The South African Revenue Service (SARS)
Senior Specialist: Engineering – Innovation (4 Positions)
Organization: South African Revenue Service (SARS)
Employment Type: Fixed-Term Contract
Location: South Africa
Job Overview
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) is seeking innovative Senior Specialists to help implement “Game Changer” technology and engineering concepts. In this role, you will be responsible for researching new trends, designing innovation solutions, and leading the transition from a concept to a practical business solution. Your work will directly support the SARS enterprise strategy through prototyping, piloting, and long-term planning.
Key Responsibilities
Innovation and Design
- Research local and international technology trends and benchmarking.
- Identify business problems using a data-driven approach.
- Develop and pitch new ideas and innovation business cases.
- Build, test, and demonstrate prototypes to ensure they meet business needs.
- Track the benefits of new solutions to ensure they deliver value.
Strategic Solutioning
- Collaborate with business owners to understand their needs.
- Create modernization strategies with a 5 to 10-year outlook.
- Draft detailed business cases and participate in the development and testing cycles.
- Build strong networks with internal and external partners.
Governance and Finance
- Ensure all work follows organizational policies, legal requirements, and ethical standards.
- Manage costs effectively and adhere to financial controls.
- Monitor and report on any discrepancies in compliance.
People and Client Relations
- Build productive relationships with team members and share specialized knowledge.
- Provide expert advice to stakeholders.
- Promote a culture of service excellence and maintain high standards of professional feedback.
Requirements
Minimum Education and Experience
- Option 1: An Honours Degree or Postgraduate Diploma (NQF 8) in Industrial Engineering or Computer Science. You must have at least 10–12 years of experience in innovation and technology, including 3–4 years at a specialist level.
- Option 2: A Bachelor’s Degree or Advanced Diploma (NQF 7) in Industrial Engineering or Computer Science. You must have 15 years of experience in innovation and technology, including 3–4 years at a specialist level.
Technical Competencies
- In-depth knowledge of innovation, industry, and technology trends.
- Strategic planning and business acumen.
- Understanding of tax knowledge and organizational operating models.
- Ability to analyze complex problems by breaking them into smaller, manageable parts.
- Strong business communication and project management skills.
Behavioral Competencies
- Honesty, integrity, and accountability.
- Conceptual thinking and problem-solving.
- The ability to influence others and drive excellence.
- Decisiveness and a commitment to sustainability.
How to Apply
Interested candidates who meet the above criteria should submit their application through the SARS careers portal. Please ensure your CV highlights your experience in innovation and technology design.
Application Deadline: 15th February 2026