Board Secretary

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

Board Secretary

Water Research Commission

The Water Research Commission invites applications from qualified, experienced, and highly organized professionals for the position of Board Secretary.

Position Summary

The Board Secretary will advise the Board, manage governance reporting, coordinate Board annual work plans, monitor compliance with legislation and Board charters, and ensure implementation of sound governance practices. The successful candidate will ensure effective coordination of Board activities, compliance with governance standards, proper records management, and efficient communication between the Board, management, and stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate and manage all Board and committee meetings, including preparation of agendas, notices, and meeting materials.
• Record and maintain accurate minutes, resolutions, and official Board records.
• Advise the Board on governance procedures, statutory obligations, and compliance matters.
• Facilitate communication between the Board, management, regulators, and external stakeholders.
• Monitor implementation of Board decisions and follow up on action items.
• Maintain custody of governance documents, policies, and confidential records.
• Support induction and orientation of Board members.
• Ensure timely filing of statutory and regulatory documents.
• Assist in organizing Board evaluations, strategic retreats, and governance training activities.
• Lead, develop and manage the Governance Secretariat team and oversee relevant service providers. .
• Resource management

Qualifications and Experience

Applicants must possess:

• A Bachelor's Degree in Law, Business Administration, Public Administration, Corporate Governance or an equivalent qualification.
• A professional qualification in Corporate Governance, Company Secretarial Practice, or Law will be an added advantage, e.g. Chartered Governance Professional (CGISA), CIS qualification, Chartered Secretary, Admitted Attorney, Compliance Practitioner, Certified Ethics Officer.
• Minimum eight (8) years' experience in corporate governance, board administration, company secretariat or executive governance support of which five (5) years must be managerial experience within a Schedule 3 public entity or similar public sector institution.
• At least five (5) years' experience in implementing King Report in Corporate Governance and policy management within the public sector environment.
• Senior Management experience within a public entity will be an added advantage.
• Strong knowledge of governance principles, public sector administration, and regulatory compliance.
• Excellent communication, report writing, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• High level of integrity, discretion, and professionalism.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and electronic records management systems.

Key Competencies

• The legislative prescripts and framework governing the public entities as well as all administrative processes and procedures (Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), Treasury Regulations, Water Research Act, King IV/V, National Archives Act, Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA), Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), Ethics and conflicts of interest management, etc.).
• Demonstrated knowledge and practical application of the King V Report on Corporate Governance.
• Demonstrated experience in governance reporting and executive support at a senior level
• Proficient and highly practiced in the coordination and administering Board and committee meetings

• Governance and compliance management
• Minute writing and records management
• Excellent Strategic interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to deal with confidential and/or sensitive information with exceptional diplomacy and high level of professionalism
• Governance advisory capability, strategic thinking, political awareness, emotional intelligence, decision support, risk management, negotiation skills, diplomacy, Board relationship management, and ethical leadership.
• Analytical and problem-solving Skills
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail
• Project Management
• Financial Management
• Demonstrate accountability
• Planning and coordination
• Attention to detail
• Confidentiality and ethical conduct
• Stakeholder management
• Resource Management

Terms of Appointment

The position offers a competitive remuneration package and benefits in accordance with the Commission's conditions of service.

Employment Equity Statement

The Water Research Commission (WRC) is committed to the principles of Employment Equity and to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. In making appointments, consideration will be given to the WRC's Employment Equity Plan and applicable employment equity legislation. Suitably qualified candidates from designated groups are encouraged to apply.

Background Verification Requirements

The successful candidate will be required to undergo appropriate pre-employment verification processes. These may include verification of identity, qualifications, employment history, professional memberships, references, criminal record, credit record where relevant to the position, and any other checks considered necessary by the WRC. Appointment will be subject to satisfactory verification outcomes.

Security Clearance

Where the nature and responsibilities of the position require it, the successful candidate may be required to undergo an appropriate security screening and/or security clearance process. Continued appointment may be subject to maintaining the level of security clearance required for the position.

Location

The position will be based at the Water Research Commission's offices in Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa, subject to the WRC's applicable workplace and flexible-working arrangements.

Travel Requirements

The position may require regular travel within South Africa and, where necessary, international travel in the execution of WRC responsibilities. The successful candidate must therefore be willing and able to travel as required.

Application Procedure

Interested candidates should submit:

• An application letter
• Detailed curriculum vitae
• Copies of academic and professional certificates
• Contact details of three (3) referees
• WRC reserves the right to appoint or not to appoint

Applications should be clearly marked: Application for Board Secretary Position

Applications may be submitted via email or delivered to:

[email protected]
0127534187

Contact Person:

Kgaugelo Mmalegodi

Closing Date

All applications must be received no later than 09 November 2026.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

The Water Research Commission is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from qualified individuals regardless of gender, disability, or background.