Health · Circular 36 of 2026
Chief Director: Internal Audit and Risk Management
Department of Health
Overview
Chief Director needed to lead Internal Audit and Risk Management for the Department of Health in Pretoria, requiring NQF 7 in Auditing and five years' senior managerial experience.
Requirements
- Grade 12 certificate and an NQF 7 qualification in Auditing/ Accounting/Risk Management / Forensic Investigation.
- NQF 8 qualification in the above will be an advantage.
- Registration with the Institute of Internal Auditors as a Certified Internal Auditor.
- At least five (5) years’ experience at a senior managerial level in managing a complex Internal Audit function and providing assurance to senior management and an audit committee/governance structure as well as experience in developing risk-based audit strategies/plans, managing QAIP, and overseeing audit engagements and reporting.
- Knowledge of Public-sector ethics, fraud risk management and mechanisms for addressing corruption, maladministration and financial misconduct.
- Knowledge of governance, risk management, and compliance frameworks.
- Knowledge of applicable legislation and regulatory frameworks (e.g.
- Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), Treasury Regulations, Public Service Regulations).
- Knowledge of Global Internal Audit Standards, internal audit principles and professional practices.
- Good communication (verbal and written), leadership, Interpersonal, strategic capability, financial management, programme and project management, planning, monitoring, and evaluating, knowledge management, client orientation and customer focus skills.
- Ability to work independently and maintain professional objectivity.
- Ability to work under pressure and meet statutory and governance reporting deadlines.
- Ability to handle highly confidential and sensitive information Ability to testify or provide expert evidence where required, particularly where forensic investigations form a substantive part of the post.
- Willingness to travel when required.
- A valid driver’s license.
- SMS pre-entry Certificate is required for appointment finalization.
Duties
- Oversee, coordinate and provide strategic capability and leadership to the Internal Audit Activities (IAA).
- Develop, implement and periodically review the Internal Audit Strategy, Three-Year Rolling and Risk-Based Internal Audit Plan, aligned to the Department's strategic objectives (APP), risk profile and approved Internal Audit Charter.
- Provide strategic leadership on compliance audit, forensic audit and investigation to strengthen the department’s governance, compliance and internal control environment.
- Prepare and present reports on Internal Audit, Compliance, risk and forensic matters.
- Prevent and address fraud, corruption and other irregularities, and promote accountability and a sound culture of compliance.
- Provide strategic leadership, direction and oversight of performance, information technology and financial audit in the department.
- Provide strategic leadership and direction in the planning and implementation of performance, information technology and financial audit programmes in line with departmental priorities and identified risks.
- Provide strategic support to audit committee.
- Communicate, risk exposures, governance weaknesses, control deficiencies, fraud risks, resource limitations and any impairment to Internal Audit independence or objectivity.
- Support the ARC in assessing the effectiveness and performance of the Internal Audit function without assuming management responsibility.
- Management of resources and finance.
- Develop and implement the strategic direction, operational plans, budget and resource requirements of the Chief Directorate.
- Ensure effective management of procurement, financial and administrative resources in accordance with applicable public-sector requirements.
How to apply
The Director-General, National Department of Health, Private Bag X399, Pretoria, 0001. Hand delivered application may be submitted at Reception (Brown Application Box), Dr AB Xuma Building, 1112 Voortrekker Rd, Pretoria Townlands 351-JR or should be forwarded to recruitment@health.gov.za quoting the reference number on the subject e-mail. FOR ATTENTION : Ms M Shitiba
Enquiries: Ms Q Gambu Tel No: (012) 395 8413
Notes
All shortlisted candidates, including SMS, shall undertake two pre-entry assessments. One must be a practical exercise, and the other must be an integrity (ethical conduct) assessment. Selection panels shall score both technical exercises as an additional criterion in the interview process. All shortlisted candidates for SMS posts will be subjected to a technical exercise and interview. Following the technical exercise and interview, a maximum of three (3) candidates will undergo psychometric assessments to assess cognitive capabilities, behavioural preferences, emotional intelligence, and integrity. The competency assessment will be testing generic managerial competencies using the mandated DPSA SMS competency assessment batteries. Assessment for core competencies outlined in the SMS Handbook shall be conducted within one month of the appointment of candidate. Applications should be submitted on the new Z83 form obtainable from any Public Service department and should be accompanied by a CV only (previous experience must be comprehensively detailed). The Z83 must be fully completed (in line with DPSA Practice note), failure to comply will automatically disqualify the applicant. Applicants are not required to submit copies of qualification and other relevant documents on application. Certified copies of qualifications and other relevant documents will be requested prior to the final selection phase. Applications should be on one PDF format (If emailed). Applications received after the closing date and those that do not comply with the requirements will not be considered. It is the applicant’s responsibility to have foreign qualifications and national certificates (where applicable) evaluated by the South African Qualification Authority (SAQA). Please note by responding to the advertisement, you consent to the collection, processing, and storing of your Personal Information in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) Your information will be used solely for the purpose of this promotion and will not be shared with third parties without prior consent unless required by law. The Department reserves the right not to fill the posts. The successful candidate will be subjected to personnel suitability checks and other vetting procedures. Applicants are respectfully informed that correspondence will be limited to short-listed candidates only. If notification of an interview is not received within three (3) months after the closing date, candidates may regard their application as unsuccessful. The Department will not be liable where applicants use incorrect/no reference number(s) on their applications. MANAGEMENT ECHELON
Post 36/38, sourced from the DPSA Circular 36 of 2026. Apply directly to Department of Health by 26 October 2026, quoting reference NDOH 80/2026. This is an unofficial index; the advert in the circular is authoritative.
- Location
- Pretoria
- Salary
- R1 554 696 p/a
- Closing date
- 26 October 2026
- Reference
- NDOH 80/2026
Apply directly to the department, by the closing date, quoting the reference.