The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has commenced the recruitment process for a substantive General Secretary, inviting qualified candidates from across Africa to apply for one of the continent’s most strategic football administration positions.
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The successful candidate will be based at CAF headquarters in Cairo, Egypt, and will serve as the Chief Administrative and Executive Officer of the continental football governing body, overseeing its day to day operations while implementing decisions of the CAF President and Executive Committee.
According to the vacancy announcement released by CAF, applications close on July 10, 2026.
Strategic leadership role
CAF described the General Secretary as a key figure responsible for providing strategic administrative leadership and ensuring the efficient management of the organisation’s affairs in line with CAF and FIFA statutes.
The office holder will report directly to the CAF President and Executive Committee and will be responsible for coordinating all departments of the organisation, including finance, competitions, legal and compliance, communications, commercial and marketing, human resources, member associations and development.
Among other responsibilities, the General Secretary will oversee statutory meetings of CAF, including the General Assembly, Executive Committee and Standing Committees, while ensuring that resolutions and policies approved by the governing bodies are effectively implemented.
The successful candidate will also be expected to promote institutional efficiency, strengthen internal coordination and foster a high performance culture across the organisation.
Driving football development
CAF said the new General Secretary will play a central role in implementing the federation’s strategic projects and football development programmes across the continent.
The responsibilities include overseeing the planning and organisation of CAF competitions, supervising youth and women’s football initiatives, capacity building programmes and infrastructure development projects.
The successful applicant will also lead organisational reforms aimed at modernising CAF through digital transformation, improved operational processes and performance management systems.
According to CAF, the General Secretary will be expected to establish measurable performance indicators to ensure the effective implementation of the organisation’s long term strategic objectives.
Financial oversight and governance
The continental football body said the office holder will also oversee CAF’s financial management by preparing and implementing annual budgets aligned with strategic priorities.
The successful candidate will supervise financial controls, treasury operations, auditing processes and risk management systems while ensuring transparency, accountability and compliance with internationally recognised governance standards.
CAF added that the General Secretary will work closely with the Finance Committee in preparing financial statements and budgets for consideration by the Executive Committee and approval by the General Assembly.
The position also requires the successful applicant to uphold the highest standards of governance, ethics and integrity while ensuring compliance with CAF and FIFA regulations.
Strengthening international partnerships
The vacancy announcement further stated that the General Secretary will be responsible for maintaining strong working relationships with FIFA, CAF’s six Zonal Unions, its 54 Member Associations, football leagues, clubs, governments and commercial partners.
The office holder will represent CAF at national, continental and international engagements and may also serve as the organisation’s legal representative when authorised by the President or Executive Committee.
The role includes overseeing institutional communication, stakeholder engagement, crisis communication and public relations with the aim of strengthening CAF’s reputation and influence within global football.
Qualifications and experience
CAF said prospective applicants must possess a Master’s degree in Sports Management, Sports Law, Business Administration or a related discipline.
Candidates are also required to have at least five years of experience in football administration, sports organisations or international sports governing bodies, while experience within continental or global football institutions will be considered an added advantage.
Applicants must demonstrate sound knowledge of football governance, CAF and FIFA regulatory frameworks, football law, competition management, financial administration and institutional governance.
The organisation is also seeking candidates with proven leadership, stakeholder management, decision making and crisis management skills, as well as the ability to work effectively in multicultural environments.
Fluency in English or French is mandatory, while knowledge of Arabic, Portuguese or Spanish will be considered an added advantage.
Applicants must be willing to relocate to Cairo and undertake extensive international travel as required by the position.
Eligibility criteria
According to CAF, candidates must be of African nationality or African origin and possess a strong understanding of the African football landscape.
The football governing body added that applicants should demonstrate integrity, professionalism, independence in decision making, humility and a strong commitment to the growth and development of football across the continent.
Candidates must also not be older than 60 years at the time of application.
Application process
CAF said interested candidates are expected to submit their applications in English, including a motivation letter, curriculum vitae, academic certificates and reference letters.
Applications should be sent directly to VPs@cafonline.com on or before July 10, 2026.
The organisation noted that only applicants who meet all the stipulated requirements and apply directly will be considered, reaffirming its commitment to equal employment opportunities regardless of gender, race, age, nationality, religion or other protected characteristics.
