Researcher: Rules Of Origin & Trade at The South African Revenue Service (SARS)

Job Purpose

• To increase levels of understanding and compliance through the provision of an effective advice service using risk-based analysis, and to ensure consistent application of policies, the collections and protection of revenue by monitoring and controlling of trade schemes on a national level.  To conducting national and international research on rules of origin and trade agreements.

Education and Experience

Minimum Qualification & Experience Required

• National Diploma / Advanced Certificate (NQF 6) in Finance, Legal or Economics environment AND 2 - 3 years experience in Rules of Origin, Interpretation or Application of trade agreements, of which 1 - 2 years is at a knowledge worker level

Or

• Senior Certificate (NQF 4) AND 5 years experience in Rules of Origin, Interpretation or Application of trade agreements, of which 1 - 2 years is at a knowledge worker level

Minimum Functional Requirements

Job Outputs:

Process

• Accumulate information and provide reports with recommendations applicable to area of specialisation. (I)
• Apply practical and applied knowledge and act authoritatively on methods, systems and procedures to identify trends and potential risks. (I)
• Communication of situational interpretation and judgement of work outputs and queries in area of specialisation. (I)
• Correctly apply policies, practices, standards, procedures and legislation in the delivery of work outputs. (I)
• Effectively plan and schedule own activities to continuously improve quality and service delivery in area of specialisation. (I)
• Execute process and procedural change, implement the change and provide guidelines and support related to new requirements as a result of the change. (I)
• Provide specialist input through the investigation of opportunities for operational and process, product and risk optimisation. (I)
• Use practical and applied knowledge and situational judgement to arrive at decisions. (I)
• Provide complex technical advice and guidance on customs related matters to external customers using client service principles.
• Keeping abreast of any policy and legislative developments and developing new measures and procedures at a national level.
• Manage the allocated specific industry schemes and trade measures, international protocols and other international obligations thereby enhancing understanding, promoting compliance and ensuring pro-active risk analysis review and reporting.
• Planning and execution of office visits and participation in internal outreach and educational programmes to enhance understanding of Policies, Procedures and Legislation, and to promote national consistency in application.
• Conducting research and compilation of national product reports.
• Identifying and reviewing functional problems and assist with the development of appropriate solutions with a view to improving processes and enhancing compliance on a national basis.
• Protect SARS interest by liaising with Government departments, Business and their representatives on issues relevant to the Garnet.
• Support the Customs national contact centre and the implementation of improved information and other services to clients including educational and outreach programmes to enhance understanding and compliance.
• Compile and make reports to management and stakeholders e.g. DTI on the operation of specific schemes e.g. Trade agreements, etc.
• Contribute to the formulation and delivery of the Rules of Origin and Trade Agreements business plan and deputize for the Specialist and Manager as and when required.
• Conduct national industry/product workshops for both internal and external stakeholders.
• Assessing businesses and/or business representatives credibility, identifying irregularities and taking appropriate action.

Governance

• Comply to set governance and compliance procedures and processes related to an area of specialisation and continuously identify and escalate risks. (I)

People

• Develop and maintain productive working relationships with peers and team members to achieve predefined objectives. (I)

 Finance

• Adhere to organisational policies and procedures to ensure cost effectiveness and reduction of financial costs. (I)

Client

• Contribute to a culture of service excellence, which builds positive relationships and provides opportunity for feedback and exceptional service. (I)
• Ensure own understanding and adherence to customer service delivery and provide specialist support to meet or exceed customer expectations. (I)

Behavioural competencies

• Accountability
• Analytical Thinking
• Attention to Detail
• Commitment to Continuous Learning
• Conceptual Ability
• Expertise in Context
• Fairness and Transparency
• Honesty and Integrity
• Organisational Awareness
• Respect

Technical competencies

• Border Control and Management
• Business Knowledge
• Data Collection and Analysis
• Efficiency improvement
• Functional Policies and Procedures
• Reporting
• Research, Evaluate, Follow Through
• Trade Facilitation (within the framework of Trade Agreements administered by SARS)

Deadline:4th February,2026