Assistant Director: Risk | Government Pensions Administration Agency
| Job Title | Assistant Director: Risk | Government Pensions Administration Agency |
| Company | DPSA |
| Job Reference | ASD/RISK/2026/06-1P |
| Category | Government |
| Location | Pretoria, ZA |
| Employment Type | Full Time |
| Date Posted | 2026-06-25T19:41 |
| Closing Date | 2026-07-03T21:40 |
| Status | Open for Applications |
| Salary | ZAR 320147 - 487197 per year |
Assistant Director: Risk | Government Pensions Administration Agency | Pretoria - Job Description
Introduction
The Government Pensions Administration Agency is looking for a skilled risk management professional to join their Enterprise-Wide Risk team in Pretoria. This permanent Assistant Director post offers a valuable opportunity to apply your risk expertise in one of South Africa's most important government financial institutions.
About the Company
Enterprise risk management is one of the pillars of good governance in any public institution. As Assistant Director: Risk, you will support the identification, assessment and monitoring of risks across the GPAA, implement risk awareness programmed, maintain the risk register using the Barn Owl system, and compile risk compliance and scorecard reports on a quarterly basis. You will also provide administrative support to the Strategic and Operational Risk Management Committees.
This is a role that requires someone who understands both the technical side of risk management — frameworks, tools, assessments and registers — and the people side, including training, facilitation and engaging with business units at all levels of the organization. If you are a risk professional who is proactive, analytically minded and passionate about building a culture of risk awareness in government, this is an excellent fit.
Responsibilities
• Identify and assess risks across the GPAA and provide recommendations for risk management action plans
• Implement risk awareness plans and conduct risk awareness campaigns
• Maintain and compile the risk register using Barn Owl
• Update the operational risk control matrix on a quarterly basis
• Compile risk compliance reports and enterprise risk scorecards quarterly
• Conduct training and awareness sessions for employees on risk management tools and techniques
• Provide administrative support to the Strategic and Operational Risk Management Committees
• Prepare and circulate risk committee packs and compile minutes
• Liaise with external and internal auditors
• Implement risk mitigation factors to manage risk exposure
• Provide monthly risk rating reports
• Monitor the central risk programme (Barn Owl)
Required Qualifications
• A relevant three-year National Diploma or Degree in Risk Management or equivalent qualification (at least 360 credits)
• Three to five years of relevant experience in Enterprise Risk or a related field
• Two years of supervisory or junior management experience
• Five years of Enterprise Risk or relevant experience
• Computer literacy with working knowledge of Microsoft Office products
• Knowledge of: Risk Management Processes (COSO, ISO31000), Barn Owl system, PFMA, Treasury Regulations, Public Service Regulations, Governance (King IV)
• Skills: Analytical, written and verbal communication, planning and organising, problem solving, interpersonal skills, team player, approachable, innovative, assertive, proactive
How to Apply
1. Register or log in at https://erecruitment.gpaa.gov.za/ and complete your profile in full.
2. Detail all your risk management experience in the work history section — include the frameworks you have used, the risk registers you have maintained and the committees you have supported.
3. Upload your qualifications, ID and Matric certificate. Certified copies will be required before your interview.
4. Apply for reference number ASD/RISK/2026/06-1P through the online system.
5. Submit before 12:00 midday on 03 July 2026.
6. For enquiries contact Mapule Mahlangu at (012) 399 2639 or Shandukani Tshiuda at (012) 319 1102, or email Enquiries.erecruitment@gpaa.gov.za.
TIPS TO STRENGTHEN YOUR APPLICATION
• Barn Owl system experience is specifically listed. If you have used Barn Owl or any other risk management software platform, name it explicitly in your profile.
• ISO31000 and COSO framework knowledge are both listed requirements. If you have formal training or certification in these, include the details.
• King IV governance knowledge is becoming a standard expectation in senior government risk roles. Review the King IV principles before your interview if you are shortlisted.
• Risk committee secretariat experience — preparing packs, compiling minutes and coordinating meetings — is directly mentioned in the duties. If you have this experience, give it dedicated space in your profile.
• Supervisory experience is required. Clearly describe the team or function you supervised and for how long.