Chief Director – Compliance & Enforcement 2026

Chief Director – Compliance and Enforcement Vacancy 2026 at Gauteng Department of Environment

The Gauteng Department of Environment is inviting qualified professionals to apply for the position of Chief Director – Compliance and Enforcement. This senior leadership role is listed on the GPG Professional Job Centre, the official portal for government and public sector vacancies across Gauteng. Candidates will oversee environmental compliance initiatives, ensure enforcement of environmental legislation, and lead a multidisciplinary team that monitors and promotes sustainability across the province. This position offers an all-inclusive annual salary package of R1 494 900, structured according to individual needs, and is a unique opportunity for experienced professionals in environmental management.

Job Overview

Reference Number: refs/035521
Directorate: Compliance and Enforcement
Number of Posts: 1
Location: Johannesburg
Salary Package: R1 494 900 per annum (all-inclusive, flexible structuring)
Enquiries: Ms. Iris Thanjekwayo, Tel: 072 788 2364

The Chief Director will provide strategic leadership to the Compliance and Enforcement Directorate, managing all operations related to monitoring, regulation, and enforcement of environmental legislation. This role is critical for ensuring that environmental programs, policies, and projects align with national regulations and Gauteng’s environmental objectives.

Also Apply:

Key Requirements

The position requires candidates who meet the following criteria:

Educational Qualifications
- Grade 12 plus an undergraduate qualification (NQF7) in Law, Environmental Law, Natural Science, or related field recognized by SAQA.
Experience
- Minimum five years’ experience at a senior managerial level in compliance, monitoring, or enforcement.
- Proven track record in environmental management, leadership, and organizational planning.
Licensing
- Valid driver’s license for official travel and field inspections.
Core Competencies
- Strong knowledge of Environmental Management Systems and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) regulations.
- Understanding of government administrative procedures and policy frameworks.
- Competence in programme and project management, financial management, change management, and people management.
- Effective problem-solving, stakeholder engagement, and client orientation skills.

Candidates must demonstrate the ability to lead multidisciplinary teams, coordinate large-scale projects, and manage resources effectively while maintaining compliance with environmental regulations.

Also Apply:

Key Duties and Responsibilities

The Chief Director will be responsible for the overall strategic management of the Compliance and Enforcement Directorate. Key duties include:

Providing strategic leadership and direction to the directorate, ensuring alignment with departmental objectives.
Overseeing reactive compliance and enforcement services across environmental sectors.
Administering resources, including human, financial, and equipment/assets, to optimize efficiency and accountability.
Ensuring compliance with the National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act (NEMBA) 2004 and related legislation.
Leading teams that monitor environmental areas such as waste management, air quality, pollution control, and biodiversity conservation.
Coordinating compliance programs and ensuring effective reporting, auditing, and monitoring systems are in place.
Facilitating service delivery innovation to enhance environmental governance and regulatory adherence.
Promoting stakeholder engagement, interdepartmental collaboration, and partnership development with key environmental organizations.

This role requires a proactive leader capable of making strategic decisions under pressure while maintaining high ethical standards and accountability.

Application Process

Interested candidates must apply online via the GPG Professional Job Centre: or hand deliver applications to:

Ground Floor, 56 Eloff Street, Umnotho House, Johannesburg

Applications must include:

NEW Z.83 application form, fully completed, signed, and initialled. Applications with the old Z.83 form will not be considered.
A comprehensive CV listing all qualifications, experience, and employment history with corresponding dates.
Candidates are not required to submit copies of qualifications at this stage; certified documents will be requested from shortlisted candidates.
Successful completion of the Senior Management Pre-Entry Programme (Nyukela Certificate) is required. Enrolment is available on the NSG website.

Assessment Process

All shortlisted candidates will undergo a multi-stage evaluation, including:

A technical exercise to assess suitability for the role’s requirements.
An integrity and ethical conduct assessment.
A generic managerial competency assessment following the DPSA standards for senior management.
Personnel suitability checks, including criminal record, credit record, citizenship, qualification verification, and employment verification.

This structured assessment ensures candidates meet the highest professional and ethical standards for senior management roles.

Employment Equity and Additional Notes

The Gauteng Department of Environment prioritizes employment equity and encourages applicants from designated groups, specifically Coloreds and Indians, to apply. Applicants should indicate their race, gender, and disability status to support equitable recruitment.

Additional important points:

Foreign qualifications must include an evaluation certificate from SAQA.
Posted or emailed applications are not accepted.
Candidates not contacted within three months should consider their applications unsuccessful.
The Department reserves the right to fill or not fill the advertised position.

Key Benefits and Package

Annual Package: R1 494 900, all-inclusive, structured to suit individual financial needs.
Opportunity to lead strategic initiatives in environmental compliance and enforcement.
Work in a high-profile senior management position influencing environmental policy and programs across Gauteng.
Exposure to multidisciplinary team leadership, intergovernmental coordination, and policy implementation.

This role provides a platform to make measurable contributions to environmental sustainability while developing professionally within the public sector.

Closing Date

Applications must be submitted by 20 March 2026.

Why Apply?

This position is ideal for professionals seeking to:

Lead strategic compliance and enforcement initiatives in the environmental sector.
Develop and implement programs that promote environmental sustainability.
Gain experience in a senior management role within the public sector.
Influence policy, governance, and resource management at a provincial level.
Work in an environment that emphasizes innovation, accountability, and excellence.

For more government job opportunities, visit the GPG Professional Job Centre, which provides a comprehensive list of public sector vacancies in Gauteng. This portal ensures candidates have access to verified and current positions within provincial and municipal departments.

Chief Director – Compliance & Enforcement 2026 | Apply by March 20