Jobs at National Institute for Humanities and Social Sciences (NIHSS)

Key Responsibilities: 

• Provide visionary leadership and strategic direction for the NIHSS, translating its mandate into coherent goals, programmes and initiatives. 
• Oversee the development and implementation of NIHSS’s core programmes(e.g. doctoral scholarships, Catalytic Research Projects, Humanities Hubs), ensuring they advance HSS
• scholarship and address national priorities. 
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with key stakeholders; including DHET, universities, research councils, government, civil society and international partners in order to promote collaboration and support for the HSS sector. 
• Ensure effective governance, accountability and compliance with legislation (Higher Education Act, PFMA, etc.), NIHSS policies and Board decisions. Act as the Institute’s accounting officer. 
• Secure and manage funding (government allocations, grants, donations) to sustain NIHSS programmes. Oversee budgeting, financial reporting and resource allocation in line with public sector standards. 
• Champion NIHSS’s values of social responsibility and equity. Lead efforts to transform the HSS landscape, support diversity in scholarships, and implement employment equity targets. 
• Represent the NIHSS at national and international forums (conferences, policy dialogues, networks) to raise the profile of
• South African HSS scholarship. Promote norm-driven internationalisation and Global South collaborations.

Minimum Requirements, Qualification and Experience: 

• A doctoral degree (PhD) in a discipline within the humanities or social sciences is essential. 
• Minimum of 8 years in broad organisational management roles, including strategic and operational oversight. Proven track record of driving institutional growth or transformation is essential.
• At least 5 years in a senior management or executive position in contexts such as public higher education institutions, research institutes, academic think tanks or similar public-sector academic entities. Experience managing complex budgets, personnel and stakeholder portfolios is required. 
• Proven understanding of the South
• African public service and higher education environment, including experience with government processes, policy development and legislative frameworks. 
• A distinguished record of research and scholarship appropriate to an academic leader(e.g.
• publications, grants, or equivalent achievements). 
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex academic or research
• programmes, including oversight of multi-institutional projects, scholarships or funding initiatives. 
• Experience in financial planning and management of institutional budgets. Knowledge of fundraising and donor relations. 
• Strong track record of managing teams and engaging diverse stakeholders. Excellent networking, communication and negotiation skills. 
• Demonstrated commitment to academic transformation and social impact, including advancing diversity and equity in higher education.
• Additional / Advantageous Requirements: 
• Associate Professorship 
• Experience with large-scale international or continental research collaborations (e.g. BRICS HSS networks, African scholarship initiatives). 
• Established international research networks and partnerships. 
• Familiarity with emerging global HSS agendas (e.g. decolonisation, global South perspectives). 
• Fluency in additional official South African languages is an advantage. Core Competencies: Strategic
• Capability and Leadership 
• People Management and Empowerment 
• Programme and Project Management 
• Financial
• Management 
• Change Management. Behavioural Attributes: Vision and Innovation 
• Integrity and Ethics 
• Collaboration and Collegiality
• Communication 
• Resilience and Adaptability 
• Commitment to Transformation.

Closing Date: 16 January 2026

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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

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Purpose of the Committee

• The Audit and Risk Committee assists the NIHSS Board in ensuring:
• Integrity of financial reporting
• Adequacy of internal control systems
• Compliance with relevant legislation, regulations and policies
• Effective management of institutional risks
• Oversight of internal and external audit activities

Competencies and Qualifications required

• Applicants should possess the following:the CA (SA) and registered with a recognised professional body (e.g. South African Institute of Chartered Accountants)
• Knowledge of Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), Treasury Regulations, and King IV Principles
• Demonstrated independence and governance experience
• Experience chairing Audit and Risk Committees or similar governance committees
• At least 5–10 years senior-level experience in audit, risk management, finance or governance
• Proven experience serving on audit/risk committees or boards

Term of Appointment

• The appointment will be for a 4-year term, subject to annual performance evaluations
• The Chair may be eligible for reappointment
• Remuneration will be in line with institutional policies for committee members

 Application Process

• Interested candidates are requested to submit:
• A detailed Curriculum Vitae
• A cover letter outlining suitability and experience relevant to the position
• Certified copies of qualifications and professional memberships
• Names and contact details of at least two referees

Closing Date: (16 January 2026)