Job Vacancies at Council for Geoscience (CGS)

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Employee Relations Operation Process

• Support the maintenance of harmonious and productive relations between management and staff.
• Coordinate management and organised labour meetings and/or events.
• Advise line managers on disciplinary and grievance policy, process and procedures.
• Coordinate the management of grievances, disputes and disciplinary matters.
• Assist in conducting investigations and writing the report thereof.
• Provide administrative support to Employment Equity Committee, Bargaining Forum and any other ad hoc forums.
• Provide input to the development and refinement of the Employment Equity Plan.
• Provide employee relations administrative support.
• Coordinate and facilitate training and workshops in all employee relations interventions.
• Prepare relevant pack for dispute resolution.
• Assist in representing the organisation at the CCMA for dispute resolutions. 

Project Management

• Contribute actively and proactively to the initiatives, projects and activities in which the HR management team are engaged.
• Assist in scoping project plans related to identified ER interventions.

 Stakeholder Relations

• Continually support the maintenance of effective relationships with both line managers and staff.
• Contribute to the implementation of negotiating mechanisms with organised labour.
• Support in building capacity of line management and/or organised labour on ER.
• Servicing the Bargaining Forum meetings with the Management and Labour.
• Ensures that the Disciplinary Code is clearly communicated within the various Divisions/Business Units.

Quality Management

• Implement and maintain a comprehensive ER administration system.
• Ensure compliance to ER policies and procedures.
• Monitor, track and report ER key performance indicators.
• Ensure Compliance with relevant Legislation.
• Identify risks and threats to the ER process/functions proactively.

People Management

• Compile and submit own personal development plan.
• Participate in continuous professional development initiatives/interventions to keep abreast with new technologies and procedures.
• Support and participate in the learning and development requirements of employees.

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Grade 12; and
• Bachelor’s Degree (NQF7) in Human Resources Management, Labour Relations, Law, or equivalent.
• Post Graduate Diploma in Labour Law will be an added advantage
• Professional registration with SABPP will be an added advantage.
• Valid driver’s licence.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE

• Minimum 3-5 years’ Employee Relations related experience.
• Able to demonstrate an informed understanding of the core ER areas of practices.
• Ability to apply all human resources and people management policies, procedures and practices.
• Proven experience in developing, implementing and reviewing of employee relations policies and disciplinary/grievance code.
• Experience and proven track record at the CCMA.
• Knowledge and experience in handling disciplinary cases and grievances.
• Good working knowledge of BCEA, LRA, EE Act, SD Act.
• HR Information Systems (SAP).
• Computer literacy.

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KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Litigation Management

• Coordinate and administer all litigation involving CGS, including appointing external law firms and counsel.
• Collect, consider and provide evidence to legal representatives in ongoing legal matters.
• Arrange and manage meetings and engagements with internal and external stakeholders for litigation-related decisions.
• Ensure timely issuance of instructions to legal representatives.
• Manage the signing and commissioning of court documents.
• Certify and process invoices for external legal services.
• Prepare regular written and oral progress reports on litigation cases.
• Draft letters of demand and pre-litigation correspondence

Legal Advice and Opinions

• Provide legally sound opinions and advice on legislation, policy, and internal processes upon request.
• Offer legal support and interpretation in meetings, negotiations, and stakeholder engagements.
• Advise on dispute resolution mechanisms, settlement options, and legal risks.
• Interpret and apply relevant statutes such as the PFMA, Companies Act, and Geoscience Act.

Policy and Legislative Development

• Provide legal support in policy and legislative drafting for CGS.
• Collaborate with business units to contribute to the legal framing of new policies or legislative texts.

Administrative and Managerial Support

• Assist the Manager: Legal, Risk and Compliance with approvals and internal authorisation processes.
• Support legal aspects of internal governance, reporting, and compliance structures.
• Drafting of various contracts and other agreements such as MOUs, SLAs, Commercial agreements, etc.

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Grade 12; and  
• NQF Level 7 bachelor’s degree in law (LLB) or equivalent qualification.
• Admission as Attorney or Advocate.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE

• 5 - 8 years’ working experience in legal environment, preferably in state owned entities or government departments.
• Experience and understanding of public and commercial law such as PFMA, Companies Act, Promotion of Administrative Justice Act.
• Fully computer literate with an advanced level of MS Office, PowerPoint.
• Solid knowledge and understanding of Court Rules and Procedures in Civil litigation.
• Ability to interpret legislation and policy that is applicable.
• Superior communication skills (Oral and Written).
• Report writing skills.

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KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Direct the affairs of the organisation by ensuring implementation of the decision(s) of the Management Board.
• Act as an advisor to the Management Board.
• Making the Management Board aware of any law relevant to or affecting the organisation.
• Assist the Board and Executives in carrying out their respective responsibilities.
• Responsible for induction of new Board members.
• Ensure corporate governance best practices are adopted by the organisation.
• Facilitate, attend and compile minutes of Board meetings.
• Maintain and keep proper records of all Board meetings.
• Follow up on actions from meetings.
• Facilitate reporting on all business operations.
• Dealing with correspondence, collating information and writing report, ensuring decisions made are communicated to the stakeholders.
• Negotiate and draft terms of current and new business contracts.
• Offer legal advice and legal opinion on legal matters that affect the organisation.
• Maintain and keep records of all contractual obligations.
• Ensure that the organisation meets all its compliance obligations under relevant laws and requirements of regulatory authorities.
• Represent the organisation  in dealings with other companies, banks and shareholders.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE

• The incumbent must have a minimum of five (5) years’ experience in a similar position.
• Excellent administrative skills.
• Ability to analyse and resolve problems.
• Exposure to Board and Board Committees.
• Experience in of corporate governance and compliance.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
• Ability to relate with internal and external stakeholders.
• Discretion when dealing with confidential information.
• Knowledge of current legislation and regulations governing company operations.

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Grade 12; and
• BCom (Law), LLB or equivalent.
• Relevant Post Graduate qualification advantageous.
• Registration with the Chartered Governance Institute of Southern Africa (CGISA) advantageous.

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KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and implement the Risk strategy and annual enterprise risk management plan.
• Development, implementation and maintenance of an enterprise risk management framework and supporting policies and procedures.
• Develop and implement the Fraud Prevention policy.
• Develop and update strategic and operational risk registers.
• Facilitate annual risk assessment workshops (Strategic and Operational).
• Facilitate the operationalisation of risk management within the organisation, support business units in the undertaking of risk assessments as well as the development and deployment of risk mitigation strategies.
• Challenge and validate risks identified and assessed by the Business Units.
• Assists Executive management to set and implement risk tolerance levels for the organisation.
• Work with Business Units to drive Business Continuity Management (BCM).
• Chairing of the Operational Risk and Business Continuity Committees.
• Monitor and report on operational and strategic risk management issues in collaboration with business units.
• Guide and monitor accurate reporting on control effectiveness, status of the risks and progress of corrective action implementation.
• Reporting progress on implementation of risk action plans to the Audit and Risk Committee.
• Assist business units in developing and monitoring Key Risk Indicators.
• Facilitate and guide scientific operations with regards to project risk management
• Facilitate the sourcing and deployment of the enterprise risk management information system (database) across the organisation.
• Be the custodian of the electronic Risk Management tool.
• Analyse and report risk incidents and propose mitigating strategies.
• Develop and roll out risk management training plans.
• Develop and maintain reports for operational risk management training.
• Identify critical risks facing business units and the organisation.
• Propose appropriate strategies and interventions to achieve the organisational goals.
• Ensure efficient management, control and compliance with all national legislation and organisation specific policies, procedures and regulations.
• Keep abreast of changes in the risk management field and share new and improved methodologies with the organisation.
• Assist the organisation on ad hoc duties as they may arise.

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Grade 12; and
• B-degree in Risk Management or equivalent qualification. 
• Post Graduate Degree will be an added advantage.
• Registration with relevant Risk Management body will be advantageous.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE

• 5 - 7 years Risk Management experience preferably within the public sector.
• Experience in the development of the risk policy, strategy and risk register.
• Practical knowledge of risk management methodologies.
• People management experience.
• Computer literacy.
• Report writing skills.

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KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Capacity to collate, acquire, process, and interpret multisource geospatial data (e.g., mineralogy, geophysics, remote sensing, geochemistry).
• Undertake specialised geoscience investigations focused on South Africa’s mineral resources, particularly those with economic value.
• Undertake specialised integrated geoscience research and development to create higher level products that improve the understanding of ore deposits and mineral exploration (e.g., mineral prospectivity maps).
• Undertake interpretations across multiple scales on the surface and subsurface, incorporating regional scale airborne surveys, soil surveys, satellite data with mineralogy, geochemistry, geochronology, and petrophysics from drill core and field samples.
• Analyse geological and mineral systems at a range of scales with the focus of advancing our ability to detect mineralisation in prospective geological regions
• Conduct geological surveys and mapping, analysing geological data and advising on sustainable resource extraction.
• Determine the size, grade and economic viability of potential deposits.
• Lead geoscience data mining, collection, interpretation, and modelling toward developing the knowledge and strength of South Africa’s developmental imperatives.
• Develop innovative and new methodologies that can be employed in South Africa’s development sectors.
• Compile and oversee the development of reports, maps, and similar publications on the Council for Geoscience’s (CGS) resource development projects and broader geoscience programme.
• Report and present the findings of the CGS’s resource development programme to key stakeholders.
• Make recommendations of the research at a regional, national, and inter-governmental level for both scientific and for the benefit of South Africa’s national development sectors.
• Provide guidance, mentorship, and supervision to more junior staff toward their professional development.
• Undertake critical review of CGS products and methodologies, especially in the field of resource development.
• Undertake constant review and evaluation of the CGS’s resource development programme.
• Contribute toward, and uphold, key quality assurance practices and methodologies in the CGS.
• Undertake varied geoscience activities and research and development toward meeting the mandate of the CGS and the developmental agenda of South Africa.
• Remain up to date with macro and micro-economic conditions, legislation, competition, market sentiment, and the industry in general, to anticipate and plan for circumstances that may influence the development of the strategic plan.
• Use specialised software to build geological models and predict the distribution and characteristics of resource-bearing strata.
• Co-develop, attain, and sign-off geological models for multiple commodities according to specifications, and produce and sign-off the SAMREC/equivalent compliant mineral resource statements.
• Compile standardised geological reports for management information purposes (manage all geological data properly).

Research and Development

• Initiate, participate and take a leading role in specialised and cutting-edge geoscientific research, which involves:
• Data mining and data collection.
• Data interpretation.
• Compilation/computation of maps and/or geoscientific models.
• Development of new methodologies.
• Publications. 
• Develop and refine field techniques for mapping, mineral identification, and structural analysis for understanding the geological context of ore deposits.
• Compilation of reports and high-impact peer-reviewed technical papers or scientific publications.
• Stay updated on the latest geological research and mineral exploration techniques.
• Broaden an understanding of how ore deposits form, particularly geological processes, such as fluid flow and structural controls that lead to mineralisation.
• Develop policies and make recommendations of the research at regional, national, inter-governmental level for scientific research or commercial purposes.
• Provide guidance and/or mentoring to junior staff in research, which involves the following:
• Develop and guide the formulation of research proposals, methodologies, data collection and data interpretation.
• Revision and editing of reports, methodologies, models and maps on various projects.
• Lead and monitor progress on projects.
• Evaluate project results, edit reports of junior scientists for publication.
• Participate and lead national or international review bodies tasked with reviewing advanced projects/programmes of national, scientific, or international significance.
• Participate in independent research from data gathering, development of high-quality maps and reports, level editing of maps, reports, 3D models and other publications.
• Develop, interrogate, and implement innovative and specialised conceptual models and techniques to enhance efficiency with regard to geoscientific work or programmes.
• Design new methods and formulate theories, using integration of existing and new data to define mineralising systems for the purposes of mineral exploration.
• Integrate technologies like remote sensing, geochemistry, and geophysics to identify potential ore deposits effectively and efficiently.
• Geoscience data processing, interpretation and packaging toward defining research areas/requirements and the establishment and review of solutions toward mandated research objectives, training and development plans.
• Integrate and package results toward applied policy-defining suggestions.

Project Implementation/Project Management

• Design and lead varied projects simultaneously and guide other scientists in the implementation.
• Monitor risks and implement/make recommendations for corrective measures in line with the risk management plan for the Business Unit Manager.
• Identify and contribute to geoscience aspects during the compilation of tender documents and proposals.
• Participate and/or lead commercial contract negotiations with external clients in line with the mandate from the Executive Management.
• Monitor expenditures in the project expenditure and ensure that the budget is expended in line with the evaluation of progress of tasks and objectives of the projects, and report progress to the line manager.
• Lead the compilation of commercial and statutory project tender documents or contracts, geoscientific and project financial and scheduling aspects.
• Design and provide independent moderation or peer-review of post-graduate degrees or scientific publications.
• Develop and implement operating manuals for work procedures for ISO certification.
• Evaluate project results, review and edit project proposals and technical reports compiled by lower-level scientists.

Stakeholder Relations and Reporting

• Provide specialised advice to Executive Management, and/or public and private sector in the related field of expertise and may advise Executive Management on scientific and technical acceptability of maps, publications and reports.
• Provide independent moderation or peer-review of post-graduate degrees or scientific publications.
• Make presentations at a national and/or international conferences or related work forums.
•  Editing or co-editing of a book or volume based on conference proceedings.
• Make science-based contributions to research publications as an author or co-author in national and international journals.
• Produces high-quality publications in national and/or international journals as first author.
• Participate in scientific discussions at national and international conferences involving matters of scientific importance, either in a specific field or variety of fields.
• At times, contribute to the national standard and best practice guidelines at relevant Forums.

Quality Assurance

• Identify, develop, and implement operating manuals for work procedures for ISO certification.
• Evaluate project results, review and edit project proposals and technical reports compiled by lower-level scientists.

Learning and Development

• Mentor, coach and provide supervision and guidance in specialised research of lower-level scientists regarding their geoscientific work and their progress.
• Initiate national or international training workshops/courses for junior staff to strengthen skills transfer in line with the business unit development plan.
• Assist in identifying and designing training needs and recommend to the manager.
• Evaluate the results, edit reports for publication by junior scientists, and prepare own work for publication by the CGS.
• Supervise and guide the execution of projects by junior staff.

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Grade 12; and
• MSc in Geology/Economic Geology with a specialisation in resource identification, evaluation and development/mineral resource management and 15 years’ experience in fundamental Geology and/or Economic/Exploration Geology, or;
• PhD Degree in Geology/Economic Geology with a specialisation in resource identification, evaluation and development/mineral resource management and 10 years’ experience in fundamental Geology and/or Economic/Exploration Geology;
• Professional Natural Scientist (Pr.Sci.Nat.) registration with SACNASP.
• NRF rating will be an added advantage.
• Valid driver’s licence.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE

• Experience in integrated geosciences, geodynamic modelling, mineral resource estimation, and knowledge of various mineral resource reporting standards;
• Experience and ability to develop a 3D geological, tectonic, and mineral predictive model; and
• Relevant publication record.

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KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT

• Provides strategic leadership within area of responsibility.
• Contributes substantively to the CGS’s strategy, planning and reporting processes.
• Provides strategic support to the CGS, CEO and the senior management team.
• Participates as a member of CGS executive management team in the drafting and formulation of the CGS strategic plan in moving forward with advances in technology and methods of processing and managing information.
• Develops strategies to improve the efficiency and efficacy of technological initiatives across the CGS.
• Develops and formulates overall ICT divisional strategy and annual performance plan which comprise of the following portfolios:
• Information, Knowledge and Technology.
• Intellectual Property.
• Develops overall corporate technology-related policies and/or proposals within the ICT field and recommends and presents these to the Board for approval.

OPERATIONAL MANAGEMENT

ICT service delivery & support

• Directs and oversees the delivery of efficient and responsive ICT services to support CGS business operations.
• Facilitates timely implementation of ICT services aligned with business needs.
• Ensures optimal performance of technological infrastructure, including networks and computer systems.
• Leads and manages ICT-related projects from planning to execution.

Leadership & team management

• Provides effective leadership and motivation to the ICT division, ensuring alignment with CGS's strategic goals.
• Cultivates a values-driven culture that promotes performance, accountability, and innovation.
• Guides and develops ICT staff through strategic direction and mentorship.
• Manages ICT operations within approved budgetary limits, ensuring cost-effectiveness and financial control.

Technology planning & implementation

• Selects and implements appropriate technologies to streamline internal operations and enhance strategic value.
• Designs and customises ICT systems and platforms to improve the stakeholder (internal and external) experience.
• Approves procurement of ICT hardware, software, and related services; manages vendor partnerships.
• Ensure system compatibility, integration of legacy systems, and scalability across the ICT ecosystem.

Cybersecurity, risk, and compliance

• Oversee the design and implementation of comprehensive cybersecurity strategies.
• Conducts regular ICT risk assessments and implements robust disaster recovery and business continuity plans.
• Ensures compliance with all relevant legislation and regulatory standards, including those related to data privacy, integrity, and system availability.

Strategic technology management

• Monitors and evaluates technological advancements to identify opportunities for competitive advantage.
• Analyses ICT-related costs, benefits, and risks; provides informed recommendations to executive leadership.
• Ensures strategic alignment of ICT architecture and services with CGS business objectives and legislative mandates.

Information, knowledge & intellectual property management

• Supports the strategic management of information, knowledge assets, and intellectual property within the organisation.
• Ensures effective data governance and analytics frameworks are in place to support decision-making

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

• Ensure compliance with the Public Finance Management Act, 1999 (PFMA) and exercise proper financial control within the limits of the budget allocation of the CGS.
• Promotes and ensures adherence to budget guidelines and long-term financial viability of the CGS.
• Promotes and ensure compliance with the CGS supply chain management policy and processes.

STAKEHOLDER/CLIENT RELATIONS

• Establishes and maintains appropriate stakeholder relations
• Communicate with key clients and other stakeholders on their needs and resolve and respond to their queries.
• Interact with  service providers to ensure SLAs have been met and contracts managed appropriately.
• Promptly shares and exchanges knowledge/information.

QUALITY ASSURANCE & MANAGEMENT

• Ensure accreditation with ISO standards within the ICT division.
• Ensure implementation and compliance with the approved ISO standards and processes across the ICT division.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE

• Ten (10) years management experience of which five (5) years must be at senior management level.
• Proven experience of ICT governance frameworks, enterprise architecture, and cybersecurity
• Excellent knowledge of ICT systems and infrastructure.
• Knowledge and/or working experience in the management and administration of Information Technology.
• Understanding of the scientific research environment.
• Proven experience and knowledge of public sector ICT compliance (PFMA, Treasury Regulations, POPIA, ISO standards)
• Substantive understanding of commercial, operations and all other drivers of performance.
• Extensive experience in managing large-scale ICT budgets and vendor contracts
• Strong background in designing/developing ICT systems and planning implementation
• A proven multi-organisational exposure.

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Grade 12 and,
• B-Degree in Information and Technology or equivalent.
• Relevant Post graduate qualification will be an added advantage.
• Relevant professional certifications (e.g. ITIL, COBIT, TOGAF, CISSP, PMP) will be added advantage.