NIHSS Company Secretary at National Institute for Humanities and Social Sciences (NIHSS)

Key Responsibilities:

• The Company Secretary’s duties will include advising and supporting the Board and CEO on governance and legal obligations, in line with PFMA, Company and King V best practices. 

Specific responsibilities include: 

• Act as primary advisor to the Board and CEO on statutory, regulatory and governance matters(PFMA,
• Companies Act, Higher Education Act, KingV™ etc), ensuring the Board and executive understand their fiduciary duties.
• Plan, convene and service all Board and sub-committee meetings. Prepare and distribute agendas, briefing packs and minutes; track and follow up on action items and resolutions. 
• Ensure continuous board development through induction,
• training and provision of relevant governance materials. 
• Develop, update and maintain corporate governance policies and charters (Board Charter, Code of Conduct, Delegations, etc.) consistent with King V™and NIHSS values. 
• Oversee maintenance of statutory registers and record-keeping (e.g. director register, governance documents). 
• Manage all statutory compliance and reporting(e.g. reports to Parliament/Treasury, annual financial statements sign-off, Companies Act filings if applicable). 
• Ensure timely submission of governance reports to oversight bodies and alignment with DHET/DPSA requirements. 
• Prepare and submit regular corporate governance reports and disclosures to the Board,
• Minister/DHET and other stakeholders. 
• Assist the Accounting Officer (CEO) in fulfilling reporting obligations. 
• Serve as the liaison between the Board and the Accounting Officer(CEO), and between NIHSS and external stakeholders (auditors, regulators, sponsor department). 
• Monitor and communicate changes in legislation or governance best practice.
• Minimum Educational and Experience Requirements: 
• An LLB or equivalent legal degree, or a post-graduate qualification in corporate governance or secretariat studies (e.g. CGISA chartered company secretary or governance professional) is required. 
• Membership of a recognised professional body (e.g. Chartered Governance Institute of SA) is desirable. 
• At least 8years’ relevant experience in corporate governance, with a minimum of 5years at a senior or
• board-advisory level (e.g. Company Secretary or legal counsel supporting a Board). 
• Experience working with Boards of Directors or governance committees in a public entity, state-owned enterprise or non-profit organisation is essential.
• (Experience in higher education, research or the humanities/social sciences sector is an advantage.)
• Demonstrated knowledge of South African public sector governance frameworks (PFMA, King V™, Public Service
• Regulations, National Treasury regulations, etc.). 
• Strong understanding of corporate secretariat procedures and public sector institutional governance.
• Core Competencies: Corporate Governance Expertise 
• Analytical and Strategic Thinking 
• Communication Skills
• Project and Time Management

Personal Attributes.

• Behavioural Attributes: 
• Unquestionable integrity, fairness and adherence to ethical standards. 
• Commitment to public service values (transparency, accountability, social responsibility. 
• Collaborative mindset and ability to work as partof a team. 
• Adaptability and resilience in a dynamic environment. 
• Attention to detail and thoroughness in following up on issues