Careers at The South African Revenue Service (SARS)

Job Purpose

• To develop implementation plans and provide strategic leadership advice in multiple projects, technologies and technical consulting strategies, in order to achieve overall organisational objectives. 

Education and Experience

Minimum Qualification & Experience Required

• Honours / Postgraduate Diploma (NQF 8) IT, Computer Science or Similar AND 10-12 years' experience in Enterprise IT Security Architecture, of which 6-8 years is at a Senior specialist level / Architect level.

ALTERNATIVE #

• Bachelor's Degree / Advanced Diploma IT, Computer Science or Similar (NQF 7) with Cybersecurity or architecture certification (e.g. CISSP, CISM, CCSP, TOGAF Security) AND 12 - 15 years’ IT Security Architecture experience of which 6-8 years is at a Senior Specialist level/Architect level

Minimum Functional Requirements

• Enterprise Cybersecurity Architecture (conceptual, logical, and physical levels)
• Secure infrastructure design for AI and data platforms (data protection, access control, encryption, model security)
• Security architecture for web applications, portals, APIs, and digital channels
• Integration security covering APIs, messaging, RPC, file transfer, and service-based architectures
• Identity and Access Management (IAM), including privileged access and federation
• Secure network and platform architecture (on prem, hybrid, and cloud-ready designs)
• Application and platform security principles (OWASP, Zero Trust, defence-in-depth)

Relevant IT certification:

• Cybersecurity or architecture certification (e.g. CISSP, CISM, CCSP, TOGAF Security)

Job Outputs:

Process

• To provide enterprise-level cybersecurity architecture and technical consulting leadership within the IT Security Operations division by designing secure infrastructure, platforms, and integration patterns that support, AI and advanced analytics platforms, enterprise case management systems, Secure, scalable taxpayer digital portals
• Design secure end to end architectures for AI platforms, case management systems, and taxpayer portals, with consideration for operational security requirements
• Define security architecture standards, patterns, and reference architectures that can be effectively implemented and supported within an IT Security Operations environment
• Embed security controls into infrastructure, application, and integration designs to support monitoring, detection, and response capabilities
• Conduct architecture risk assessments and provide remediation guidance aligned to operational risk management practices
• Provide authoritative cybersecurity architecture advice to delivery teams, IT Security Operations, and other stakeholders
• Influence solution design decisions to ensure security, resilience, and operational supportability
• Translate cybersecurity policy, regulatory, and operational requirements into practical, supportable designs
• Ensure solution architectures are aligned with IT Security Operations capabilities, including incident response, threat detection, vulnerability management, and continuous monitoring
• Collaborate with IT Security Operations teams to ensure architectures support effective security operations, logging, alerting, and forensic readiness
• Support the operationalisation of security controls by ensuring clear handover from design to build and run phases
• Analyse and make recommendations about improvements to specialist systems, procedures, policies and practices.
• Contribute to the optimum utilisation of org. resources, advising on effective planning and development of area of specialisation resource plans.
• Develop multiple practices in alignment with operational policy and procedural frameworks, supporting tactical development and excellence.
• Draw on own technical or professional expertise, knowledge & experience to identify & recommend tactical solutions to defined problems in practices.
• Influence and communicate across business areas impacted by practice area to minimise resistance and ensure on-boarding of new thinking.
• Integrate business information, compare, analyse & produce reports to identify trends, discrepancies & inconsistencies for decision making purposes.
• Optimise goal achievement through tactical strategy development and optimisation of practises, processes & systems across an internal value chain.
• Plan for value-added, continuous multiple practice and system improvement optimisation to deliver on objectives and to enhance tactical excellence.
• Proactively identify interconnected problems, determine its impact and use to develop best fit alternatives; developing best practice solutions.
• Recommend changes to optimise processes, systems, practice areas and associated procedures and execute the implementation of change and innovation.
• Translate top down policy, apply modification in relation to own practice area and communicate impact to relevant stakeholders.
• Provide support to integration projects by applying the required specialised skills in terms of architecture, data, design, services, processes, monitoring and patterns.
• Ability to apply multi-skilled capabilities to influence, identify and resolve complex issues in the IT environment.
• Engage with relevant stakeholders and establish operational and IT transformational demand.
• Successfully deliver projects, impactful improvements initiatives & business as usual enhancements, improve effectiveness, service and productivity.

Governance

• Develop and/or align governance and compliance policies for own practice area to identify and manage risk exposure liability.

People

• Engage business, IT, and IT Security Operations teams to ensure security requirements are understood, adopted, and operationally supported
• Support digital transformation initiatives through trusted security architecture leadership within an IT Security Operations context
• Integrate new knowledge and transfer skills attained through formal and informal learning opportunities in the execution of your job.
• Provide specialist know-how, support, advice and practice thought leadership in area of expertise.

Finance

• Implement and monitor financial control, management of costs and corporate governance in area of specialisation.

Client

• Develop & ensure implementation of a practice that builds service delivery excellence & encourage others to provide exceptional stakeholder service.
• Participate in the specialist practice community and contribute positively to organisation knowledge management.
• Provide authoritative, specialist expertise and advice to internal and external stakeholders.

Behavioural competencies

• Accountability
• Adaptability
• Analytical Thinking
• Attention to Detail 
• Building Sustainability 
• Commitment to Continuous Learning 
• Conceptual Ability 
• Customer Service   
• Fairness and Transparency
• Honesty and Integrity
• Organisational Awareness 
• Problem Solving and Analysis 
• Respect
• Trust

Technical competencies

• Application Development and Maintenance 
• Business Knowledge 
• Creative and Innovative Thinking 
• Efficiency improvement
• Functional Policies and Procedures 
• IT Knowledge 
• Knowledge of IT Governance and Business  
• Policy analysis 
• Reporting
• System Thinking 
• Technical Expertise  

Deadline:30th April,2026

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Job Purpose

• To formulate tactical strategy and associated delivery plans related to Information Technology Services, by managing the relationship between Technology Services and the business to determine specific quality IT service requirements and control the service delivery and support of required ICT services, thus ensuring practice integration and operational implementation through the achievement of Information Technology objectives.
• To manage and execute technical operations and enabling infrastructure services, including IT services, minor construction works, space reconfiguration, technical maintenance, and warehouse operations. The role ensures the reliable, safe, and cost‑effective delivery of operational environments through hands‑on technical oversight, coordination of skilled resources, and compliance with safety and governance standards.

Education and Experience

Minimum Qualification & Experience Required

• Bachelor’s Degree / Advanced Diploma (NQF 7) in Facilities Management, Construction Management, Electrical / Mechanical Engineering, Building Sciences, or Trade Based Technical Operations AND 8 - 10 years’ experience in operational environments, of which 3 - 5 years at junior management level

 #Alternative

• Senior Certificate (NQF 4) or matric AND 15 years experience in operational environments, of which 3 - 5 years at junior management level  

Job Outputs:

Process

• Act as the bottom-line drivers of tactical implementation within the context of business unit excellence and performance improvement.
• Direct, control, coordinate and optimise budgeted resources to meet specific objectives and deliver agreed results and productivity requirements.
• Ensure the development and implementation of a practice in alignment with operational policy and procedural frameworks.
• Implement tactical strategy and delivery plans through the development of operational activities, ensuring the achievement of operational targets.
• Plan for handling work outputs, pull together interdependent activities and specify priorities, standards and procedures to ensure tactical implementation.
• Provide periodic reports on performance against plan & progress on short-term initiatives & use to realign tactical plan and objectives appropriately.
• Recommend changes to optimise processes, systems, policies and procedures, and execute the implementation of change and innovation initiated by the organisation.
• Timeously communicate top-down policy modification, objective achievement progress and critical success factors to impacted stakeholders.
• Use the insights gained through integrated business reports to measure success and realign tactical strategy implementation objectives appropriately.
• Conduct assessments and use information to advise, make recommendations and facilitate improvement.
• Influence the design and drive the implementation of a client service framework, ensuring effective delivery of a comprehensive range of services.
• Review important processes within the organisation and ensure that such processes are adequate, functional and conform to organisational standards.
• Maintain and ensure that an operations and maintenance plan exist that include scheduled maintenance, policies and procedures.
• Plan, supervise, and execute minor construction and building works, including painting, drywalling, partitioning, and internal space reconfiguration.
• Oversee furniture relocations, office moves, and space optimisation, including coordination of labour and contractors.
• Manage warehouse operations, including inventory control, receiving, storage, asset movement, and disposal.
• Provide hands‑on technical oversight of HVAC systems, including fault identification, contractor supervision, and maintenance scheduling.
• Oversee basic electrical works (low-voltage, lighting, power reticulation interfaces), ensuring compliance with safety regulations and certified sign‑off where required.
• Ensure adherence to OHS Act, building regulations, and SARS safety standards for all works.
• Act as the technical authority for on-site problem resolution, reducing reliance on external contractors for minor works.
• Develop and maintain preventative maintenance and minor works schedules aligned to operational needs.

Governance

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

People

• Develop and implement appropriate people capacity plans in line with delivery and efficiency targets, on budget and in partnership with specialised area.
• Plan and implement enhanced organisational efficiency by identifying and addressing development requirements and providing tools for people resources.
• Translate performance expectations into specific metrics and goals to identify and provide effective services, solve problems and achieve objectives.
• Accountable for the welfare and management of team member's deliverables.
• Develop and maintain a team that is capable for operating to their full capability and provide appropriate skills, knowledge and experience.

Finance

• Draw up a budget aligned to tactical delivery plans, monitor planned vs. actual, minimise expenditure and report on cost efficiency.
• Implement and monitor financial control, management of costs and corporate governance in area of accountability.

Client

• Build strong relationships and implement service level agreements that promote SARS with internal and external stakeholders.
• Develop and ensure implementation of practices which builds service delivery excellence and encourages others to provide exceptional client service.
• Manage an integrated service excellence culture, which builds rewarding relationships and provides opportunity for feedback and exceptional service.

Behavioural Competencies

• Accountability
• Fairness and Transparency
• Honesty and Integrity
• Respect
• Trust
• Ability to translate strategy into execution
• Concern for Impact of own behaviour on others
• Develops teams and nurtures interdependency
• Inspires others to Positive Action
• Nurtures Future Talent
• Stewardship and Service Orientation
• Strong Results Orientation
• Values and Manages Diversity

Technical Competencies

• Business Acumen
• Business Technology
• Change Management
• Decisiveness
• Effective Business Communication
• Functional Policies and Procedures
• IT Knowledge
• Knowledge of IT Governance and Business
• Managerial Budgeting
• Planning and Organising
• Planning, Management and Measurement
• Problem Analysis and Judgement
• System Thinking

Deadline:29th April,2026