Committee Officer Vacancy (1x) – Government Employees Pension Fund

The Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF), as Africa’s premier pension fund, is seeking a talented individual to fill the Committee Officer vacancy in their Pretoria office. This position plays a crucial role in facilitating the administrative and governance functions of the GEPF’s board operations.

Here is an in-depth look at the role, its responsibilities, and how you can apply.

About the GEPF

With over 1.2 million active members and approximately 500,000 pensioners and beneficiaries, the GEPF holds assets exceeding R2.3 trillion. It operates as a defined benefit fund, managing pensions and related benefits for government employees across South Africa. This institution stands as the largest of its kind in South Africa and across Africa, underscoring its pivotal role in public sector financial management.

Committee Officer Vacancy Overview

The primary duty of the Committee Officer is to provide comprehensive secretarial, administrative, and procedural support to the Executive and Board Committees of the GEPF. The role involves preparing meeting agendas, managing official documentation, drafting resolutions, and meticulously transcribing meeting minutes. The Officer will also play a supportive role in both coordinating board and committee meetings and in upholding governance and compliance standards.

Qualifications, Experience, Knowledge, and Skills

• Education: National Diploma (NQF level 6) in Management Sciences or Business Administration.
• Experience: At least 3-5 years in a relevant field.
• Certification: Chartered Governance Institute of South Africa membership is a plus.
• Skills: Thorough knowledge of relevant legislation, regulations, and board secretariat functions. An understanding of the GEPF and pension fund industry is essential.

Key Responsibilities

• Efficient Coordination: Oversee the logistical aspects of board and committee meetings, including the scheduling, venue selection, and technology setup.
• Documentation Preparation: Assemble comprehensive meeting packs that may include agendas, briefing documents, and reports, ensuring that all materials are accurate, up-to-date, and distributed well in advance of meetings.
• Notice Issuance: Systematically issue notices for upcoming meetings to all relevant parties, ensuring compliance with statutory timelines and internal protocols.
• Member Orientation: Provide new committee members with orientation sessions to fully acquaint them with their roles, responsibilities, and the legal as well as procedural frameworks they will operate within.
• Ongoing Education: Facilitate ongoing educational opportunities for members on changes in legislation, best practices in governance, and compliance requirements to enhance their decision-making capabilities.
• Intellectual Property Protection: Develop and implement security protocols for handling sensitive information to prevent unauthorized access and data breaches.
• Senior Officer Assistance: Act as a direct assistant to the Senior Committee Officer, aiding in the more complex administrative tasks and taking on additional responsibilities as needed to support executive functions.
• Advice and Guidance: Provide critical support during meetings by offering procedural advice to ensure that all discussions and decisions adhere to established legal and ethical standards.
• Record Keeping: Maintain meticulous records of all meetings and decisions to ensure transparency and accountability within the organization.
• POPIA Compliance: Ensure that all board and committee operations are in line with the Protection of Personal Information Act, incorporating data protection principles into all relevant processes.
• Risk Management: Work closely with the risk management team to identify potential risks to governance processes and develop strategies to mitigate these risks.
• Compliance Monitoring: Regularly review and update governance practices to ensure compliance with the latest laws and regulations affecting the pension fund industry.
• Ethics Strategy Development: Collaborate with the Ethics Officer to develop a comprehensive ethics management strategy that aligns with the GEPF’s values and compliance obligations.
• Policy Accessibility: Ensure that all ethics policies, frameworks, and guidelines are easily accessible to GEPF staff and other stakeholders, promoting a culture of integrity and transparency.
• Training and Awareness: Coordinate training sessions and workshops to promote ethical practices across the organization, ensuring that all employees understand their ethical obligations and the implications of non-compliance.

How to Apply

• Submit your CV to recruit9@sixsense.co.za.
• The application deadline is 07 May 2024, with no exceptions for late submissions.
• Ensure that any foreign qualifications are evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) before the selection process. Communication will be limited to short-listed candidates only.

Tip: How to Write a Job Application Email in 8 Easy Steps

Equal Opportunity

The GEPF prides itself as an equal opportunity employer, adhering to fair employment practices as outlined in its employment equity policy.