Business Ethics Officer: Centre for Governance, Ethics and Compliance

Unitalentza; Wes-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 500 000 - 700 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university is seeking a Business Ethics Officer to establish an Office for Business Ethics, advising stakeholders and fostering an ethical culture. The role involves developing policies, conducting risk assessments, and delivering training on ethical practices. Ideal candidates will have a degree in a related field, relevant accreditation, and extensive experience in ethics.

Qualifications

• Minimum five years’ experience in ethics.
• Experience facilitating ethics workshops or training.

Responsibilities

• Establish and develop the Ethics Office.
• Conduct ethics risk assessments institution-wide.
• Investigate ethics complaints and prepare reports.

Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Communication Skills

Critical Thinking

Problem Solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree (or NQF 7 equivalent)

Certified Ethics Officer accreditation

Job description

Business Ethics Officer: Centre for Governance, Ethics and Compliance

Type of engagement:

Permanent appointment

Centre for Governance, Ethics and Compliance

Position:

Business Ethics Officer (Post Level 7)

Ref. REG/101/0525

About the Centre:

The Centre for Governance, Ethics and Compliance at Stellenbosch University (SU) includes the Institutional Secretariat and Publications, SU Archives, Compliance Office, and Office for Business Ethics. It oversees governance of Statutory Bodies and reports to the Registrar.

Purpose of the Role:

The Business Ethics Officer will establish and develop the Office for Business Ethics, serving as the first contact for all ethics matters not related to research. The role involves advising internal stakeholders and fostering an ethical culture within the university.

Job Responsibilities:

1. Establish and develop the Ethics Office.
2. Develop SU’s ethics statement and ensure annual publication of the leadership’s commitment.
3. Establish and act as secretariat for the Operational Ethics Committee and the Social and Business Ethics Committee.
4. Conduct ethics risk assessments institution-wide.
5. Develop and seek approval for an ethics strategy from university leadership and committees.
6. Review and align all ethics-related policies with the ethics strategy.
7. Assist with reviewing and implementing the Code of Ethics (Code 2040).
8. Develop and deliver training on ethical decision-making, managing conflicts of interest, and related topics.
9. Maintain confidential mechanisms for handling ethics complaints and allegations.
10. Investigate ethics complaints and prepare reports as needed.
11. Prepare quarterly and annual reports for management and governance bodies.
12. Perform other related duties as required.

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree (or NQF 7 equivalent) in a related field.
• Certified Ethics Officer accreditation from The Ethics Institute.
• Minimum five years’ experience in ethics.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to interpret and apply ethical principles.
• High ethical standards, integrity, and discretion.
• Strong judgment, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience facilitating ethics workshops or training.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience setting up a new ethics function or office.
• Knowledge of King Codes.
• Experience with ethics committees.

Application Details:

Start Date: 01 August 2025

Contact for enquiries: Ms S van der Bank, Deputy Registrar, at 021 808 4581 or [e-mail]

For remuneration, benefits, or technical assistance: HR Client Services Centre at 021 808 2753 / 021 938 9636 or [e-mail]

About Stellenbosch University:

SU hosts 29,000 students and 3,000 staff across five campuses, situated in a scenic university town in the Western Cape. The university boasts historic architecture, modern facilities, and a commitment to sustainability and academic excellence.

Additional Information:

Developed in collaboration with Higher Education South Africa, providing opportunities for South African academics globally.

Community Engagement:

Contributing to South African higher education through revenue sharing and supporting the unitalentza Job Platform, a job directory for South African universities.