KNOWLEDGE AND INFORMATION SERVICES DIVISION

CHIEF RESEARCHER

We offer a market and industry competitive total to cost package.

The Parliament of the Republic of South Africa is a premier institution in the country given its status as the legislative authority of South Africa. It is the only institution that has the power to make laws for the country. Parliament is not just a building, it’s the heart of our democracy where the country’s representatives gather to discuss important issue affecting the people, pass laws meant to promote the public good and promote accountability and transparency in governance. The two houses that make up Parliament, the National Assembly, and the National Council of Provinces, each with its own distinct role and functions set out in the Constitution, work together to oversee the promotion of the constitutional values of human dignity, equality, non-racialism and non-sexism, human rights, and freedom.

JOB SUMMARY

As the Chief Researcher, you will be responsible for the overall management of a professional research service to Parliament and will lead and guide research efforts, programmes and operations that support the core business of Parliament as it relates to the strengthening of oversight work, law-making processes, international engagements as well as the provision of support to senior management of Parliament for special projects and programmes.

Your key responsibilities will be:

a) Strategic and Business Planning

• Determine the strategic direction and value proposition of the Unit in line with Parliament’s strategic plan and APP and develops the Operational Plan for the Unit and contributes to the Division’s Operational Plan
• Develops multi-year research plan on key research projects and identifies strategic and operational risks and develops and implements mitigation measures
• Contributes to the Division’s Risk Register

b) Operations Management

• Responsible for service delivery of the Unit, including implementation of the multi-year research plan and programme
• Develops and quality assures monthly, quarterly and annual reports on performance of the Unit, including verified sources of evidence
• Ensures the development, implementation and review of policy directives and implementation procedures pertaining to Parliamentary research services and products Develop partnerships with research and academic institutions for strengthened research products and materials.

c) Stakeholder Management

• Develops and maintains internal and external stakeholder relations including Members of Parliament, Parliamentary Committee Chairpersons, Research Institutes and Academic Institutions
• Establishes and maintains collaborative relationships with key external stakeholders for knowledge co-creation, knowledge and data sharing and capacity building

d) Financial Management

• Monitors expenditure and reports on overspending in terms of financial management policies and procedures of the Parliamentary Service
• Prepares monthly, quarterly and annual report of expenditure in terms of the Parliamentary reporting process and format
• Manages finances according to policy, FMPPLA

e) Human Resources Management

• Responsible for human resource planning of the Unit
• Ensures that performance is managed in terms of Parliamentary Service performance management system and process
• Manages staff discipline, resolves grievances and conflict in terms of Parliamentary Service policies and procedures

f) Monitoring and Evaluation

• Develops appropriate methods for monitoring the productivity, services and effectiveness of the unit

To qualify, you must have:

• Master’s degree with specialisation in Social /Political Sciences/ Public Policy/ Economics/ Statistics /Public Administration or related qualification at an NQF level 9 PhD will be advantageous
• 8 years’ research experience in relation to parliamentary research / policy analysis / public administration of which 5 years must be at a managerial level. THIS POST IS SUBJECT TO A 6 MONTHS’ PROBATION PERIOD.

You must also demonstrate:

• Excellent knowledge of public policy and knowledge of the core Parliamentary processes
• Excellent knowledge and application of various research methodologies, practices and principles
• Excellent knowledge of data analysis and data modelling processes and knowledge in the development of research briefs within a legislative environment
• Research Programme and Project management Skills
• Ability, knowledge and skills to introduce new research methodologies, tools, and technologies to enhance research productivity and impact.

We are looking for people who have the following attributes:

• High energy with sense of urgency
• Exceptional interpersonal competence
• Excellent leadership ability and able to lead a large team of research professionals
• Ability to work under sustained pressure
• Sound organisational awareness ability
• Political acumen and diplomacy
• High level of emotional intelligence

What you will experience working at Parliament:

In return for your hard work, we offer meaningful and engaging work. We are passionate about making a difference. Joining us means you will be tackling exciting challenges and working on innovative projects that have a positive impact on the nation and the world. We are committed to recognising and rewarding your dedication and high performance. We are invested in your growth and development and offer numerous growth-promoting opportunities and resources such as bursary scheme and numerous learning and development opportunities. Our culture is collaborative and inclusive. We value teamwork and believe that together, we can achieve extraordinary results. When you join us, you will become part of a community that is driven by the need to serve the nation. Hard work is not all there is to us. Your well-being is important to us, and we promote work practices that enable a healthy work-life integration, supported by our hybrid work arrangements that combines in-office and remote work. Our wellness program, including various sporting codes, is designed to promote emotional and physical well-being. In addition to the above, we offer a highly competitive remuneration package.

About Us

Working at the Parliament of South Africa is a unique opportunity like no other. No matter where you are placed in this premier institution, you will be part of a truly remarkable and exceptional team that serves the people of our great country and shapes the course of our nation's history every day. If promoting the public good is what drives you, if you are passionate about shaping a brighter future for the citizens of South Africa, and you are ready to be part of something extraordinary where you can shine and make a real impact on the people of our country, then Parliament is the place to be. If you are also a dynamic individual who values professionalism, openness, integrity, teamwork, accountability, responsiveness and shows mutual respect, we would like to hear from you. Our doors are open, and we are inviting you to become a part of this incredible journey.

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