MANUFACTURING, ENGINEERING AND RELATED SERVICES SETA (MERSETA)

The Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services Sector Education and Training Authority (merSETA) is a Schedule 3A public entity established in terms of the Skills Development Act (Act No. 97 of 1998) Registration Number 17/merSETA/01/04/20 to facilitate skills development for the Metal and Engineering, Motor Retail and Components Manufacturing, Automobile Manufacturing, Plastics Manufacturing and New Tyre Manufacturing Sectors Automotive Components Manufacturing Chamber.

INTERNAL & EXTERNAL ADVERT

We have an excellent opportunity for the following professional to join the Strategy and Research Division.

SPECIALIST: RESEARCH AND INNOVATION (C3)

Reference Number: SRI/HO/03/09/2026

Salary Level: R45 909.53 pm

FIXED-TERM CONTRACT: 24 MONTHS

HEAD OFFICE

Purpose: This position is responsible for supporting and coordinating partnerships and innovation projects within the unit. It involves managing the full lifecycle of these partnerships, guiding stakeholders through processes and deliverables, and solving problems using innovative approaches.

Key Responsibilities

The ideal candidate should be able to fulfil and perform the following key responsibilities:

 Support and coordinate unit partnerships and innovation projects.

 Manage the initiation, implementation, and closure of partnerships comprehensively.

 Actively participate in and support internal stakeholders to attain merSETA objectives.

 Assist in internal processes related to the evaluation and verification of Discretionary Grants applications.

 Verify that all documentary evidence aligns with the organization's annual performance plan.

 Provide advice to stakeholders on Technical Indicator Descriptors in merSETA’s Annual Performance Plan.

 Review learner registrations on the Learner Management System accurately and promptly.

 Approve or reject registrations and provide timely and pertinent feedback for reasons behind rejections.

 Assess the accuracy and compliance of evidence from project deliverables.

 Forecast expected expenses for unit activities and regularly monitor project budgets.

 Review submitted payment requisitions and invoices, making recommendations to management.

 Submit commitment schedules monthly.

 Maintain precise records of commitment schedules.

 Manage the performance development plans of subordinates.

Qualifications and Experience

 A 3-year Bachelor’s degree (NQF Level 7) in one of the following fields—or an equivalent NQF Level 7 Level qualification that matches a Bachelor’s degree in these areas:

 Business Administration/Management

 Project Management

 Commerce

 Social Sciences

 Skills Development/Training

 3 years’ project management/administration experience in research, innovation or skills development projects in a SETA or public sector environment.

Advantageous

 Honours degree (NQF Level 8) in one of the following fields —or an equivalent NQF Level 8 qualification that matches an honours/postgraduate degree in one of these areas:

 Business Administration/Management

 Project Management

 Commerce

 Social Sciences

 Skills Development/Training

 More than 3 years’ project management/administration experience in research, innovation or skills development projects in a SETA or public sector environment. Knowledge and Skills

 Customer Service Orientation skills

 Analysis and Problem-Solving skills

 Project Management Skills

 Presentation skills

 Attention to Detail

Must have own legally registered transport in good condition

Offer

The merSETA offers a competitive salary package and an opportunity to work with a dynamic and diverse team. If you meet the requirements and are interested in this exciting opportunity, please submit your application for consideration.

CLOSING DATE: 03 September 2026

The merSETA is an equal opportunity employer and preference will be given to suitably qualified Affirmative Action Candidates and People Living with Disabilities in line with the Employment Equity Plan. To apply for this opportunity, submit a fully completed job application form, a detailed curriculum vitae with three references, clearly quoting the Reference Number only as a subject in the email: recruitment@merseta.org.za

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Should you not be contacted within 2 months after the closing date, please know that your application was not successful.

The merSETA reserves the right not to make an appointment.

NB: All applications that do not submit a fully completed merSETA Job Application Form and do not quote the reference number in the subject line will be automatically disqualified.

Applicants are required to follow all instructions as outlined in the advert when submitting their applications.