Dr Charles Nwaila worked and served in the public sector for 42 years up to January 2018 when he retired.

In October 2010, he was appointed Director General to establish the Department of Traditional Affairs. In 2017, he was also appointed to Act as Director General of the Department of Cooperative Governance up to the end of 2017.

In June 2005- September 2010, Dr. Nwaila was appointed Director General and Secretary of the Executive Council of Free State Provincial Government. He was also responsible for the Provincial Administration. In January 2002- 2005 May, he was appointed Superintendent-General of the Free State Education Department. He also served in various capacities in Gauteng Department of Education.

Currently he is the Chairperson of the National Skills Authority and a member of the Institute of Directors in South Africa (IODSA) and he is designated as certified Director conferred by the Institute of Directors in South Africa.

He holds DLITT (English) from the University of Pretoria, MA (English) from Durham University (UK), BA Honours (English) Wits University and BA from the University of the North. He pursued further career and leadership developments with Leeds University (UK),  Reading University (UK) and Wits School of Governance.

Highlights of some positions held in the past are President of the Free State Society for Public Administration and Governance (A Chapter of the American National Society of Public Administration), a member of the American Society for Public Administration, a member of the Free State University Council, Deputy Chairperson of the Council of the Free State University, Co-Chair of the Technical President’s Coordinating Council and a member of the Forum of Directors General of South Africa.

In May 2022, the President appointed him as a Commissioner of the Independent Commission for Remuneration of Public Office Bearers.