Contract: Five (5) year fixed-term
Location: Cape Town, South Africa
About the Company
Petroleum Agency SA (“PASA”), a subsidiary of CEF SOC Limited, is responsible for promoting and regulating the exploration and production of oil and gas (petroleum) resources within the Republic of South Africa, both on-shore and off-shore, on behalf of the Government in terms of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act (MPRDA). The PASA offices are based in Cape Town.
Reporting Structure
The COO has five direct reports, is a member of the Executive Committee (EXCO), and reports to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
Job Purpose
The COO leads, directs, and takes accountability for developing and overseeing strategic operational initiatives, including petroleum resource management, exploration opportunities, data acquisition, licensing, and regulatory compliance, ensuring operational sustainability and achievement of strategic objectives.
Key Performance Areas (KPAs)
- Translate business strategy into operational plans
- Manage divisional budget and organisational performance
- Oversee day-to-day operations for efficiency and compliance
- Implement and monitor operational policies and environmental compliance systems
- Ensure regulatory compliance for exploration and production health & safety
- Develop and execute petroleum resource evaluation strategy
- Promote upstream oil and gas investment in South Africa
- Lead reporting of national oil and gas reserves
- Ensure compliance with legislation and governance frameworks
- Build stakeholder relationships (government, industry, international partners)
- Oversee strategic national energy projects (e.g. shale gas, continental shelf projects)
- Strengthen governance and fulfil agency mandate
Qualifications & Experience
- Degree in Geology / Geophysics / Geochemistry / Earth Sciences or Petroleum Engineering
- Postgraduate qualification preferred
- MBA advantageous
- Minimum 12 years’ experience in oil & gas exploration and production
- 15 years total experience with at least 5 years in senior/executive leadership advantageous
Technical / Expert Knowledge
- MPRDA, UPDA, NEMA and related regulations
- PFMA
- Strong understanding of upstream oil & gas industry
Core Competencies
- Strategic thinking & decision making
- Problem solving & analytical ability
- Detail orientation
- Monitoring & evaluation
- Innovation & initiative
- Ethical leadership
Application Details
Submit your Cover Letter and detailed CV with three contactable referees to:
📧 pasacoo@hslabourl.co.za
Important Notes
- Preference will be given to candidates from designated groups (as per national labour legislation)
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted
- If no response within 4 weeks after closing date, consider your application unsuccessful
- PASA reserves the right not to make an appointment
Closing Date
Friday, 20 March 2026 at 16h30
Late applications will not be considered