ethical Judgment & Integrity• Performance Management & Accountability• Stakeholder Engagement• Strategic Partnerships & Networking• Regulatory Knowledge & Policy Conceptualisation• Operational Efficiency & Quality Management

NB: Sedfa is committed to the pursuit of diversity and redress. The organisation intends to promote equity and representativity in terms of race, gender, and people living with disability. Previously disadvantaged Individuals are encouraged to APPLY.

• The appointment of candidates is subject to the verification of all their credentials (employment history, educational, financial, criminal, and any other checks as may be necessary).

• Submission of copies of qualifications, Identity document, and any other relevant documents will be limited to shortlisted candidates only.

• Foreign qualifications must be accompanied by an evaluation certificate from the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).

• All shortlisted candidates for Executive Management posts will be subjected to (1) a technical exercise, (2) a generic managerial competency assessment, and (3) personnel suitability checks on criminal record, citizenship verification, financial records check, qualification verification, and reference checks.

• Shortlisted candidates will be subjected to a pre-employment screening and security vetting to determine the suitability of a person for employment.

• Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted, and if you have not heard from us within three (3) months of submitting your application, please consider it unsuccessful.

• Please note that by applying for this position, you permit Sedfa to process your personal information in compliance with POPI ACT.

NB: Sedfa is committed to the pursuit of diversity and redress. The organisation intends to promote equity and representativity in terms of race, gender, and people living with disability. Previously disadvantaged Individuals are encouraged to APPLY.

• The appointment of candidates is subject to the verification of all their credentials (employment history, educational, financial, criminal, and any other checks as may be necessary).

• Submission of copies of qualifications, Identity documents, and any other relevant documents will be limited to shortlisted candidates only.

• Foreign qualifications must be accompanied by an evaluation certificate from the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).

• All shortlisted candidates for the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) post will be subjected to (1) a technical exercise, (2) a CEO competency assessment, and (3) personnel suitability checks on criminal record, citizenship verification, financial records check, qualification verification, and reference checks.

• Shortlisted candidates will be subjected to a pre-employment screening, which may include security vetting to determine the suitability of a person for employment.

• The successful candidate will be required to enter into an employment contract of five (5) years and a performance agreement with the Board Chairperson of Sedfa within three (3) months of appointment, as well as completing a financial interests declaration form within one (1) month of appointment and annually thereafter.

• Sedfa reserves the right not to fill or withdraw any advertised post.• Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted, and if you have not heard from us within three (3)

months of submitting your application, please consider it unsuccessful.• Please note that by applying for this position, you permit Sedfa to process your personal information in compliance

with the POPI ACT.

APPLICATIONS: Candidates must submit the applications to: Please quote the position in the subject line (email) when applying.

NB: Applications received after the closing date will not be considered. #J-18808-Ljbffr

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