About the Role
The Chief Director: Internal Audit and Risk Management position is a vital role within the Department of Public Service and Administration, based in the vibrant city of Pretoria. This role is crucial for ensuring accountability and fostering a culture of integrity within government operations. By providing strategic leadership in internal audit and risk management, you will play an essential part in enhancing the governance framework that supports public service delivery across South Africa.
In this role, you will oversee and coordinate the internal audit activities, ensuring that they align with the department’s strategic objectives. Your expertise will directly contribute to preventing fraud and corruption, which are critical to maintaining public trust and ensuring effective resource management. The impact of your work will resonate throughout the community, as you help to uphold standards that serve all South Africans.
About the Department
The Department of Public Service and Administration is dedicated to promoting a professional, accountable, and effective public service. Its mission is to develop, implement, and monitor policies that enhance service delivery and integrity within government structures. Working here means being part of a team that is committed to fostering a transparent and ethical public sector, making a meaningful difference in the lives of citizens across the nation.
What You’ll Do
- Oversee and coordinate all internal audit activities to ensure compliance and risk management strategies are effectively implemented.
- Develop and implement an Internal Audit Strategy and a Three-Year Rolling Risk-Based Audit Plan.
- Lead compliance and forensic audits to strengthen governance and internal control environments.
- Prepare and present comprehensive reports on audit findings and risk assessments to senior management and the audit committee.
- Promote a culture of accountability and compliance by addressing fraud and irregularities.
- Manage resources effectively, including budget and procurement processes, adhering to public-sector regulations.
- Support the audit committee in evaluating the effectiveness of the internal audit function.
- Communicate risks and governance weaknesses clearly to ensure informed decision-making.
What You’ll Need
- A Grade 12 certificate and an NQF 7 qualification in Auditing, Accounting, Risk Management, or Forensic Investigation; an NQF 8 qualification is advantageous.
- Registration with the Institute of Internal Auditors as a Certified Internal Auditor.
- At least five years of experience in a senior managerial role overseeing a complex Internal Audit function.
- Strong knowledge of public-sector ethics, fraud risk management, and governance frameworks.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with a focus on strategic capability and financial management.
- Ability to maintain professional objectivity and manage sensitive information with discretion.
- A valid driver’s license and willingness to travel as required.
How to Apply
Please submit your application before the closing date as late applications will not be considered.
Requirements
Grade 12 certificate and an NQF 7 qualification in Auditing/ Accounting/Risk Management / Forensic Investigation.NQF 8 qualification in the above will be an advantage.
Registration with the Institute of Internal Auditors as a Certified Internal Auditor.
At least five (5) years’ experience at a senior managerial level in managing a complex Internal Audit function and providing assurance to senior management and an audit committee/governance structure as well 30 as experience in developing risk-based audit strategies/plans, managing QAIP, and overseeing audit engagements and reporting.
Knowledge of Public-sector ethics, fraud risk management and mechanisms for addressing corruption, maladministration and financial misconduct.
Knowledge of governance, risk management, and compliance frameworks.
Knowledge of applicable legislation and regulatory frameworks (e.
g.
Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), Treasury Regulations, Public Service Regulations).
Knowledge of Global Internal Audit Standards, internal audit principles and professional practices.
Good communication (verbal and written), leadership, Interpersonal, strategic capability, financial management, programme and project management, planning, monitoring, and evaluating, knowledge management, client orientation and customer focus skills.
Ability to work independently and maintain professional objectivity.
Ability to work under pressure and meet statutory and governance reporting deadlines.
Ability to handle highly confidential and sensitive information Ability to testify or provide expert evidence where required, particularly where forensic investigations form a substantive part of the post.
Willingness to travel when required.
A valid driver’s license.
SMS pre-entry Certificate is required for appointment finalization.
Job Duties
Oversee, coordinate and provide strategic capability and leadership to the Internal Audit Activities (IAA).Develop, implement and periodically review the Internal Audit Strategy, Three-Year Rolling and Risk-Based Internal Audit Plan, aligned to the Department's strategic objectives (APP), risk profile and approved Internal Audit Charter.
Provide strategic leadership on compliance audit, forensic audit and investigation to strengthen the department’s governance, compliance and internal control environment.
Prepare and present reports on Internal Audit, Compliance, risk and forensic matters.
Prevent and address fraud, corruption and other irregularities, and promote accountability and a sound culture of compliance.
Provide strategic leadership, direction and oversight of performance, information technology and financial audit in the department.
Provide strategic leadership and direction in the planning and implementation of performance, information technology and financial audit programmes in line with departmental priorities and identified risks.
Provide strategic support to audit committee.
Communicate, risk exposures, governance weaknesses, control deficiencies, fraud risks, resource limitations and any impairment to Internal Audit independence or objectivity.
Support the ARC in assessing the effectiveness and performance of the Internal Audit function without assuming management responsibility.
Management of resources and finance.
Develop and implement the strategic direction, operational plans, budget and resource requirements of the Chief Directorate.
Ensure effective management of procurement, financial and administrative resources in accordance with applicable public-sector requirements.
