Company Secretary at merSETA

 Reference Number: CS/HO/08/6/24

Company Secretary (D5)

Purpose
The incumbent will be responsible for leading the merSETA’s company secretariat function, ensuring that the highest standards of corporate governance are maintained whilst complying with all relevant corporate, regulatory, and governance requirements.

Key Accountabilities and Responsibilities
The ideal candidate should be able to fulfill and perform the following key accountabilities and responsibilities:

•  Providing lawful and administrative advice and support to the Accounting Authority to ensure seamless transformation and interpretation between Accounting Authority decisions and merSETA operations.
•  Ensuring that the Accounting Authority’s decisions and instructions are clearly and timeously communicated, and status against deliverables monitored to measure progress effectively.
•  Developing the Governance Framework to plan, direct, and coordinate merSETA’s governance activities, ensuring that governance practices are consistent and aligned with applicable legislation and regulations.
•  Providing guidance and support to the merSETA’s Accounting Authority, its committee(s), and the Executive Management on corporate governance.
•  Establishing terms of reference for the Accounting Authority, inclusive of function requirements and levels of authority.
•  Developing an annual schedule of Accounting Authority and respective sub- committee meetings and circulating it to members.
•  Monitoring the implementation of Accounting Authority resolutions and legal compliance requirements to ensure compliance and keeping the Accounting Authority informed of the status and progress.
•  Acting as a liaison between management, the Accounting Authority, and the Shareholder.
•  Ensuring that minutes of all meetings, board meetings, and the meetings of any committees of the Accounting Authority are properly recorded in accordance with good corporate governance.
•  Overseeing the proper compilation and timely circulation of board packs and assisting the chair of the Accounting Authority and committees with drafting work plans, documentation, and reports.
•  Drafting and ensuring implementation of Company Secretariat policies and procedures, reviewing existing policies on an annual basis and recommending changes as appropriate.
•  Monitoring all legislative, regulatory, and corporate governance developments that might affect the merSETA’s operations and ensuring that the Accounting Authority
•  is fully briefed on these.
•  Ensuring stakeholder participation and consultation through the Annual General Meetings.
•  Effectively planning, coordinating, managing, and executing ad hoc projects.

Qualifications, Experience, and Knowledge

•  A minimum of an LLB or related qualification.
•  Certified Chartered Secretary (CIS) qualification, and/or Chartered Governance Professional (CGP) as recognized by the Chartered Governance Institute of Southern Africa (CGISA), and/or an admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa.
•  Minimum eight (8) years experience in a Managerial role in a Company Secretarial environment with direct involvement and interaction at board level.
•  Knowledge of legal and regulatory requirements affecting public entities and SETA’s in particular, corporate governance instruments and guidelines (e.g.,  KING Reports, PFMA, Public Audit Act, and Ethics Institute of South Africa – Ethics SA - Publications).
•  Extensive knowledge and experience with legislation such as the Skills Development Act (SDA), Skills Development Levies Act (SDLA), and Companies Act; amongst others.

Essential Skills

•  Political and Legislative acumen.
•  Oral and Written Communication.
•  Planning and organizing.
•  Strategic Analysis and Rule Orientation.
•  Customer Service Orientation and Resilience.
•  Analysis and Problem Solving and Teamwork.

Key Competencies

•  Attention to Detail: Ability to meticulously manage and review documents, ensuring accuracy and compliance with regulatory standards.
•  Conflict Resolution: Skilled in managing and resolving conflicts between board members and other stakeholders.
•  Confidentiality: Demonstrated ability to handle confidential information with the utmost discretion.
•  Leadership: Proven leadership skills with the ability to mentor and develop team members.