COUNCIL ON HIGHER EDUCATION (CHE) VACANCIES

​Applications are invited from suitably qualified and experienced candidates for appointment to the following position:
 
SENIOR RESEARCHER
Programme: Research and Monitoring
Total cost of employment package
R1 216 824. 00 per annum
The successful candidate will be reporting to the Director: Research and Monitoring
 
Main responsibilities:
§ Conceptualising research projects, preparing comprehensive research proposals, and compiling submissions to apply for ethical clearance.
§ Leading data collection, data processing, data analysis, and other practical research processes in qualitative and quantitative empirical and/or desk-top research projects.
§ Drafting progress reports and final research reports, submitting these for review process, and revising them appropriately taking into account feedback from the review process.
§ Disseminating relevant research information, including research findings, at conferences, colloquia and symposia, as well as in scholarly publications.
§ Coordinating and monitoring research projects commissioned out to external researchers, and managing contracts of the external researchers.
§ Reviewing research outputs produced by in-house, interns and external researchers; and providing guidance on how these could be improved and/or strengthened.
§ Screening manuscripts received for publication in Kagisano, the research journal of the CHE, processing them for a peer review process, and packaging the feedback from the peer reviewers to be communicated to authors.
§ Managing intellectual engagement and/or national critical discourse events, including managing task teams or working groups established to plan, organise and coordinate such events.
§ Drafting reports and other relevant submissions to the Research, Monitoring and Advice Committee; Council; the Department of Higher Education and Training; and other stakeholder bodies.
§ Participating actively in initiatives to grow the research area of work within the CHE, and to increase the impact of the research on the higher education system in South Africa.
§ Networking with researchers and other research stakeholders in universities, science councils, and other research bodies locally and internationally.
 
Minimum requirements
§ Research-based Master’s degree, preferably in Higher Education or related Humanities and Social Science disciplines. A doctorate degree in Higher Education or related Humanities and Social Science discipline will be accorded more preference.
§ Five (5) years’ demonstrable research experience focusing on, or related to, higher education.
§ Three (3) scholarly papers or book chapters published within the last five (5) years in journals or books that are recognised by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET).
§ Three (3) conference presentations within the last five (5) years.
§ Demonstrable experience of managing research projects, research teams, research project budgets, and quality of research outputs.
§ Demonstrable experience of organising intellectual engagement events such as conferences, colloquia and seminars.
§ Demonstrable understanding of research – policy interface, and societal impacts of research.
§ Above average academic writing skills.
§ Above average academic review and/or editing skills.
 
Competencies
§ Academic rigour
§ Academic writing
§ Attention to detail
§ Conceptual, strategic and systems thinking
§ Critical analysis
§ Deadline conscious
§ Emotional intelligence
§ Facilitation of events
§ Knowledge management
§ Planning and organising
§ Problem solving
§ Project management
§ Qualitative research
§ Quantitative research
§ Research ethics and integrity
§ Research philosophy in Education, Social Sciences or Humanities
§ Stakeholder engagement
§ Verbal and written communication

​Application procedures
To apply please submit the following:
a) A completed job application form available from the CHE website (www.che.ac.za/newsroom/vacancies).
b) A comprehensive CV which should include a list of scholarly publications, among others.
c) Certified copies of qualifications.
d) Copies of three (3) articles/papers published in scholarly journals, and/or book chapters, published within the last five (5) years.
e) A detailed motivation regarding your suitability for the position, as well as how you meet each of the stipulated requirements.
f) Names and contact details (including telephone numbers) of three work-related referees, including at least one from a recent line manager.
 
Applications that do not include all that is listed above will not be considered.
Applications must be forwarded to Affirmative Portfolios, for attention Destiny Penniken via e-mail to recruitment@affirm.co.za or hand delivered to 14 Petunia Street, Corner Main Road, La Rocca Office Park, Block E, Bryanston.
 
Correspondence will be limited to shortlisted candidates. If you have not been contacted within 30 days after the closing date, please consider your application as unsuccessful. Shortlisted candidates will be required to undergo psychometric tests and competency assessments to determine their suitability for employment.
 
Further details pertaining to conditions of service including remuneration are available from +27 12 349 3872 or email Mashiane.M@che.ac.za. 
Enquiries about the technical aspects of the position may be directed to research@che.ac.za. The CHE is committed to Employment Equity and aims to attract and retain talented individuals to achieve its equity objectives. Therefore, people from designated groups, including those with disabilities, are encouraged to apply.
 
Closing date: 13 June 2025
No late applications will be considered