Call for applications for appointment as an Independent Member of the SAMRC Audit, Risk and IT Committee

The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) invites suitably qualified and experienced professionals to serve as an Independent Member of its Audit, Risk and IT Committee.

The Committee’s mandate includes providing independent oversight over financial management, risk management, internal controls, IT governance, and compliance processes within the Entity.

Minimum Requirements

• A Chartered Accountant (SA) and a member in good standing with SAICA. A valid SAICA membership certificate, issued no more than three months prior to application, must be submitted.
• At least 8–10 years’ post-qualification experience in accounting, auditing, financial management or related fields.
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the PFMA, Treasury Regulations, King Report on Corporate Governance, Public Sector Risk Management Framework, and relevant IT governance standards.
• Prior experience serving on or reporting to audit committees within the public or private sector will be a distinct advantage.
• Personal Attributes:
  • Governance & Integrity: Demonstrable independence, unwavering integrity, and the ability to uphold the highest standards of corporate governance.
  • Strategic Judgement: Proven ability to provide sound, independent judgement on complex financial, risk, and strategic matters.
  • Diligence & Preparation: A commitment to thorough preparation and active, valuable contribution to committee deliberations.

Key Responsibilities

The Independent Committee Member will be expected to provide expert oversight and guidance on the following:

• Financial & Performance Oversight: Review and recommend for approval the quarterly and annual financial statements, annual performance plans, and the strategic plan, including multi-year projections and key performance indicators.
• Risk & Assurance: Oversee the effectiveness of the internal control systems, the internal audit function, and the entity’s risk management strategy, including the annual risk assessment.
• IT Governance: Provide expert oversight on the effectiveness of the IT governance framework to ensure it supports organisational objectives while managing risk (Charter 6.19).
• Compliance & Combined Assurance: Review SAMRC’s compliance with legal and regulatory provisions and contribute to the effective application of the combined assurance model.
• External Audit Liaison: Engage constructively with the External Auditors (AGSA) and monitor their work and independence.

Term and Remuneration

• The appointment will coincide with the three-year term of the SAMRC Board, and is subject to annual performance evaluation.
• Remuneration will be based on meeting preparation and attendance, and in accordance with National Treasury guidelines for non-executive members serving on audit committees of public entities.

Application Process

Interested candidates are invited to submit:

• A detailed CV outlining qualifications and relevant experience;
• A valid SAICA membership certificate, issued no more than three months prior to application, must be submitted.
• A certified copy of your ID and CA(SA) certificate; and
• A brief motivation letter demonstrating your suitability for the role.

Applications must be emailed to nizar.davids@mrc.ac.za by 20 December 2025 with the subject line: Independent ARIC Member

For enquiries, please contact Nizar Davids at nizar.davids@mrc.ac.za

The SAMRC reserves the right not to make an appointment. If you have not heard from the SAMRC by 20 January 2026 please consider your application as unsuccessful.

Please note that by submitting your application and other supporting documents, the SAMRC concludes that you are a competent person to consent and that you are giving consent to the SAMRC to process and further process all personal information contained in the application and supporting documents in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), Act No 4 of 2013 (as amended). You can read the full details on the act here: https://popia.co.za/