AUDIT AND RISK COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSON

The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities is seeking to appoint a suitably qualified and experienced individual as the Chairperson of its Audit and Risk Committee, a strategic governance role based in Pretoria. This is an independent oversight position, appointed on a contractual basis in line with the relevant Treasury Regulations, and is responsible for providing leadership to the committee as it supports the Department’s Accounting Officer and Executive Authority in ensuring sound financial management, accountability, and good governance. The Chairperson will operate within the public sector legislative framework, particularly the Public Finance Management Act and Treasury Regulations, and will serve as a critical link between the committee, management, internal audit, and the Auditor-General of South Africa.

Candidates must hold a Grade 12 certificate and an appropriate postgraduate qualification at NQF level 8, recognised by SAQA, in fields such as Law, Accounting, Auditing, Risk Management, Business Management, Public Administration, or a related discipline. A minimum of five years’ experience in serving on or chairing an Audit and Risk Committee, board, or similar governance and oversight structure is required. Membership of a recognised professional body such as SAICA, IIA South Africa, the Legal Practice Council, or an equivalent body is also essential. The ideal candidate will have a sound understanding of the PFMA, Treasury Regulations, and applicable public sector governance, audit, risk management, and financial reporting frameworks. They must also understand the distinct roles of the Accounting Officer, Executive Authority, Audit and Risk Committee, Internal Audit, and the Auditor-General, along with strong knowledge of financial statements, internal controls, risk management, performance information, and governance. Leadership, strategic thinking, analytical ability, communication, and interpersonal skills are crucial, as are independence, integrity, objectivity, and professional judgement. The role demands a commitment to devoting sufficient time to effectively discharge the Chairperson’s responsibilities.

The successful candidate will provide effective leadership to the Audit and Risk Committee and ensure it fulfils its duties in line with its approved Charter and applicable legislation. Key responsibilities include facilitating oversight of financial reporting, performance information, risk management, internal controls, and governance processes; overseeing the Internal Audit function to ensure its effectiveness and independence; and monitoring the implementation of recommendations from internal and external audit processes. The Chairperson will also foster effective communication and engagement between the Committee, Executive Authority, Accounting Officer, management, Internal Audit, and the Auditor-General, ensuring that significant governance, risk, control, financial management, and audit matters are properly considered and escalated. Reporting to the Executive Authority on the Committee’s activities and effectiveness, promoting accountability, transparency, ethical conduct, and good governance, and leading the annual assessment of the Committee are also central duties.

This position is subject to several conditions. Shortlisted candidates will undergo interviews, reference checks, qualification verification, and suitability checks, including security vetting. The recommended applicant must disclose any actual, potential, or perceived conflicts of interest prior to appointment. The Department is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer, and in line with section 195 of the Constitution and the Employment Equity Act, preference will be given to women and persons with disabilities to promote representivity in the Public Service. Foreign qualifications must be accompanied by a SAQA evaluation certificate, and non-RSA citizens or permanent resident permit holders must submit proof only when shortlisted. Applications should include a comprehensive CV, a covering letter outlining suitability, copies of qualifications and identification, and contact details of at least three recent referees. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted, and applicants who do not receive feedback within three months of the closing date should consider their application unsuccessful. The Department reserves the right not to fill the post.