Job Description

Position Reports to: Head: International CooperationDivision: Chief of Staff & OOCLocation: Brooklyn, Head Office, PretoriaAdvert Closing Date: 12 September 2024About the PositionThe South African Revenue Service (SARS) is looking for a dynamic, self-motivated, and experienced Senior Manager for International Cooperation, able to work in a multi-cultural team environment. The ideal candidate should thrive in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment and be driven by the higher purpose through strong commitment to service excellence in pursuit of a tax and custom system anchored in voluntary compliance.The Senior Manager International Cooperation role is crucial for fostering and managing strategic regional and international cooperation in tax and customs to enable and support the implementation of the SARS Modernisation Strategy. This role helps manage SARS's delivery on its international commitments in bilateral and multilateral fora, compliance to international instruments and standards for tax and customs exchange of information, trade facilitation and supply chain security. The role leverages on international networks and expertise to build the capacity and capability of SARS as a recognised and trusted player in the global tax and custom ecosystem.Job PurposeTo develop, coordinate, implement and maintain the SARS International Cooperation Strategy as part of the Enterprise Stakeholder Strategy.Minimum Qualification & Experience RequiredRelevant Honours / Postgraduate Diploma (NQF 8) in Tax or Customs/ International relations/Public Administration/Policy AND 10-12 years' experience in an International Relations/ Tax/Customs environment of which 3-4 years at management level.AlternativeRelevant bachelor's degree / Advanced Diploma (NQF 7) in Tax or Customs/ International relations/Public Administration/Policy AND 12 years' experience in an international relations/ Tax/Customs environment of which 3-4 years at management level.Job Outputs:Process

• To support SARS to exchange tax and customs information relating to people, data and technology with international tax and customs stakeholders by developing and maintaining appropriate information exchange networks.
• To support SARS to influence the international tax and customs agenda and other relevant national agendas in the interest of South Africa and SARS through active, passive and leading public diplomacy and proactively and reactively identifying international opportunities in this regard.
• To facilitate and support SARS's interventions to raise awareness of the South African tax system with the aim of boosting foreign investments including through contributions to scorecard diplomacy.
• To support SARS's business areas, operations, and interests to optimize value for money and direct return on investment in international cooperation.
• Provide direction & support for engagement with international organisations, cooperating partners & foreign Revenue, Customs & Tax Administrations.
• Develop tactical strategy and delivery plans in support of functional objectives in partnership with leadership.
• Direct, control, coordinate and optimise budgeted resources to meet specific objectives and deliver agreed results and productivity requirements.
• Ensure the development and implementation of multiple practices in alignment with operational policy and procedural frameworks.
• Identify and recommend opportunities to continuously improve all functions and systems in line with national, regional and organisational changes.

• Plan for handling work outputs, pull together interdependent activities & specify priorities, standards & procedures to ensure tactical excellence.
• Proactively identify interconnected problems, determine its impact and use to develop best fit alternatives, driving best practice solutions.
• Provide periodic reports on performance against plan & progress on short-term initiatives & use to realign tactical plan and objectives appropriately.
• Use the insights gained through integrated business reports to measure success & realign tactical strategy development objectives appropriately.
• Recommend changes to optimise processes, systems, policies and procedures, and direct the implementation of change and innovation initiated by the organisation.

Governance

• Implement governance, risk and compliance policy in own practice areas to identify and manage governance and risk exposure liability, which includes shaping and contributing to internal reports.

• Manage and or advise on the translation and application of policy in the area of international cooperation

People

• Translate performance expectations into specific metrics and goals to identify and provide effective services, solve problems and achieve objectives.
• Plan & develop enhanced organisational efficiency by identifying and addressing development requirements & providing tools for people resources.
• Create a positive work climate & culture to energise employees & give meaning to work, minimise work disruption and maximise employee productivity.
• Develop & implement appropriate people capacity plans in line with delivery & efficiency targets, on budget & in partnership with specialised areas.

Finance

• Implement and monitor financial control, management of costs and corporate governance in area of accountability.

• Draw up a budget aligned to business unit delivery plans, monitor planned vs. actual, minimise expenditure and report on cost efficiency.

Client

• Develop and ensure implementation of practices which builds service delivery excellence and encourages others to provide exceptional client service.
• Build strong relationships and develop service level agreements that promote SARS with internal and external stakeholders.
• Manage an integrated service excellence culture, which builds rewarding relationships and provides opportunity for feedback and exceptional service.

Behavioural competencies

• Problem Solving and Analysis
• Service Delivery Innovation
• Developing Others
• Accountability
• Stakeholder Engagement and Management
• Conceptual Thinking
• Championing the Mandate
• Influencing Others
• Mobilising Teams
• Driving for Excellence
• Leveraging Diversity
• Accurate Understanding
• Diplomacy
• Building Sustainability

Technical competencies

• Functional Policies and Procedures
• Managerial Budgeting
• Customer Relationship Management
• Business Knowledge
• Relationship Building
• Effective Business Communication
• Problem Analysis and Judgement
• Planning, Management and Measurement
• Strategic Planning
• Decisiveness
• Business Acumen
• International tax and customs knowledge
• Tax and customs knowledge

Compliance Competency

• Compliance with all relevant legislation and relevant SARS policies.

Employment EquityThe Employment Equity policy of SARS will be considered as part of the recruitment and selection process and Persons with Disabilities are encouraged to apply. Successful candidates will be required to undertake an oath of secrecy, pre-employment screening, case study, pre-assessment, psychometric assessment and or vetting, and a declaration of private interest. The appointment is also subject to appropriate reference(s) and security clearance where applicable.

South African Revenue Service