Background

The Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) is South Africa’s statutory council for policy-focused research in the humanities and social sciences. The focus of its work is to generate knowledge to reduce poverty and inequality, and improve employment opportunities and the quality of life for people in South Africa and on the African continent.

The HSRC Board has established a committee known as the Audit and Risk Committee (“the Committee”) in terms of section 8 of the HSRC Act, Act 17 of 2008, as amended, to assist it in exercising fiduciary oversight over the assets of the HSRC.

This Committee is constituted in terms of section 51 (1)(a)(ii) of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) No. 1 of 1999. It complies with and operates in accordance with regulations and instructions prescribed in terms of sections 51, 76, and 77 of the Act and the relevant National Treasury Regulations.

The members of the Committee must collectively have sufficient qualifications and experience to fulfill their duties, including an understanding of the following: financial and sustainability reporting; internal financial controls; external and internal audit processes; corporate law; risk management; fraud and ethics; sustainability issues, information technology governance; and governance processes within the entity. Members must demonstrate their continuous development in these skill sets.

The HSRC Board seeks to appoint an Information Technology (IT) expert as an independent, specialist member of its Audit and Risk sub-committee. The successful candidate will be an independent, specialist member of the Audit and Risk Committee only, and is not a member of the HSRC Board.

It therefore invites applications from suitably qualified candidates who meet the minimum criteria outlined below.

Duration

The appointment is effective immediately for a period commensurate with the term of the current Board, i.e. ending on 31 October 2025.

The Committee ordinarily meets four times per year and provision is made for special meetings as required. Meetings are virtual.

Compensation

Members who are appointed to the Committee, who are not in the full-time employ of the State or a state entity, are paid such allowances as the National Treasury may determine.

Specialist members of the Committee are paid in terms of the National Treasury’s approved rate for Committees of Inquiry as updated and circulated annually, or as provided for by the prevailing National Treasury guidelines.

Compensation is based on (i) a sitting fee per meeting of the Committee and (ii) allowable meeting preparation time.

Minimum requirements

• A relevant qualification at NQF level 7 or above. Relevant qualifications include Information Technology (IT), Auditing, Risk Management and Business Administration;
• Must be a member in good standing with their professional bodies, if applicable;
• A minimum of seven years working experience in the field of IT Governance;
• Proven experience serving on a governance committee in a public entity or regulatory environment;
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) and its Regulations and the Corporate Governance of Information and Communication Technology Policy Framework;
• Demonstrated experience in IT Risk Management;
• Participation in ongoing professional development and education.

Additional requirements that will be an advantage

• An advanced qualification or certification in cyber security management.

Competencies and personal attributes

• Knowledge and understanding of the internal and external audit roles;
• Knowledge and understanding of governance, risk management principles, and control processes;
• Analysis and interpretation of financial statements;
• Performance management;
• Excellent communication skills (both verbal and written);
• Ethical leadership;
• Ability to exercise sound judgement;
• Integrity and confidentiality are essential.

Responsibilities

The Committee

• Oversees integrated annual reporting;
• Ensures that a combined assurance model is applied to provide a coordinated approach to all assurance activities;
• Examines and reviews the annual financial statements, and accompanying reports regarding the HSRC’s results or any other financial information to be made public by the Board;
• Oversees internal and external audit activities;
• Oversees risk management;
• Reviews legal and regulatory compliance;
• Provides advice on ICT governance, controls, access, and safeguarding of information; and
• Considers and recommends policies and procedures to the Board.

Applicants who meet the above criteria are invited to submit a detailed CV (with three references) to the Board Secretary by e-mail to mrousseau@hsrc.ac.za, by no later than  27 October 2023.

Only the successful candidate will be contacted following due process and approval by the Board. The HSRC reserves the right not to make an appointment.