NATIONAL SCHOOL OF GOVERNMENT (THE NSG) VACANCIES

​NOTE : Applications must consist of: A fully completed and signed new Z83 form with a comprehensive CV containing contactable references. Use of the old Z83 Form will result in disqualification. Candidates should not attach certified documents to the application. Only shortlisted candidates will be required to submit certified documents on or before the day of the interview. The relevant reference number must be written on the application form. Foreign qualifications must be accompanied by an evaluation certificate from the South African Qualification Authority (SAQA). Shortlisted candidates will be subjected to a technical exercise for the post (s). All appointments are subject to personnel suitability checks such as security vetting, citizen verification, financial records check, and qualifications verifications. Applications that do not comply with the above-mentioned requirements as well as applications that are received late, will not be considered. The selection process of the SMS post will be in line with the Senior Management Service requirements. The successful candidate will be expected to sign a performance agreement within three months from the date of assumption of duties and where applicable to disclose particulars of all registrable financial interests within a month. The employment decision shall be informed by the Employment Equity Plan of the Department to achieve its employment equity targets. It is the Department’s intention to promote equity (race, gender, and disability) through the filling of this post. The NSG reserves the right not to make an appointment and to use other recruitment processes. Correspondence will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. Successful completion of the Senior Management Pre-Entry Programme (Nyukela) is required for appointment of the SMS posts. Enrolment for the course should be made on the NSG’s website at https://www.thensg.gov.za/training-course/sms-pre-entry-programme. The NSG reserves the right not to make an appointment and to use other recruitment processes. Correspondence will be limited to shortlisted candidates only.

​MANAGEMENT ECHELON
 
 
CHIEF DIRECTOR: RESEARCH AND MARKET INTELLIGENCE REF NO: NSG 20/2025 
Job Purpose: To lead, design, and oversee economic research, policy analysis, and market intelligence, as well as drive the implementation of the NSG’s research agenda, capacity-building initiatives, and strategic representation in relevant government forums. 
SALARY : R1 494 900 per annum (Level 14), an inclusive remuneration package 
CENTRE : Pretoria 
 
REQUIREMENTS : A Bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification (NQF Level 7) in Economic Management, Data Sciences or a related field with a specialization in Applied Economics, Behavioural Economics, Public Economics, Policy Analysis, Statistics, Development Economics or another relevant discipline that demonstrates advanced knowledge and practical application of economics will be considered. A post-graduate qualification (NQF level 9 or 10) with demonstrable research capability will be an added advantage. Faculty affiliation at senior lecturer or Associate Professor level will give candidates a competitive edge. The successful applicant will be subjected to security vetting at an appropriate clearance level for senior managers. Experience: Extensive proven and relevant experience of which five (5) years must be at a senior managerial level, in applied economic research, modelling, capacity building and project management. Experience in leading and managing research projects and teams, preferably in an academic, research or public sector context. Demonstrated ability to conduct high-level research and analysis, formulate policies based on research outcomes, and provide strategic advice to senior management. Experience in academic writing, publishing of papers, management of journals and presentation. Experience working in higher and further education environments. Knowledge: In-depth understanding of macroeconomic principles, fiscal policy, and public economics. Knowledge of relevant public sector legislation, including the Public Service Act, Public Finance Management Act, and other regulatory frameworks. Proficiency in both qualitative and quantitative research techniques, particularly in economic and policy-related studies. In-depth knowledge of and experience in research, knowledge, information and data management. In-depth knowledge of public sector landscape and capacity building needs. Knowledge of professional bodies and regulatory body requirements (e.g., South African Qualifications Authority, Quality Council for Trades and Occupations, Council for Higher Education). In- depth theoretical and practical knowledge of best practice and cutting-edge research methodologies. Skills: Advanced theoretical and practical knowledge of research as a discipline, preparing datasets for quantitative and qualitative data analysis. Knowledge of broad analytical techniques, such as statistics and econometrics, as well as mathematical and operations research tools. Ability to analyse and draw reasonable inferences from the analyses of financial and economic data. Advanced knowledge to develop and validate research instruments/methods. Advanced knowledge of data warehousing and mining. Advanced knowledge of multi-disciplinary research and research environments. Ability to integrate, interrogate and interpret knowledge and information. Knowledge in skills assessments and identifying training needs. Proven advanced writing, proofreading and editing skills. Academic research and publications, use of plagiarism checking tools. Competencies: Must be able to provide a vision, set the direction for the business unit and inspire others to deliver on the organisational mandate. Must be able to plan, manage, monitor and evaluate specific activities to deliver the desired outputs. Must be able to compile and manage budgets, control cash flow, institute risk management and administer tender procurement processes in accordance with generally recognised financial practices to ensure the achievement of strategic organisational objectives. Must be able to initiate and support organisational transformation and change to successfully implement new initiatives and deliver on service delivery commitments. Must be able to promote the generation and sharing of knowledge and learning to enhance the collective knowledge of the organisation. Must be able to explore and implement new ways of delivering services that contribute to improving organisational processes to achieve organisational goals. Must be able to systematically identify, analyse and resolve existing and anticipated problems to reach optimum solutions in a timely manner. Must be able to manage and encourage people, optimise their outputs and effectively manage relationships in order to achieve organisational goals. Must be willing and able to deliver services effectively and efficiently to put the spirit of customer service (Batho Pele) into practice: Must be able to exchange information and ideas in a clear and concise manner appropriate for the audience to explain, persuade, convince and influence others to achieve the desired outcomes. Must be able to display and build the highest standards of ethical and moral conduct to promote confidence and trust in the Public Service. Personal Attributes: Participate in professional development growth activities for maintaining professional knowledge and staying current with curricular trends. Ability to multi-task and organise, prioritise and follow multiple projects and tasks through to completion with attention to detail. Ability to work independently while contributing to a team environment. Ability to analyse problems, identify solutions, take appropriate action, and resolve conflicts using independent judgment and decision-making. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with management, employees, stakeholders and the public. Integrity and honesty, detail-oriented, creative and innovative, ability to work under pressure. Domestic and international travel and work extended hours when required. Preference will be given to African Females, Youth, African and Coloured Males and people with disability in accordance with our employment equity requirements. 
 
DUTIES : The incumbent will be responsible for the following Key Results Areas: Develop and implement the NSG’s research agenda to address economic and public policy priorities. Represent the NSG in Economic Cluster forums, providing expert economic input and enhancing the institution's strategic positioning. Oversee the analysis of socio-economic policies and advise on capacity development interventions to improve public sector performance. Collaborate internally to support curriculum design with content, particularly in economics, based on research-driven insights. Produce high-quality research reports, policy briefs, and economic analyses for stakeholders. Manage and oversee collaborative research initiatives with academic institutions and government departments. Lead the development and use of economic models to forecast fiscal trends, labour market shifts, and policy impacts globally and locally. Conduct scenario planning to inform the future of the South African public sector and the NSG’s long-term strategy and public sector development initiatives. Monitor and report on economic indicators relevant to public governance and adjust strategies accordingly. Provide expert advice to senior leadership based on economic analyses and research findings. Identify strategic opportunities to align NSG’s programmes with the government’s economic development priorities. Build strategic partnerships with government bodies, universities, and think tanks to advance the NSG’s research agenda. Represent the NSG at national and international economic forums to share insights and enhance institutional visibility. Facilitate information sharing through publications, conferences, and workshops to promote thought leadership. Oversee the establishment and implementation of knowledge management systems for effective research dissemination. Foster interdepartmental collaboration to support data-driven decision-making and learning within the NSG. Undertake market intelligence and data analysis across organs of state to identify and inform capacity-building interventions. Conduct skills gap analyses to address the evolving needs of public sector governance and administration. Develop frameworks for measuring the impact of capacity-building initiatives and learning programmes. Provide economic data and research insights to support curriculum development for public sector training. Provide strategic leadership and management for the Chief Directorate. Ensure resource optimisation and performance excellence within the research team. Develop frameworks for ethical data management and compliance with research standards. Monitor and evaluate research outputs to ensure alignment with institutional priorities. Promote professional development to build a high-performing team. 
 
ENQUIRIES : Mpho Mugodo Tel No: (012) 441 6017 
APPLICATIONS : Email to Recruitment.MMSSMS@thensg.gov.za, or hand deliver to The National School of Government, ZK Mathews Building, 70 Meintje Street, Sunnyside, Pretoria.