Latest Jobs at The Universal Service and Access Agency of South Africa (USAASA)

Key Performance Areas 

Compliance and Corporate Governance 

• Fulfil all statutory duties of a Company Secretary in accordance with the applicable legal framework. 
• Provide the directors of USAASA with guidance as to their duties, responsibilities and powers. 
• Making the directors aware of any law relevant to or affecting the Agency. 
• Research and maintain knowledge and expertise on related governance legislation and requirements by tracking legislation changes, participating in relevant forums and engaging with relevant stakeholders monthly. 
• Monitor the activities of USAASA to ensure compliance with its own policies and procedures. 
• Prepare all necessary governance and compliance documentation, such as Board resolutions, Board Charter and Terms of Reference of the Board Committees. 
• Facilitate effective relationships and communication between the Board, Executive Management, Parliament and the Department by facilitating effective information sharing sessions and coordinating that messages transferred are consistent and accurate as required. 
• Provide advise relating to the interpretation of the relevant Legislation to the Board.
• Coordinate the Board evaluation process as required by the King IV Code on Corporate Governance. 

 Board and Sub-Committee Support and Administration 

• Provide legal and governance advise to the board and board sub-committee 
• Ensure that the Board is informed and technically abreast of all changes in legislation affection USAASA. 
• Attend and take minutes of at Board and Exco meetings, including Committees. 
• Ensure that the proceedings of the Board and Board Committees are properly recorded and that minutes of meetings are circulated to the members of the Board in a timely manner after approval of the Chairperson of the Board and Board Committees. 
• Oversee the preparation of agendas for all meetings after consultation with the relevant chairpersons and the CEO, ensuring that the agenda is relevant and pertinent to USAASA’s business imperatives. 
• Ensure that the Board and Board Committee charters and terms of reference are reviewed annually. 
• Ensure that action plans are in place to address issues identified in terms of the Board’s annual assessments. 
• Manage that all Board and Board Committees documents are stored and managed according to the required security standards by monitoring filling and general document management monthly. 
• Communicate decisions and action items to Executive Management. 
• Responsible for the induction of new Board Members. 

 Strategic Development and Operational Planning 

• Drive the development, implementation and annual review of an overall strategic planning for USAASA and ensure that the departmental (DCDT) activities are aligned to the USAASA Strategy, Annual Performance Plan and the Board Committee goals outcomes. 
• Participate in developing the USAASA and USAF Strategy through engagement in the strategy workshops and interventions, providing corporate governance input and feedback and submitting relevant strategic input and documentation required for the final strategy by the agreed deadline. 

Financial Management 

• Manage the Board and its Sub-Committees meeting budget by tracking and trace expenditure and address non-compliance within defined procedures and timelines.
• Ensure sufficient internal control measures are implemented for adherence to PFMA, USAASA and other relevant legislation and regulations. 

 People Management 

• Ensure implementation of Human Capital processes and procedures to control / regulate workplace conflict. 
• Manage and Monitor performance of the team. 
• Develop capacity of the Board Secretariat unit through developing skills and competencies. 

Qualifications and Experience 

• A degree in Law or equivalent relevant qualification. 
• LLB would be an added advantage. 
• Admission as an Attorney. 
• Member of Chartered Governance Institute of Southern Africa (CGISA) or Institute of Directors of South Africa (IODSA) 
• 08 to 10 years of relevant experience, with at least 5 years in the public sector.
• Experience in managing relationships with Boards, regulatory authorities, and government stakeholders. 
• Demonstrable knowledge of Corporate Governance, Corporate Law, PFMA, National Treasury Regulations and King IV. 

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Key outputs: 

Business Strategy Leadership and Governance of ICT: 

• To participate in developing the USAASA and USAF Strategy through providing technology input for the USAASA and USAF strategic planning processes To define and develop digital transformation of USAASA and USAF as well as the objectives and goals in line with the business strategies of USAASA and USAF To develop the technology business plans and Annual Performance Plans (APP) that are aligned to the USAASA and USAF strategy and mandate and submitting the relevant input documentation required for the final approved plan. 
• Research and implement the latest technological innovation like IoT, Big Data, Cyber Security and AI among many to ensure USAASA becomes the leading edge organisation in closing the digital divide using emerging technologies in underserviced areas To develop and implement IT Policies, processes and procedures required for the proper functioning of IT in order to protect USAASA and USAF information
• To establish and sustain the IT Steering Committee to ensure that governance of ICT is aligned to King IV and to ensure that IT investments decisions are aligned to business needs and requirements To communicate relevant APP and business plans with relevant employees through formal and informal information discussions and presentations annually and on an ongoing basis Manage resources allocated to ICT to deliver the departmental objectives through defining required deliverables, standards and deadlines, allocating resources and communicating to staff annually and on an ongoing basis Manage IT risks by identifying risks, developing a risk register, introducing mitigating strategies
• Resolve challenges hindering or threatening the successful achievement of the departmental objectives through identifying the challenges, diagnosing the issues, addressing the issues To ensure that cost effective ICT solutions are introduced to enable efficiency and effectiveness in the running of USAASA and USAF business To ensure contracts and Service Level agreements (SLA’s) are developed, agreed upon, signed with all ICT Service Providers and to manage such contracts and SLA’s Develop, manage and maintain the IT disaster management plan by defining disaster management practices, managing the implementation of these practices and reviewing the plan in line with needs of the business and good practices annually
• To ensure that all legislative and compliance requirements are complied with and delivered to standard through ensuring that all annual reporting is completed according to defined standards on time Manage the IT department performance by ensuring that all performance is aligned with the APP and Strategy and departmental objectives are delivered by the defined deadlines. 

Information Security Management: 

• Drive the implementation, support and maintenance of secure ICT hardware such as servers, firewalls, routers, and switches to ensure storage and communication of USAASA and USAF data and information to run the business on an ongoing basis To implement and maintain ICT security systems and structures such as antivirus, monitoring, audit trailing and support tools to ensure secure data and information transfer and storage at all times 
• To implement and support CCTV and access control systems to ensure that USAASA assets are protected at times To implement backup and disaster recovery systems in line with business strategies and policies by developing plans, allocating resources and tracking delivery on an ongoing basis Implement corrective action to address identified systems security risks by identifying, developing an action plan and implementing by the agreed deadline  
• Ensure that all systems security requirements are up to date and deliver required levels of performance (including but not limited to Virus protections systems, firewall etc.) by developing tracking and monitoring tools and managing utilisation of these and addressing non-compliance on an ongoing basis Ensure that all software is licensed and up to date in order to achieve adequate security levels at all times by conducting audits and addressing issues within SLA

Internal Business Process Management and Business Systems Support: 

• To ensure that USAASA business processes are reengineered and automated according to business appetite by engaging with business, developing amended and updated processes in line with business needs and implementing within agreed project deadlines
• To manage the implementation and support of the defined institutionalised ERP system to automate USAASA / USAF business processes and integrate with other state entities to enable the implementation of defined USAASA/ USAF strategy by defined deadlines
• To manage implementation, support and maintenance of the business systems including but not limited to Wide Area Network, Internet, Intranet, Telephone system, 3G APN, e-mail system, printing and Wi-Fi; that promote seamless communication to run the business of USAASA and USAF daily
• Ensure that all internal IT systems are implemented according to defined and approved standards and methodologies such as the Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC) and Project management principles within approved deadlines

Manage correction of errors and development of system enhancements through: 

• Scoping the developing consequences with the service provider 
• Procuring development costs for error correction 
• Preparing and presenting motivations for error correction development costs 
• Contracting service providers for development to address errors and 
• Manage service provider delivery against development programme, specification and contract 
• Test enhancements 
• Coordinate user testing of enhancements and ensure appropriate signoff prior to implementation 
• Manage implementation 

External Business Process Management and Business Systems Support: 

• To manage the implementation, support and maintenance of all operational systems (including but not limited to ArcGIS, Rapid Deployment Connectivity etc.) to facilitate and enable the core business to properly plan and execute the implementation and rollout of Operational objectives on the Master Plan on an ongoing basis and by defined deadlines
• Ensure that all external IT systems are implemented according to defined and approved standards and methodologies such as the Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC) and Project management principles within approved deadlines 

Reporting:

• Develop and update reporting calendar for all areas of IT across the organisation monthly, quarterly and annually Ensure that IT security, internal and external systems and IT projects and progress are reported on by gathering data, collating, making recommendations and findings and complying with reporting standards monthly, quarterly and annually  
• Ensure that reporting tools that enable the accurate and automated pulling of reports that are required on a regular basis are built according to standard and within deadlines
• Ensure that existing reports are reviewed for accuracy and consistency by conducting audits, evaluating reporting inputs and data monthly and managing maintenance as required 

Ensure that new reports or reporting tools are developed by managing that the following are being completed within the IT team: 

• Reviewing business reporting requirements, 
• Sourcing and analysing data from the system 
• Building reporting tools / reports or outsourcing for development by appointed service providers 
• Testing new reports / tools for accuracy, completeness and consistency and 
• Compiling and distributing reports as required 

Service Provider Management: 

• Develop list of approved and appropriate service providers to address systems needs annually and update monthly Manage the selection and appointment of service providers for contractual support needs by checking compliance with the procurement procedure, tracking quality of service provider performance and addressing non-performance in line with the contract and service provider management policy as and when required
• Develop and implement agreed service level agreements and contracts with Service Providers by following the relevant policies and procedures as and when required Manage compliance with SLA’s and contracts by implementing Service Provider SLA monitoring tools and guidelines and measuring monthly Receive invoices, check for accuracy against work / project plan completion and budget, approve or amend and submit for payment within SLA 
• Make recommendations on changing or maintaining of contracts by reporting on Service Provider performance and making recommendations annually or when contracts are up for renewal Manage the service provider relationship optimally by establishing successful communication parameters, defining performance expectations and addressing non-performance proactively and in a constructive yet delivery focussed manner as and when required. 

Staff Management: 

• To build capacity within the team through developing skills and competencies, addressing development needs and providing coaching and mentoring support on an ongoing basis and in monthly individual performance discussions
• To monitor, evaluate and manage the team performance through implementing the IT policies, implementing performance process and, when required, instituting compliant disciplinary action within the approved SLA and on an ongoing basis
• To recruit quality team members to support the team and organisation and the achievement of its objectives and strategy through defining the role requirements, identifying critical competencies, testing for these competencies and appointing within the HR and EE policy guidelines as and when required To build a cohesive, high performing team through motivating, guiding, coaching, mentoring and leading in a fair and consistent manner to deliver on the organisational performance and strategic requirements
• Ensure the development and management of employees within the business unit Implement and maintain a relevant management approach to support effective business unit
• Develop and sustain a culture of high performance, professionalism and integrity to support the overall quality of service delivery Ensure the control of budgeting and expenditure processes in line with strategic objectives and relevant legislation.
• Ensure the effective utilization of all other resources (including information security, Assets, infrastructure, etc.) within business unit.Ensure employment equity compliance Facilitate staff productivity and efficiency minimizing absenteeism and turnover figures. 

Requirements

Qualifications:

• Matric, bachelor’s degree or national diploma in Computer Science, Information Systems or Information Technology (NQF Level 7) as recognised by SAQA, or equivalent 
• System Development specialisation and IT Best Practice certificates in COBiT, ITIL, industry certification like in Project Management (PMBOK, PRINCE2 and IT Governance Cobit are preferred and an added advantage. 

Experience:

• (including relevant sector specific experience)Minimum 5 to 7 years’ experience working in IT
• Minimum 5 to 7 years IT Management experience engaging with users at all levels
• 5 to 7 years internal and external IT system implementation and maintenance management experience is preferred 3 years’ public sector experience is required.
• Experience in leading business transformation using digital technologies to improve customer experience. 

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Key output: 

• Network Design, update and maintain the Agency’s IT Architecture (LANs, WANs, and wireless networks, including servers, routers, hubs, switches and other hardware); Integrate VOIP systems on the Agency network;
• Design and implement Server infrastructure; Monitors the server on a 24 hours basis; Make recommendation to management on the state of the ICT infrastructure; Lead network infrastructure projects and sub-projects in accordance with IT and project management frameworks and guidelines;
• Monitor and test network performance and provide network performance statistics and reports; Practice network asset management, including maintenance of network component inventory and related documentation and technical specifications information; Create and maintain documentation as it relates to network configuration, network mapping, processes, and service records;
• Practice network asset management, including maintenance of network component inventory and related documentation and technical specifications information; Provide 3rd line support 

Systems Administration 

• Configuration and support of the Agency’s website and Intranet; Configuration of SharePoint system; and Maintenance, creation of users and management of Exchange 2010 and AD. 

Governance, Security and Planning 

• Assist in drafting of Standards, Policies to govern the IT function Involved in evaluation, planning, PoC, testing and implementation of various security related products such as representative on Microsoft Patch Council and role in patch management, approval, testing and distribution; Documentation of technical specifications and DR requirements;
• Ensure a project management approach to all activities is maintained; Provide technical assistance in the selection, configuration and maintenance of anti-virus, anti-spy ware, patch management and host-based protection of servers, workstations and network devices; Installation, configuration and support on anti-virus, software to protect the Agency’s data and systems; Plan design, implementation and support of new Technologies; Problem management;
• Backups of data and systems according to the approved Backup Policies and Procedures; Change management; Monitoring of events and alerts, as well as escalation and investigation around them; Perform root-cause analysis for all IT incidents and record on the Service Desk system; Develop, implement and maintain policies, procedures, and associated training plans for network administration, usage, and disaster recovery; Implement monitoring and improvement activities to ensure compliance with both internal security policies and applicable laws and regulations;
• Implement adequate IT security controls, processes and systems to ensure effective detection and management of IT security risks; Assume overall responsibility for setting policies, standards, procedures and guidelines to ensure the protection of the organization’s information technology assets such as data, information, software, and hardware; Conduct research on network products, services, protocols, and standards to remain abreast of developments in the security industry. 

Project Management 

• Delivery according to agreed project scope of work; Maintain high standard of project implementation; Follow up on users after projects were implemented; and ensure all assigned projects are completed within the Project SLA

Requirements:

• Matric
• NQF level 7 National Diploma or Degree in IT 
• Specialization in Network Engineering or Computer Networking or Computer Software or computer Systems Engineering, enterprise architecture and IT Infrastructure management. 
• CompTIA A+ 
• A+, N+, and MCSE 2008 with AD 2008 and Exchange Server 2007 or higher 
• CCNA, CNE or IT related diploma will be advantageous 
• ITIL V3 and Cobit Essentials 
• Minimum of 4 to 7 years ICT experience in the whereby at least 4 years is in the similar role. 

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Key Responsibilities 

• Lead the development and execution of USAASA’s strategic plan to fulfil its mandate effectively. 
• Drive digital transformation and innovation in the delivery of universal access to ICT services. 
• Oversee financial management, including budget preparation, expenditure control, and compliance with the PFMA. 
• Guide cost effective measures to ensure operational expenditure is contained within the approved budget. 
• Engage with key stakeholders, including government entities, private sector partners, and civil society, to foster collaboration and partnerships. 
• Ensure USAASA operates in a transparent, efficient, and accountable manner, in compliance with corporate governance frameworks such as King IV and the applicable legal framework. 
• Oversee the management and performance of the Universal Service and Access Fund (USAF).
• Lead and manage a high-performing executive team, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives. 
• Represent USAASA at national and international forums on ICT and digital inclusion. 
• Create high quality tactics, business strategies and plans for execution of strategy guided by the Agency’s vision, mission, values, ethics and policies. 
• Ensure that the Agency comply with the applicable legal framework and business ethics.
• Ensure that the policies and procedures are implemented in the Agency to serve as a framework within which to operate. 
• Oversee all operations, business activities and ensure that milestone delivery is achieved in all projects. 
• Lead and support the Management team in the achievement of USAASA’s objectives and targets. 
• Conduct performance reviews and take corrective measures, where necessary.  

Qualifications and Experience 

• A postgraduate degree (equivalent to NQF level 9) in Telecommunications, Information Communication Technology (ICT), Public Administration, Business Management, or a related field. 
• A Master’s degree relevant to the ICT sector will be an added advantage. 
• 10 to 15 years of relevant executive and strategic management experience, with at least 5 years at an executive level in the ICT sector. 
• A proven track record as business leader that consistently delivered great results. 
• Experience in managing relationships with Boards, regulatory authorities, and government stakeholders. 
• Strong understanding of ICT policy formulation, regulations, and digital inclusion strategies. 
• Demonstrated experience in corporate governance, financial oversight, and risk management. 
• Exceptional leadership, stakeholder engagement, and communication skills. 
• Competent knowledge on the governance of State Owned Entities. 

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Key outputs: 

Business Strategy Leadership: 

• Contribute in developing the USAASA and USAF Strategy. 
• Manage that legal services risks are managed by identifying risks, placing them on the risk register, developing and implementing mitigation strategies and monitoring risks on an ongoing basis and reporting quarterly 
• Resolve challenges hindering or threatening the successful achievement of the departmental objectives through identifying the challenges, diagnosing, addressing, and resolving issues/matters. 
• Develop the legal and governance strategy.  

Legal Services: 

• Provide timely and accurate legal advise to the organisation on a wide range of matters, including contracts, employment law and regular compliance. 
• Draft and review contracts, memorandum of understanding, service level agreements, legal opinions and legal letters with supplier, customers and partners ensuring that Usaasa’s interest are protected. 
• Develop and implement compliance policies and procedures to ensure adherence to the relevant laws, regulations and industry standards. 
• Provide legal expertise and advice by maintaining legal expertise and knowledge, responding to legal queries within agreed turnaround time and providing comprehensive legal analysis and opinion on legal queries within the agreed timelines 
• Litigate on behalf of USAASA to achieve the desired optimal outcome by investigating and gathering evidence on litigation matters, gain expert legal opinion and input when required to improve the USAASA litigation outcomes and implementing litigation strategies to achieve litigation objectives within agreed timeframes
• Report on litigation matters by tracking progress and reporting as per standards within agreed deadlines. 
• Make recommendations on contract renewal / extension / termination by reviewing the contract, identifying required contract action, developing a contract plan and implementing by the agreed deadline. 
• Develop contract templates for standard transactions by identifying required standard templates, developing and distributing within agreed deadlines 
• Participate in the Legal Service Provider selection process by developing scopes of work for Service Providers, evaluating existing and potential legal service providers and appointing based on defined selection criteria and alignment with expertise, scope of work and work deliverables within SLA 
• Manage Legal Service Providers by measuring performance against scope of work, budget / costs and delivery deadlines monthly and addressing non-performance within SLA 

People Management: 

• To build capacity within the team and provide leadership and direction to develop skills and competencies, addressing development needs and providing coaching and mentoring and to direct reportees. 
• To monitor, evaluate and manage the team performance through implementing the HR policy, implementing performance process and, when required, instituting compliant disciplinary action. 
• To build a cohesive, high performing team through motivating, guiding, coaching, mentoring and leading in a fair and consistent manner to deliver on the organisational performance and strategic requirements. 

Financial Management: 

• Manage legal services budget compliance by tracking service provider billing and invoicing and comparing against the allocated and planned legal budget on a quarterly basis. 
• Monitor the expenditure to ensure it is I line with the unit’s budget allocation. 
• Ensure no audit findings on the unit’s procurement processes. 

Requirements:

Qualifications:

• Matric
• University Degree in the field of Legal, B. Proc / B. Comm LLB or Master’s is an added advantage. 
• Admitted Attorney/Advocate 

Experience: (including relevant sector specific experience) 

• Minimum 8 years corporate legal experience, including labour, contract and litigation experience 
• 5 – 7 years Management experience 
• 2 – 5 years Board engagement experience 
• 5 - 7 years as a Legal Practitioner, either in corporate or legal practice environment 
• A demonstrable and proven track record in drafting legal documents, contracts and agreements and policy formulation. 
• Ability to set and manage priorities judiciously. 
• Strong labour law experience to advise in all pertinent matters as well as to chair all disciplinary matters. 
• Project Management or contract management knowledge. 
• Ability to work in a team and across functional teams. 

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Minimum Requirements: 

Relevant Qualifications 

• A National Diploma or Degree in Finance / Procurement Management / Logistics and/or Supply Chain Management or any related degree at NQF level 7. 
• A Postgraduate Finance / Procurement Management / Logistics and/or Supply Chain Management or any related degree at NQF level 8. 

Relevant Experience 

• A minimum of (7 to 10) years demonstrated experience in Supply Chain Management of which five years should be at Middle/ Senior Management Level. 
• Membership of a professional body in the SCM field will be an added advantage. 
• Extensive and in-depth knowledge of PFMA, Treasury Regulations, Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment Act, Preferential Procumbent Policy Framework Policy and Supply Chain Framework. 
• Knowledge for Code of Conduct for Supply Chain Management Practitioner 

Key responsibilities: 

• Manage the implementation of the Supply Chain Management (SCM) strategy:  Monitor the implementation of the operation plan for the business unit to support the achievement of the strategic objectives. Manage, monitor and review the business unit’s policies, procedures and processes, in accordance with best practice and legislation
• Manage the implementation of an effective short, medium and long term operation strategy for the business unit. Conduct benchmarks on new development in practices to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the organisation. Manage the provision of best practice regarding business unit functions to all stakeholders. Manage the implementation of a management effectiveness and leadership strategy Engage in strategic relationships with relevant stakeholder to serve the interests of the organisation.
• Monitor compliance with relevant legislation throughout all business unit functions Analyse service delivery gaps and challenges and implement remedial action strategies Manage the quality of service provided to internal and external customers/ clients /shareholders. Manage the mitigation of identified risks.  Ensure information flow to and alignment with all stakeholders to ensure effective engagement  Conduct trend aa lyses and forecasting 

Facilitate the procurement of good and services: 

• Develop and monitor the implementation of the Supply Chain Management policy and strategy 
• Manage the needs analysis and financial planning. 
• Complete bid documents, receiving, registering and opening of proposals 
• Manage the database of service providers Manage the sourcing of suppliers and analyzing of quotations 
• Monitor SCM risk and performance 

Manage logistics and assets in order to comply with the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) and other supply chain management regulations: 

•  Manage stocktaking and account management  Manage the rendering of requisitions, ordering, receipts, and distribution of goods Manage the rendering of the warehouse management services  Develop and implement an asset disposal strategy and processes. 

Manage the contract management of externally provided services: 

•  Review standards and specifics terms and conditions with suppliers  Manage the creation of contracts (services level managements) Manage contracts pricing and products  Manage delivery against contracts 

People Management 

•  Ensure the development and management of employees within the business unit  Implement and maintain a relevant management approach to support effective business unit
• Develop and sustain a culture of high performance, professionalism and integrity to support the overall quality of service delivery  Ensure the control of budgeting and expenditure processes in line with strategic objectives and relevant legislation.
• Ensure the effective utilization of all other resources (including information security, Assets, infrastructure, etc.) with in business unit. Ensure employment equity compliance  Facilitate staff productivity and efficiency minimizing absenteeism and turnover figures 

Selection Assessment: 

• As part of the interview process, all the shortlisted candidates will be requested to write timed online assessment before the interview. This assessment shall represent 50% of the interview scoring process.