Sen. Specialist: Business Integration (Fixed Term Contract)

This is a senior specialist role for business integration on a fixed-term contract, situated within the Strategy Enablement and Modernisation division of the South African Revenue Service (SARS) in Pretoria. The position exists to bridge the gap between business needs and technology by identifying, developing and implementing effective integration designs. The incumbent will perform technical integration analysis, understand how business uses IT, and help technology add value to the organisation. This requires a solid grasp of technical architectures, platforms, IT capabilities and the applications that deliver various capabilities, all with the aim of continuously enhancing service delivery. The role also involves providing expertise, advice and support in shaping practice formulation and best-practice improvement tactics, ensuring the sustainability of SARS software, systems and technologies, and enabling holistic business solutions that support and sustain business capability with minimal risk. Integration and alignment with the broader Enterprise Architecture is central, enabling tactical translation and operational implementation.

To be considered, candidates need a B.Tech in Computer Systems with eight to ten years of experience in an integration or Enterprise Service Bus environment, including three to four years at junior specialist level. Alternatively, a relevant IT qualification or certification as specified in the minimum functional requirements, combined with the same eight to ten years of integration or ESB experience, is acceptable. A third route is a Senior Certificate at NQF 4 with fifteen years of experience in an integration or ESB environment, again with three to four years at junior specialist level. Practical exposure to middleware such as WebSphere Application Server, integration design, integration development such as IBM Integration Bus, or other technologies currently supported within the Enterprise Architecture framework is required. The role demands a range of competencies including analytical thinking, attention to detail, problem solving, conceptual ability, organisational awareness, business acumen, decisiveness, effective communication, planning and organising, and a strong knowledge of SARS systems and products.

The duties are broad and include advising on and adhering to SARS integration protocols, analysing and recommending improvements to specialist systems and procedures, and contributing to resource planning. The specialist will develop a single practice area aligned with operational activity and procedural frameworks, and ensure tactical implementation. They will draw on technical expertise to identify and recommend tactical solutions, integrate business information, compare and analyse data, and produce reports to support decision making. The role also involves planning continuous improvements, proactively identifying interconnected problems and developing best-fit alternatives, translating top-down policy, and recommending changes to optimise processes and systems. Project planning, execution and change control are key, as is providing specialised support to projects across infrastructure, architecture, data, design, services, processes, monitoring and patterns. The specialist will troubleshoot and resolve complex IT issues, design and implement software and integration activities, introduce best practices, and contribute to IT business planning for interface applications.

Governance responsibilities include developing and aligning compliance policies to manage risk exposure. The role also requires integrating new knowledge and transferring skills, providing specialist know-how and thought leadership, implementing financial controls and cost management, and building a practice that delivers exceptional stakeholder service. Participation in the specialist practice community and contributing to organisational knowledge management are expected, along with providing authoritative advice to internal and external stakeholders. This is a demanding senior position for an experienced integration specialist looking to make a significant impact within a large public-sector organisation. The fixed-term nature of the contract and the location in Pretoria are key considerations for applicants. All other details regarding the application process and deadlines are provided on the official vacancy listing.