SOUTH AFRICAN REVENUE SERVICES (SARS)

 

 

 

Fixed Term Contract/ Duration: 24 Months

 

X3 SENIOR SPECIALIST: ENGINEERING – PDE (MODERNISATION)

Position Reports to:   Tshilidzi Magada        

Division:  Enterprise Design-Product&Proc

Location: Head Office – Lehae Block G

 

Advert Closing Date: 

 

About the Position

SARS' Process Design and Engineering division is seeking a dynamic, results-driven professional to join its Engineering Design team. This role is ideal for a highly skilled individual with a strong academic and practical background in Industrial Engineering, Informatics, or Business Analysis, and a passion for customer-centric innovation. The Engineering: Process Design team analyses and designs all SARS' manual/systems business solution requirements, leveraging desired customer experience as part of the design thinking methodology to ensure the development of innovative solutions. The team effectively utilizes data to understand current processes, identify root causes of business problems, and document and model detailed business processes and requirement specifications.

This position requires dedicated individuals with a keen eye for detail and a passion for designing for ultimate customer experience. We seek professionals with demonstrated experience in business process design and CX/UX design within the financial services or public sector. Candidates should possess strong leadership capabilities with a proven track record of managing highly technical teams and delivering complex projects. Proficiency in tools and techniques for business analysis, process re-engineering, user research, journey mapping, wireframing, and prototyping is essential. Excellent analytical, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills are required. Successful candidates should be passionate about simplifying complexity and delivering impactful, user-centred solutions.

 

Job Purpose

To lead innovation and manage business process-reengineering and the design of high complexity multi-faceted customer centric business process solutions across the business process management life cycle as an integral part of providing enterprise solutions to business, as well as providing insight and ensuring compliance with all new and proposed legislation to achieve sustainable business results in support of the enterprise strategy, including influencing legislation.

 

Education and Experience

Minimum Qualification & Experience Required 

Honours / Postgraduate Diploma / Masters Industrial Engineering, / Business Analysis or equivalent (NQF 8) AND 10-12 years' experience in a similar environment, of which 3-4 years at management level.

OR

Relevant Bachelor's Degree / Advanced Diploma / Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Computer Science (NQF 7) AND 15 years related experience in similar environment, of which 3-4 years at management level.

 

Job Outputs:

Process

  • Develop tactical strategy and delivery plans in support of functional objectives in partnership with leadership.
  • Direct, control, coordinate and optimise budgeted resources to meet specific objectives and deliver agreed results and productivity requirements.
  • Ensure the development and implementation of multiple practices in alignment with operational policy and procedural frameworks.
  • Identify and recommend opportunities to continuously improve all functions and systems in line with national, regional and organisational changes.
  • Plan for handling work outputs, pull together interdependent activities & specify priorities, standards & procedures to ensure tactical excellence.
  • Proactively identify interconnected problems, determine its impact and use to develop best fit alternatives; driving best practice solutions.
  • Provide periodic reports on performance against plan & progress on short-term initiatives & use to realign tactical plan and objectives appropriately.
  • Use the insights gained through integrated business reports to measure success & realign tactical strategy development objectives appropriately.
  • Recommend changes to optimise processes, systems, policies and procedures, and direct the implementation of change and innovation initiated by the organisation.
  • Manage multiple internal Executive stakeholders and external industry leaders/innovators.
  • Manage the design of multilayer solutions (strategy to lowest level detail) to complex enterprise problems.
  • Manage complex and integrated multifunctional analysis of complex problems.
  • Provide inputs into the enterprise strategy and translate into innovative ideas / solutions to solve complex enterprise focus areas / problems.
  • Provide periodic revised legislative impact reports to give insight to Business, in order to prioritise strategic and short-term initiatives and utilise to realign App plan.
  • Do impact analysis against business processes and provide insight to business in order to make informed decisions.
  • Assess the impact of all new and proposed legislation on SARS􀳦 business operations and help to define project scope.
  • Simplify and convey complex problems/ concepts (of technical and legal nature).
  • Partner with next level managers & specialists in process design and compliance to promote organisational policy & related integration requirements.
  • Report regularly on the scope and detail of development and provide advice on the scope and impact of changes.

 

Governance

  • Implement governance, risk and compliance policy in own practice areas to identify and manage governance and risk exposure liability.
  • Manage and or advise on the translation and application of policy in a specific functional area.

 

People

  • Create a positive work climate & culture to energise employees & give meaning to work, minimise work disruption and maximise employee productivity.
  • Develop & implement appropriate people capacity plans in line with delivery & efficiency targets, on budget & in partnership with specialised areas.
  • Plan & develop enhanced organisational efficiency by identifying and addressing development requirements & providing tools for people resources.
  • Translate performance expectations into specific metrics and goals to identify and provide effective services, solve problems and achieve objectives.

 

Finance

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

 

Client

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

 

Behavioural competencies

  • Developing Others
  • Fairness and Transparency (V)
  • Accountability (V)
  • Conceptual Competence
  • Conceptual Thinking
  • Championing the Mandate
  • Influencing Others
  • Mobilising Teams
  • Driving for Excellence
  • Leveraging Diversity
  • Accurate understanding
  • Honesty and Integrity  (V)
  • Trust (V)
  • Respect (V)
  • Problem Solving and Analysis
  • Building Sustainability

 

Technical competencies

  • Reporting and Interpretation
  • Risk & Compliance
  • Quality Management
  • Business Acumen
  • Continuous Process Improvement
  • Decisiveness
  • Documenting
  • Effective Business Communication
  • Functional Policies and Procedures
  • Institutional Process Analysis& Redesign
  • Managerial Budgeting
  • Planning, Management and Measurement
  • Problem Analysis and Judgement
  • Process Auditing (Policy & Procedure)
  • Strategic Planning
  • Tax Knowledge

 

Compliance Competency

  • GOC Secret

 

Employment Equity

The Employment Equity policy of SARS will be considered as part of the recruitment and selection process and Persons with Disabilities are encouraged to apply. Successful candidates will be required to undertake an oath of secrecy, pre-employment screening, case study, pre-assessment, psychometric assessment and or vetting, and a declaration of private interest. The appointment is also subject to appropriate reference(s) and security clearance where applicable.

 

PLEASE APPLY HERE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed Term Contract /Duration: 24 Months

 

SENIOR MANAGER: CX/UX DESIGN – PDE (MODERNISATION)

Position Reports to: Head: Process Design and Engineering        

Division: Enterprise Design-Product&Proc

Location: Head Office, Pretoria

Advert Closing Date:

 

About the Position

  • Shape, design, and guide customer and user experience strategies to solve complex problems.
  • Lead the development of complex, multifaceted business process solutions.
  • Ensure that SARS’ services are structured according to the needs, expectations, and behaviours of both customers and employees.
  • Provide thought leadership in embedding user- and human-centred design principles throughout the organization.
  • Drive user research and innovation initiatives to create impactful, user-focused experiences that contribute to business growth.
  • Translate consolidated feedback and insights into strategic design solutions that enhance service delivery, improve accessibility, and encourage voluntary compliance.
  • Operate at a strategic level, influencing cross-functional and cross-product policies, service design efforts, and digital transformation projects to deliver consistent, intuitive, and seamless experiences across all customer and employee interactions.
  • Lead multidisciplinary design and engineering teams

 

Job Purpose

To guide innovation and manage continuous process improvement and the design of complex multi-faceted business process solutions across the business process management life cycle as an integral part of providing enterprise solutions to business, providing insight and ensuring compliance with all new and proposed legislation to achieve sustainable business results in support of the enterprise strategy.

 

Education and Experience

Minimum Qualification & Experience Required

Honours degree (NQF 8) in UX Design/ HCI/ Computer Science/ Public Administration or a related field AND 10+ years’ experience in UX/UI/ CX designs/ financial services/ public sector/ digital government/ service design for regulated industries or in a similar environment, of which 3–4 years at management level?

OR

Bachelor’s degree/ Advanced Diploma (NQF 7) in UX Design/ HCI/ Computer Science/ Public Administration or a related field AND 12+ years’ experience in UX/UI/ CX designs/ financial services/ public sector/ digital government/ service design for regulated industries or in a similar environment, of which 3–4 years’ experience at management level?

 

Minimum Functional Requirements

  • User Empathy,
  • Agility
  • UX Leadership
  • Problem Solving,
  • Technical Expression of User Requirements,
  • Agile and Adaptable,
  • Curious, Customer Service,
  • Innovation
  • Critical Thinking: Analysing complex problems and evaluating multiple solutions.
  • Communication: Clearly articulating design decisions and rationale to stakeholders.
  • Adaptability: Adjusting decisions based on feedback and changing requirements

 

Job Outputs:

Process 

  • Ensure customer and user input is integrated across all business design domains.
  • Develop and maintain comprehensive UX and UI design systems, as well as service design standards and principles.
  • Establish effective connections between customer experience research and functional design implementation.
  • Provide strategic design leadership for digital and process-driven service initiatives with a focus on the customer perspective.
  • Facilitate service design sprints and co-design workshops in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.
  • Support the end-to-end management of the service lifecycle, from discovery through delivery and ongoing improvement.

 

Governance

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

 

People

  • 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

  • Manage an integrated service excellence culture, which builds rewarding relationships and provides opportunity for feedback and exceptional service.
  • Develop and ensure implementation of own practices to build delivery excellence, encouraging 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

  • Fairness and Transparency (V)
  • Analytical Thinking
  • Accountability (V)
  • Conceptual Ability
  • Fairness (V)
  • Honesty & Integrity (V)
  • Trust (V)
  • Respect (V)
  • Problem Solving and Analysis
  • Attention to Detail
  • Commitment to Continuous Learning
  • Organisational Awareness
  • Building Sustainability

 

Technical competencies

  • Business Analysis
  • Business Knowledge
  • Capacity Planning
  • Institutional Process Analysis & Redesign
  • Process Auditing
  • Reporting
  • Conducting User research and usability testing
  • Creating wireframes and prototypes using tools like Figma, Sketch, or Adobe XD.
  • Visualizing the user's experience across multiple touchpoints through user journey mapping,
  • Designing intuitive interactions and designs
  • Analysing user behaviour for usability of designs

 

Compliance Competency

  • GOC Confidential  

 

Ability

  • The ability to identify patterns or connections between situations that are not obviously related and to identify key or underlying issues in complex situation.
  • This is the ability to formulate new concepts based on information gathered.
  • Ability to document information pertaining to information systems and or process and operational specifications.
  • Ability to implement internal audit functions in alignment to the organisations strategic plan and the organisations strategy for change.
  • Ability to create reports for various SARS stakeholders as relevant, in a lucid and effective manner, keeping in mind the purpose of the reports.

 

Knowledge

  • Understands a situation or problem by breaking it into smaller pieces/tracing the implications of situation in a step-by-step way.
  • Has good general knowledge with some detailed knowledge of products/functions.
  • The knowledge and interpretation of the functional policies and procedures, including monitoring their consistent application internally within SARS.
  • Apply practical and applied knowledge and act authoritatively on methods, systems, and procedures to identify trends and potential risks.

 

 

Employment Equity

The Employment Equity policy of SARS will be considered as part of the recruitment and selection process and Persons with Disabilities are encouraged to apply. Successful candidates will be required to undertake an oath of secrecy, pre-employment screening, case study, pre-assessment, psychometric assessment and or vetting, and a declaration of private interest. The appointment is also subject to appropriate reference(s) and security clearance where applicable.

 

PLEASE APPLY HERE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MANAGER: IT SERVICE (11064)

Position Reports to:    Manager: Project 

Division: National Ops Enabling

Location: Pretoria Landbank Office

Advert Closing Date: 29 April 2026

 

 

About the Position

In an ever-changing environment, we have built a responsive and agile organisation to give effect to our strategic intent of achieving voluntary compliance. We invite you to be part of the special team that contributes to the collection of revenue, protect the economy and people of South Africa. We believe that your skills, commitment, and dedication will add value and make a difference to the organisation and country.  Integrity is key to the organisation.

 

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

 

Compliance Competency

  • GOC Confidential

 

Employment Equity

The Employment Equity policy of SARS will be considered as part of the recruitment and selection process and Persons with Disabilities are encouraged to apply. Successful candidates will be required to undertake an oath of secrecy, pre-employment screening, case study, pre-assessment, psychometric assessment and or vetting, and a declaration of private interest. The appointment is also subject to appropriate reference(s) and security clearance where applicable.  

 

PLEASE APPLY HERE

 

 

 

 

 

 

PRINCIPAL SPECIALIST: TECHNICAL CONSULTING (PRINCIPAL IT SECURITY)

Position Reports to: Manager: Cyber Analytics (CAT)        

Division: Strategy Enablement & Modernisation

Location: Head Office Pretoria

Advert Closing Date: 

Contract end date: 31 March 2028.

 

About the Position

SARS is seeking a senior, business aligned Principal Consultant to lead the secure design, review and modernisation of application and platform services across the enterprise. This role embeds security throughout the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC), enables the secure implementation of new and modernised services, optimises existing security controls, and ensures that digital initiatives meet both business objectives and security requirements.

The successful candidate will operate at enterprise and solution level, partnering with business, enterprise architecture, delivery and operations teams to translate business needs into secure, fit for purpose technical requirements, designs and specifications

 

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 ‘IT Security Architecture plus extensive experience in operating at enterprise or multi programme level within complex environments, of which 6-8 years is at a Senior Specialist level

OR

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 plus extensive experience in operating at enterprise or multi programme level within complex environments, of which 6-8 years is at a Senior Specialist level.


Minimum Functional Requirements

• Secure SDLC frameworks and controls across design, build, test, release and operate phases

• Application and solution security architecture for on premise, hybrid and modern platforms

• Security requirements definition, threat modelling and design assurance

• API, integration and data security principles

• Platform and application hardening standards

• Security control optimisation and rationalisation

• Working knowledge of containerisation and modern application platforms

• Alignment to enterprise architecture, security and governance frameworks

(Product specific experience is advantageous but not mandatory.)

 

Job Outputs:

Process

  • To provide principal level cybersecurity consulting and architecture leadership by governing SDLC security practices, enabling secure digital services, optimising cybersecurity controls, and supporting enterprise modernisation initiatives in support of SARS’ strategic and operational objectives.
  • Review and govern SDLC security controls, standards and patterns across delivery teams
  • Define and maintain secure design principles, reference architectures and security guardrails
  • Translate business and operational requirements into clear, testable security requirements and technical specifications
  • Provide security architecture assurance for new and modernised digital services
  • Identify opportunities to optimise, rationalise and modernise existing security controls
  • Embed security by design and security by default practices into delivery and transformation initiatives
  • 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

  • Define, review and enforce secure SDLC and architecture governance controls
  • Ensure alignment with enterprise security, architecture and risk management frameworks

 

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

 

People

  • Act as a principal consultant and mentor, providing thought leadership on secure design and modernisation
  • Influence delivery, architecture and operational teams through expertise and advisory leadership
  • 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  

 

Compliance Competency

  • GOC Secret 

 

Employment Equity

The Employment Equity policy of SARS will be considered as part of the recruitment and selection process and Persons with Disabilities are encouraged to apply. Successful candidates will be required to undertake an oath of secrecy, pre-employment screening, case study, pre-assessment, psychometric assessment and or vetting, and a declaration of private interest. The appointment is also subject to appropriate reference(s) and security clearance where applicable.

 

PLEASE APPLY HERE

 

 

 

 

 

PRINCIPAL SPECIALIST: TECH CONSULT (FTC)

Position Reports to: Manager: Cyber Analytics (CAT)        

Division: Strategy Enablement & Modernisation

Location: Head Office Pretoria

Advert Closing Date:  30 April 2026

Contract end date:  31 March 2028.

 

About the Position

As a digitally enabled tax and customs revenue authority, SARS is strengthening its capability to design and secure modern digital platforms. This role is focused on architecting secure infrastructure and platforms for AI-enabled solutions, enterprise case management systems, and taxpayer-facing digital portals.

The successful candidate will be a senior cybersecurity architect who operates at enterprise scale, shaping security-by-design outcomes across complex, high-availability environments. The role goes beyond operational tooling and focuses on architecture, secure platform design, and strategic advisory, ensuring that confidentiality, integrity, availability, and regulatory compliance are embedded from design through to implementation.

 

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 operationalization 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  

 

Compliance Competency

  • GOC Secret 

 

Employment Equity

The Employment Equity policy of SARS will be considered as part of the recruitment and selection process and Persons with Disabilities are encouraged to apply. Successful candidates will be required to undertake an oath of secrecy, pre-employment screening, case study, pre-assessment, psychometric assessment and or vetting, and a declaration of private interest. The appointment is also subject to appropriate reference(s) and security clearance where applicable. 

 

PLEASE APPLY HERE