Research and CPD Specialist

Nedbank; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 700 000 - 900 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial services institution in Johannesburg is seeking a Research and CPD Specialist to manage regulatory compliance and oversee training programs. The role requires 6-8 years of experience in internal audit and a relevant degree. Responsibilities include monitoring global auditing standards, delivering training, and engaging with stakeholders for effective knowledge management. Ideal candidates should possess strong leadership skills and a commitment to continuous improvement in auditing practices.

Qualifications

• 6-8 years’ experience in internal audit, risk or governance functions within financial services.
• At least 2 years in a role involving professional development or research.
• Experience in engaging with senior stakeholders and external professional bodies.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and interpret global developments in auditing standards.
• Support the alignment of the CPD framework with professional standards.
• Ensure the audit team has access to high-quality learning content.
• Maintain and enhance the established CPD framework.

Skills

Internal auditing

Regulatory compliance

Stakeholder engagement

Continuous learning

Education

Relevant Degree and Honours Degree

Tools

Knowledge management systems

Job description

Job title : Research and CPD Specialist

Job Location : Gauteng, Johannesburg

Deadline : January 01, 2026

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Job Purpose

• To manage self and or a team of regulatory analysts, and ensure that the regulatory activities and functions are executed within defined minimum standards and requirements, while simultaneously maintaining control over methodology and framework.
• To provide guidance and support to stakeholders on all clients to ensure the organisation meets regulatory compliance requirements.

Job Responsibilities

• Research: Monitor and interpret global developments in internal auditing standards, methodologies and best practices.
• Research: Track and assess emerging risks and regulatory trends that may impact audit coverage.
• Learning: Support continuous alignment of the CPD framework and programme with professional standards and future competency needs.
• Learning: Ensure the audit team remains technically proficient by providing access to relevant and high-quality learning content.

Research and Knowledge Leadership

• Support thematic or deep-dive research in collaboration with audit teams, especially in specialized audit areas such as ESG, cyber risk, data and digital transformation.
• Continuously scan the internal audit, financial services and banking landscape for regulatory, technological and risk-related developments.
• Maintain a knowledge repository of research and external guidance for internal use.
• Provide content support for internal knowledge-sharing forum and learning events.
• Liaise with professional bodies (e.g. IIA, ISACA, SAICA) to ensure alignment with professional standards and access to relevant insights.

CPD Programme Delivery and Oversight

• Maintain and enhance the established CPD framework to ensure it remains aligned to current and future audit needs.
• Develop and monitor learning journeys dependent on specific skills and job levels
• Development and maintenance of annual training plan
• Co-ordinate delivery of internal and external training.
• Establish and maintain effective internal and external stakeholder relationships to ensure that effective & tactical training is delivered.
• Manage project activities in line with pre-agreed project milestones.
• Monitor CPD compliance across the department, track participation and report on development progress and outcomes.
• Monitor and review staff skills and up-skilling requirements to address skills gaps.

Continuous improvement

• Continuously identify and design ways to improve training operations in the business.

Operations and Administration

• Provide specialist operations and administration expertise, support, and guidance to address complex training operational issues.

Effective Leadership

• Create an environment of teamwork that contributes to Group Internal Audit (GIA);
• Ensure personal growth and enable effectiveness in performance of roles and responsibilities.
• Contribute to the Nedbank Culture building initiatives (e.g. staff surveys etc.).
• Participate and support corporate responsibility initiatives for the achievement of business strategy.

Essential Qualifications - NQF Level

• Relevent Degree and Honours Degree

Preferred Certifications

• CA (SA)
• Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) and optional Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)
• Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) or Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)

Minimum Experience Level

• 6-8 years’ experience in internal audit, risk or governance functions within financial services.
• At least 2 years in a role involving professional development, learning and development research or knowledge management.
• Experience in engaging with senior stakeholders and external bodies (e.g. professional institutes)

Types Of Exposures

• Influence on capability building, shaping how the audit team grows in proficiency, learns and adapts to future challenges.
• Cross-Functional collaboration with learning and development teams and external professional bodies.