Governance and Research Specialist at Institute of Directors South Africa February, 2024

Job description

If you have a passion for research and drafting thought leadership (position) pieces, this is the position for you. This role is perfect for someone who is eager to learn, grow and create a name for themselves in the governance landscape. It will afford the individual the opportunity to interact with subject matter experts and high-profile individuals. The incumbent will be required to become an IoDSA technical representative on various platforms.

This role will be well suited for someone with solid experience in the practical application of company laws, rules, codes and standards to business as well as the King IV Report on Corporate Governance. The ideal candidate will be proactive, compliance-driven, research orientated and hands on to ensure fit-for-purpose solutions and drafting. Ability to interpret and relay legislation, rules and other information in a accessible, understandable and user-friendly manner is critical. Attention to detail and accuracy of content is non-negotiable for this position.

• The Governance and Research Specialist role is required to create and maintain governance thought leadership, conduct research, draft advocacy comment letters, write articles and other pieces on behalf of the IoDSA.

Key responsibilities and duties

Thought Leadership Publications and Research

• Drafting and reviewing IoDSA guidance papers
• Identifying topics for papers, technical events and research
• Conducting research and producing publications (in-house or in collaboration with others)
• Performing client presentations and other speaking engagements on King IV and related corporate governance topics
• Representing the IoDSA on selected Forums and Committees and providing relevant technical input
• Overseeing the publications library on the IoDSA website and mobile App
• Overseeing the Governance Research Platform on the IoDSA website

Advocacy

• Keeping current on latest laws, regulations and governance trends impacting directors
• Creating content to alert IoDSA members of legislative or regulatory changes that impact them
• Interpreting the impact of new proposed laws and regulations and drafting applicable comment letters

Corporate Services (on a ad hoc basis as may be required)

• Corporate services (i.e. board evaluations, customed director development and advisory services) product development input, sitting in briefings with potential clients, review of proposals and reports/deliverables for projects
• Responding to King IV technical support queries

Articles and other IoDSA related publications (only once established in the role)

• Writing and publishing regular topical legal/governance articles
• As and when may be required, assisting with drafting of media releases or other IoDSA public content

Attitude & Personal Attributes

• Committed to and aligned with the greater purpose of the IoDSA
• Dependable and ethical
• Driven, high energy levels, with a practical and efficient approach
• Good business acumen and ability to apply the law/corporate governance principles practically to business operations
• Meticulous attention to detail
• Excellent research ability and interpretation skills
• Excellent business and creative/story telling writing skills
• Solution oriented and agile
• Focused on continuous excellence and improvement
• Inquisitive and innovative mind (ability to think outside of the box, continuous learning, creative and inventive specifically when it comes to product development)
• Works independently and not afraid to get hands dirty (will have to do the work independently as there is no support team)
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills (business writing acumen and ability to articulate concepts accurately in English)
• Proactively prioritises work and is able to juggle several tasks at once
• Ability to work well under pressure and meet deadlines
• Excellent people/customer skills and ability to interact at board and executive level
• Confident to speak and present in front of crowds
• Professional image

Experience, Training, Knowledge and Required Skills

• Bachelor of Degree relevant to the position (company law and/or governance related qualification preferrable with specific drafting/writer experience. Irrespective of qualifications must have relevant work experience to the position advertised)
• Minimum of 3 years relevant experience
• Knowledge of the Companies Act (2008) and King Reports on Corporate Governance would be advantageous
• Experience in research and drafting of comment letters, guidance notes, reports, papers and articles
• Management level experience – projects management and business management