Basic Education Audit and Risk Committee Members Vacancy 2026

Opportunity Overview

The Department of Basic Education is seeking five dedicated individuals to serve as Audit and Risk Committee Members, including potential Chairpersons, on a 4-year renewable contract. This is a crucial oversight role, contributing to the department's governance, financial integrity, and risk management processes.

Successful candidates will play a vital part in reviewing controls, monitoring audit outcomes, and providing strategic guidance to ensure sound financial and operational practices within the education sector. The positions are based in Pretoria.

Minimum Requirements

• Education: NQF Level 6 qualification in Accounting, Auditing, Finance, Compliance, Business Management, Risk Management, IT or Law, as recognised by SAQA.
• Experience:
• Committee Chairperson: Minimum of 10 years of senior/executive management experience.
• Audit Committee Members: 5-10 years of senior/executive management experience.
• Combined Experience (for all members): Auditing, Governance, Risk Management, Information Communication Technology, Organisational Performance Management, Performance Information, External Auditing or Legal.
• Preferred: Prior committee experience (Audit, Risk Anti-Fraud).
• Competencies: Highly independent, integrity, objectivity, reliability, knowledge of governance processes, risk management principles, and internal control. Good communication skills, strong leadership skills, and knowledge of the Education Sector are also required.

Key Responsibilities

• Audit Committee Members (Including Chairperson):
• Participating in audit committee meetings and deliberations.
• Reviewing internal controls, risk management, and governance processes.
• Overseeing and approving internal and external audit plans and outcomes.
• Monitoring the implementation of audit recommendations.
• Reviewing financial and performance reporting.
• Additional Responsibilities of Audit Committee Chairperson:
• Leading and facilitating committee meetings.
• Guiding strategic discussions on key risks.
• Engaging with management, internal, and external auditors.
• Providing strategic guidance to the accounting officer and executive authority on the Departmental governance process.
• Risk Management Committee Chairperson:
• Chairing the Risk Management Committee and serving on the Audit Committee.
• Providing strategic oversight to the accounting officer and executive authority on risk management frameworks and practices.
• Advising the accounting officer and the executive authority on risk identification, mitigation, and risk appetite.
• Monitoring the implementation of risk mitigation plans.
• Overseeing Business Continuity Management (BCM) and fraud prevention.
• Presenting quarterly risk reports to the Audit Committee.

What the Work Involves

This role primarily involves high-level strategic oversight and advisory functions within the Department of Basic Education. Committee members will dedicate time to participating in scheduled meetings and preparing thoroughly for deliberations. The work entails reviewing critical reports, assessing governance structures, scrutinising risk management frameworks, and monitoring the effectiveness of internal controls and audit processes. Successful candidates will be instrumental in guiding strategic discussions and providing expert advice to the accounting officer and executive authority, all within an office-based environment in Pretoria.