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PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA VACANCIES
PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA
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
- 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.
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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.
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: 27 January 2025
“Parliamentary Services Administration promotes and applies the principles of Affirmative Action and equal opportunities”.
KNOWLEDGE AND INFORMATION SERVICES DIVISION
RESEARCHER: FORESTRY, FISHERIES AND ENVIRONMENT
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 Researcher, you will provide strategic research support to Members and Committees in support of their oversight, legislative, public and international participation functions, as well as specialised research support to Senior Management of Parliament.
Your key responsibilities will be:
a) Conduct Research
- Respond to research needs of clients
- Design and manage research projects to objectively answer specific questions
- Conduct planning meeting(s) to develop Project Plan and develop conceptual framework for research papers/reports
- Participate in Committee Business Planning processes in order to inform business plan programme
- Regularly attend Committee meetings and provide research input/advice as requested
- Through proactive research identify key issues within sector that should be brought to Committee’s attention for purposes of informing oversight, monitoring and legislative functions
- Participate in Unit publications to highlight strategic priorities for sector for purposes of informing oversight, monitoring and legislative functions
- Provide research, analysis and information support in relation to oversight visits, study tours, sectoral parliaments and parliamentary projects
- Prepare, in proactive manner, briefing documents for oversight visits, study tours and meeting of international parliamentary fora
- Participate in conceptualisation process for sectoral parliaments and parliamentary projects
- Prepare concept documents for sectoral parliaments and parliamentary projects
- Provide on-site research support to members of delegations to regional and international parliamentary fora, such as the IPU, CPA, PAP and SADC-PF
- Draft reports on meetings of regional parliamentary fora, such as the PAP and SADC-PF
- Provide content support at sectoral parliaments when required
- Keep abreast of policy and legislative developments, as well as the response of key role-players (such as civil society bodies) to new developments
- Enhance specialist knowledge and keep abreast of developments in sector through internal and external seminars, workshops, conferences, training and contacts/stakeholders
- Submit monthly report timeously in approved format inclusion in the Unit’s month report
- Participate in Parliament’s Performance management system
- Quality control documents according to Unit Standards and Procedure
- Disseminate documents according to Units Standards and Procedure
- Present recommendations and proposals based on research finding and within the existing policy and legislative frameworks to Presiding Officers, Senior Management, delegates and colleagues
To qualify, you must have:
Applicants should be in possession of Matric and an Honours Degree (Equivalent to NQF level 8) in Environmental Science, Environmental Management, Natural Resource Management, Ecology, Forestry, Sustainability, Wildlife Management or a related field. This should be coupled with at least 3 years’ relevant research experience within a natural resource governance and policy space, with strong written and verbal communication skills. Applicants should display a clear understanding of environmental governance, sustainable resource management, the legislative and oversight functions of Parliament, as well as the roles and responsibilities of different spheres of government in environmental management.
You must also demonstrate:
- Sectoral specific knowledge
- An understanding of government processes
- Research experience
- Research methods
- Project Management
- Parliamentary processes and systems
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.
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: 27 January 2025
“Parliamentary Services Administration promotes and applies the principles of Affirmative Action and equal opportunities”.