The ABC board has advertised for a new managing director to replace Michelle Guthrie, even though a new ABC chair is yet to be appointed.

Key points: It is understood that the Prime Minister has received recommendations for a new ABC chair and there may be an announcement by the end of next week

It is understood that the Prime Minister has received recommendations for a new ABC chair and there may be an announcement by the end of next week In the meantime, the ABC has run ads for the position of managing director in major newspapers

In the meantime, the ABC has run ads for the position of managing director in major newspapers Former MD Michelle Guthrie is still challenging her dismissal in the Federal Court

Pressure is mounting for the Federal Government to finally announce the new ABC chair so the process to appoint a managing director can begin before a federal election is called.

The decision by the ABC board to pre-empt the chair's appointment and kickstart the MD recruitment process comes five months after former MD Michelle Guthrie was sacked by the board and then-chair Justin Milne resigned amid concerns about political interference from Canberra.

"The [managing director] role is being advertised in major newspapers, on LinkedIn and ABC Careers and the executive search will be undertaken by global recruitment firm Spencer Stuart," an ABC spokesperson said.

"It remains the board's intention not to appoint a new managing director until a permanent ABC chair has been appointed.

"As it is anticipated the selection of a new managing director will take several months to complete, applicants are being sought now to ensure the process is underway."

The final decision on the new ABC chairman rests with Prime Minister Scott Morrison, on the advice of Communications Minister Mitch Fifield.

It is understood a nomination panel chaired by former treasury secretary Ted Evans, and including public relations operative and former journalist Anne Fulwood and University of Queensland academic Sally Pitkin, delivered a shortlist a few weeks ago.

With Mr Morrison currently in northern Queensland visiting flood-devastated farmers, an immediate announcement on Justin Milne's replacement is unlikely, although sources say there could be confirmation by the end of next week.

New MD unlikely until there is a new chair

This week, Future Fund chairman Peter Costello questioned the National Australia Bank's decision to allow ousted chairman Ken Henry to be involved in selecting a replacement for Andrew Thorburn, who resigned as a result of scathing criticism from Kenneth Hayne's banking royal commission final report.

A spokesperson for Senator Fifield said the appointment of the ABC managing director is "a matter for the ABC board".

The spokesperson also said the appointment of an ABC chair was "under consideration" and that an announcement would be made "in due course".

Michelle Guthrie is still challenging her dismissal as ABC MD and seeking possible reinstatement. ( ABC News: Nick Haggarty )

Ms Guthrie has taken her sacking to the Federal Court after filing an adverse action claim and seeking to be reinstated and compensated for losses and damages.

The ABC has defended the board's decision to sack Ms Guthrie and both parties have been ordered to undergo mediation.

The ABC has been asked to comment on the decision to advertise the managing director's role and an official response is expected later today.