Industry Expert – Defence Industry

Synopsis

The IDC has adopted a strategic approach to defence-related manufacturing, framed as “Defence for Development”, to support industrial development impact, strengthen sovereign capability and participate responsibly in selected defence-related value chains.

The IDC is seeking a Defence Industry Expert to lead as a Defence specialist on a fixed-term basis. The role will drive the implementation of the Defence Plan to support potential investments in the sector and include advisory input on internal controls, governance arrangements, risk-mitigation measures, pre-screening, due diligence and post-investment monitoring processes.

The role will help identify and implement responsible investment opportunities, support value-chain analysis, guide stakeholder engagement and provide practical industry insights. The expert will advise IDC on the structure, dynamics and opportunities within the defence-related manufacturing ecosystem.

This is a high-impact role requiring deep sector knowledge, strong understanding of defence regulation and compliance requirements, and the ability to work across internal teams and external stakeholders to translate strategy into practical implementation.

Job Description MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Financial / Shareholder Returns

• Identify responsible, commercially viable and developmentally impactful investment opportunities in defence-related manufacturing and dual-use value chains
• Support the implementation of opportunities that strengthen South Africa’s sovereign industrial capability while remaining aligned with IDC’s risk appetite, funding constraints and responsible investment requirements
• Provide input into the design and implementation of funding approaches, including ring-fenced funding arrangements and related governance requirements
• Provide advice and support to IDC Business units on pre-screening, due diligence and post investment monitoring

Internal / Operational Processes

• Support implementation of the IDC’s Defence for Development strategic approach and Defence Industry Plan
• Advise on the development of an internal compliance and governance framework for defencerelated manufacturing
• Support the development of pre-screening, due diligence and post-investment monitoring processes for defence-related transactions
• Provide specialist input into sanctions screening, end-user verification, export-control requirements, adverse media checks, human rights, labour, ESG and reputational risk assessment processes
• Assist with the development of defence-sector risk indicators, compliance triggers, escalation mechanisms and mitigation controls
• Advise on policy positions and decision criteria for emerging defence technologies, including autonomous weapons systems, AI-enabled surveillance, cybersecurity, intelligence and surveillance systems and dual-use technologies
• Prepare technical inputs, briefing notes, reports and recommendations for internal governance structures and relevant Board committees as required

Customer Focus & Stakeholder Management

• Engage and support internal IDC teams to support coordinated implementation
• Lead engagement with relevant government departments, regulators, security-state structures, industry associations, research institutions, manufacturers, technology developers, funders and other ecosystem stakeholders
• Lead engagement with relevant national regulatory and oversight bodies, including arms control, export-control, non-proliferation and security-related structures
• Provide practical insight into defence value chains, market dynamics, industrial capabilities, technology trends, procurement pathways and potential project opportunities
• Help position the IDC as a responsible and informed participant in defence-related industrial development

Learning, Leadership & People Growth

• Build internal understanding of the defence-related manufacturing ecosystem, including sector structure, technologies, risks, opportunities and regulatory requirements
• Provide coaching, mentoring and technical guidance to internal teams involved in defence related strategy, compliance, risk and transaction assessment
• Share industry intelligence, lessons from comparable markets and emerging trends to inform IDC decision-making
• Support knowledge sharing across cross-functional teams to strengthen institutional readiness for responsible defence-related investment

Qualification and Experience

QUALIFICATIONS (Formal qualifications)

• Minimum qualification: relevant postgraduate qualification in engineering, defence studies, security studies, international relations, economics, law, business, science, technology, public policy or a related field
• Master’s degree, MBA or equivalent senior professional qualification would be an advantage
• Specialist training or certification in defence procurement, export controls, sanctions compliance, AML/CFT, ESG, human rights due diligence or risk management would be an advantage

KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• Minimum of 8-10 years’ experience in the defence, aerospace, maritime, land systems, security, dual-use technology or related industrial sectors
• Demonstrated experience in defence-related manufacturing, industrial capability

development, value-chain analysis, strategy implementation or programme development

• Strong practical understanding of South Africa’s defence-industrial ecosystem, including relevant manufacturers, technology capabilities, public-sector stakeholders, regulatory bodies and procurement pathways
• Sound knowledge of defence-related regulatory and compliance requirements, including arms control, export controls, sanctions screening, AML/CFT, non proliferation, end-user verification, human rights, labour and ESG considerations
• Experience in developing or implementing internal controls, governance frameworks, due diligence processes, monitoring frameworks, risk indicators or compliance protocols in highrisk or regulated sectors
• Ability to assess responsible investment opportunities in conventional defence equipment, aerospace and defence manufacturing, defence logistics and support services, cybersecurity, intelligence and surveillance systems and dual-use technologies
• Strong understanding of reputational, governance, sanctions, human-rights and ethical risks associated with defence-related investment
• Excellent networks across relevant public and private sector stakeholders, including industry participants, government departments, regulators, research institutions, funders and technical experts
• Experience working with senior executives, Board committees, government stakeholders or multi-disciplinary governance structures would be an advantage
• Excellent analytical, report-writing, communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to translate complex technical, regulatory and market information into practical recommendations

Roles and Responsibilities

TECHNICAL/FUNCTIONAL COMPETENCIES

• Responsible investment, compliance and governance advisory
• Risk identification, assessment, mitigation and escalation
• Strategic planning and implementation support
• Stakeholder management and inter-governmental coordination
• Analytical thinking and problem solving in complex regulated sectors
• Technical report writing, briefing preparation and executive-level communication

Roles and Responsibilities (cont.)

BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES

• Professional discretion and ability to handle sensitive sector information responsibly
• Sound judgement and ethical decision-making
• Relationship building and networking skills
• Persuading and influencing skills
• Coaching and mentoring
• Leading and co-ordinating across multi-disciplinary teams
• Ability to work effectively within teams and with senior stakeholders
• Presentation and communication skills