Group Company Secretary

OVERVIEW

Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency Ltd (Sedfa), a development finance institution responsible for providing financial and non-financial support to Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), invites qualified candidates to apply for the Group Company Secretary position.

The institution is a merged entity between the Small Enterprise Finance Agency (sefa), Small Enterprise Development Agency (Seda), and Co-Operative Banks Development Agency (CBDA). The entity is listed as a Schedule 3B National Government Business Enterprise, with the State as the sole shareholder and the Department of Small Business Development as the Executive Authority.

Number of Incumbents: 1

Main Purpose of the Job: The successful candidate will ensure effective corporate governance, regulatory compliance, and board administration within Sedfa. The role provides expert advisory services and support to the Board and Executive Management while ensuring compliance with King IV, the Companies Act, and relevant statutory requirements.

Remuneration: Negotiable

Reporting To: Reporting to the Chairperson of the Board (dotted line to the CEO).

Key Performance Areas:

1. Provide effective and accurate advice on corporate compliance and governance.
2. Facilitate the induction of the Board and coordinate the Board's annual plans.
3. Facilitate ongoing Board development with relevant institutions.
4. Develop and circulate a schedule of all Sedfa Board meetings, committees, and subcommittees.
5. Ensure that annual Board performance assessments and evaluations are conducted.
6. Develop agendas for all Board and committee meetings in consultation with the Chairperson.
7. Provide governance guidance and advice to the Board and EXCO, within Sedfa’s corporate governance framework.
8. Establish a governance framework to ensure compliance with legislation such as the PFMA, NCA, King IV, and the Companies Act.
9. Develop and implement policies and procedures to monitor compliance with legislation.
10. Produce reports, Board minutes, and reports within specified timelines.
11. Identify governance risks and recommend mitigation strategies.
12. Manage the Division’s resources (people, finance, assets).

Required Minimum Qualifications:

• NQF Level 7 in Law or a relevant qualification; Chartered Institute of Secretaries & Chartered Governance Professional (CGP) is strongly preferred.
• NQF Level 8 in Law or relevant qualification is an added advantage.

Job Title: Group Company Secretary

Closing Date: 15 May 2025

Duration: Permanent

Division: Office of the Chief Executive Officer

Application Submission: To:

NB: Sedfa promotes diversity and redress, encouraging applications from previously disadvantaged individuals. The appointment is subject to verification of credentials and other checks. Foreign qualifications require SAQA evaluation. Shortlisted candidates will undergo assessments and screening. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Applying indicates consent for data processing in accordance with POPI ACT.

Applications should include copies of qualifications, ID, and other relevant documents, submitted to: , with the position quoted in the subject line. Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

Required Work Experience:

• 8+ years in corporate governance, board administration, and compliance, with at least 5 years at a senior level.
• Legal experience and financial sector knowledge are advantageous.
• Understanding of Corporate Governance, King IV, DFI environment, financial legislation, inter-governmental relations, and strategic delivery.
• Excellent communication, team management, ethical standards, and conflict navigation skills.

Critical Competencies:

• Stakeholder Engagement, Operational Efficiency, Ethics & Integrity, Change Management, Innovation & Problem Solving, Analytical Skills, Strategic Partnerships & Networking, Social & Environmental Risk Management, Performance Management & Accountability, Communication Skills, Technology & Digital Transformation, Decision-Making.