AGSA-FASSET Women Leading in the Public Sector Bursary Programme

About the Programme

The Auditor-General South Africa (AGSA) and Finance and Accounting Services Sector Education and Training Authority (FASSET) are recruiting 500 dynamic women leaders from across South Africa’s public sector to take part in a prestigious leadership development programme, fully funded by FASSET.

This programme is designed for women in senior public service roles who are ready to lead with confidence, drive systemic change, and build a more ethical, effective, and inclusive public sector.

Important: This is not a job opportunity, but an application to join the Women Leading in the Public Sector executive development programme.

Programme Duration: 12 months • Target: 500 senior women leaders • Funding: Fully funded by FASSET

Programme Overview

As a public sector leadership fellow, you will join a national cohort of high-potential women leaders to:

• Sharpen your strategic, ethical, and crisis leadership capabilities
• Gain tools to navigate complexity, influence stakeholders, and lead with integrity
• Build a powerful peer network of women public leaders
• Participate in group coaching circles, leadership immersions, and high-impact conversations
• Access an alumni network and ongoing leadership support after graduation

Programme Structure

This is a 12-month programme, requiring a monthly time commitment of approximately:

• Two days for learning modules
• Three hours for a masterclass
• Two hours for group coaching

All sessions take place during work hours, and participants are expected to make arrangements with their employer to apply for leave where necessary.

Eligibility Requirements for AGSA-FASSET Women Leading in the Public Sector Bursary Programme

To be eligible for the Women Leading in the Public Sector programme, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be South African by birth
• Female individuals
• Hold a minimum qualification of NQF Level 7
• Have at least 5 years of experience in a senior or executive management role
• Be currently employed within the South African public sector
• Your employer/profession must be affiliated with FASSET (any department or unit) – If not affiliated, you must work within a finance, audit, or compliance unit
• Must not have previously participated in Women Leadership Programme funded by FASSET
• Persons with disabilities are welcome to apply – reasonable accommodations will be made where required

Programme Benefits

Participants selected for the Women Leading in the Public Sector programme will receive the following:

• Fully funded bursary – no cost to participant or employer
• Executive leadership development – A high-level, practice-driven programme designed by Duke Corporate Education, with a focus on strategic thinking, ethical governance, stakeholder engagement, and leading through complexity
• Structured coaching and peer learning – Individual and group coaching circles to support leadership growth, self-awareness, and professional development
• Cross-sector public service network – Access to a national cohort of senior women leaders from across the public sector, enabling collaboration, shared learning, and long-term relationship building
• Immersive learning experiences – A combination of virtual modules and in-person sessions, including a Public Sector Leadership Exchange to explore effective leadership practices within government
• Alumni recognition and ongoing connection – Graduates will join an alumni community dedicated to strengthening public sector leadership and advancing gender equity in government

Programme Details

• Programme Name: Women Leading in the Public Sector
• Partners: Auditor-General of South Africa (AGSA) & FASSET
• Programme Type: Executive leadership development programme
• Target Group: 500 senior women leaders in the South African public sector
• Duration: 12 months
• Time Commitment: Monthly: 2 days (learning modules) + 3 hours (masterclass) + 2 hours (group coaching)
• Minimum Qualification: NQF Level 7
• Experience Required: 5+ years in senior/executive management role
• Employment: Currently employed in South African public sector
• FASSET Affiliation: Employer must be FASSET-affiliated OR applicant works in finance/audit/compliance unit
• Programme Designer: Duke Corporate Education
• Funding: Fully funded bursary (no cost to participant or employer)
• Application Method: Online at apply.workable.com