PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA

 

 

 

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

 

PROCEDURAL OFFICER: RESEARCH & PARLIAMENTARY PRACTICE (IRC8450)

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

 

The Parliament of the Republic of South Africa is a premier institution in the country given its status as the only legislative authority of South Africa. It is the heart of our democracy where the country’s representatives gather to discuss important issues and debate policy affecting the citizens, engage with citizens in the process of passing laws meant to promote the public and improve the lives of citizens. The two houses that make up Parliament, the National Assembly, and the National Council of Provinces, each with their own distinct roles and functions set out in the Constitution, have a duty to promote the constitutional values of human dignity, equality, non-racialism, non-sexism, human rights, and freedom for all citizens.

 

JOB SUMMARY

As a Procedural Officer, you provide procedural advice and guidance, and administrative support to Members of the National Assembly on non-plenary related matters, contribute to drafting of procedural literature, provide administrative and procedural support to House/internal committees, provide procedural and administrative support to House Plenaries, and contribute to training of Members and staff, including drafting training material.

 

Your key responsibilities will be:

a) Provision of procedural advice, guidance and administrative support

  • Provision of procedural advice, guidance and administrative support on non-plenary related matters (including petitions, submissions and representations) within stipulated timeframes.
  • Prepares documents relating to the provision of advice, guidance and support relating to scrutiny, tabling & referral of documents to Portfolio Committees, NA’s statutory functions, Petitions and unsolicited submissions – complaints, requests & enquiries from the public & civil society organisations.
  • Provides support to plenary meetings by preparing requisite Parliamentary Papers and documents and makes them available in the Chamber.
  • Providing direct procedural support to Presiding Officers during plenary sittings of the National Assembly & mini plenaries. Providing procedural advice to members of the National Assembly during plenary sittings and mini-plenaries.
  • Creating a record of proceedings during plenary and drafting Considered Rulings.
  • Provides direct procedural support to Presiding Officers during Joint Sittings and provides procedural advice to members of Parliament during Joint Sittings and creates a record of proceedings during plenary.
  • Provides direct procedural support to Presiding Officers during mini-plenaries and provides procedural advice to members of the National Assembly during mini-plenaries and creates a record of proceedings during plenary.

b) Provision of procedural advice and guidance, and administrative support to House Committees and Forums within stipulated timeframes

  • Prepares supporting documents and provides procedural advice and secretarial support to the following committees and/or their substructures: National Assembly Rules Committee
  • Joint Rules Committee
  • Subcommittees on review of National Assembly and Joint Rules
  • Chief Whip’s Forum and substructures
  • Powers and Privileges Committee
  • Disciplinary Committee
  • Subcommittee on Physical Removal of Members from Chamber
  • Assists with the provision of procedural advice on petitions for the Committee on Executive Undertakings and Petitions

c) Drafting and Publication

  • Identifies matters for substantive rulings by Presiding Officers.
  • Prepares draft rulings for submission to the Procedural Adviser for finalisation.
  • Follows up on scheduling of Rulings for plenary sittings.
  • Contributes to drafting of procedural literature, (example: Procedural Developments, Fact Sheets, Annotated Digest of Rulings, NA Guide to Procedure) within stipulated timeframes.
  • Prepares the development of Standard Operating Procedures for non-plenary related procedural advice, guidance and support.
  • Analyses and updates the Annotated Digest of Rulings.
  • Contributes to the development of NA Table publications namely:
  • Procedural Developments
  • NA Guide to Procedure
  • Training material on procedure
  • Fact sheets
  • Local and international journal articles

d) Research and Innovation

  • Undertake research on parliamentary procedure and assist in the co-ordination of publication of research papers and other information resources.
  • Scans the environment for research topics and submits proposals.
  • Undertakes research on parliamentary procedure.
  • Assists with the coordination of the publication of research and other papers internally and externally.

e) Training and development

  • Compile training material on relevant topics.
  • Participate and contribute to staff training programmes.
  • Where required, contribute to training of Members.

 

To qualify, you must have:

  • Grade 12
  • Relevant 4-year degree/Post-graduate Diploma/MTech degree at an NQF Level 8
  • 5 years relevant experience

 

You must also demonstrate:

Technical knowledge and skills:

  • Excellent knowledge and understanding of Parliamentary procedures especially in respect of the National Assembly and its committees.
  • Excellent knowledge and understanding of the rules, practices and procedures of the National Assembly.
  • Thorough knowledge of the constitutional framework.
  • Excellent understanding of the role of Parliament and its core functions.
  • Able to operate within a political and pressurised environment.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills (written and verbal).
  • Excellent writing and report writing skills.
  • Excellent research and analysis skills.

 

Behavioural Competencies:

  • Strong work ethic
  • Leadership ability
  • Problem solving skills
  • Ability to work in a team
  • Organisational awareness
  • Research and analytical skills
  • Ability to deliver results and meet expectations
  • Collaboration ability
  • Systems thinking
  • Integrity
  • Agility and responsiveness
  • Strong attention to detail
  • Learning focussed
  • Ability to work long and irregular hours under sustained pressure.

 

What you will experience working at Parliament:

In return for your hard work, we offer meaningful and engaging work that present exciting challenges and exposure to innovative projects that have a positive impact on the lives of millions. We are passionate about making a difference. We are committed to recognising and rewarding dedication and high performance and are invested in your growth and development. We offer numerous growth-promoting opportunities and resources such as a 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.

 


 

 

 

About Us

Working at the Parliament of South Africa is a unique opportunity like no other. 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. 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 lives of 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.



 

To Apply, Please Select the Appropriate Button Below:

EXTERNAL APPLICANTS

Person that has never been employed by Parliament

EX-EMPLOYEE

Person that was previously employed by Parliament including previously employed Interns and existing Interns

 

CLOSING DATE: 1 June 2026

 

“Parliamentary Services Administration promotes and applies the principles of Affirmative Action and equal opportunities”.

 

PLEASE NOTE that only applications submitted via the i-Recruitment platform will be accepted. All required supporting documentation and information must be provided; incomplete applications will not be processed. Security clearance and qualification verification are mandatory for all appointments. Should you not hear from us within two months (2) from the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful. Successful candidates will be required to sign a performance agreement. Parliament reserves the right not to make an appointment.