SOUTH AFRICAN LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION (SALGA) VACANCIES

​SENIOR RESEARCHER
Based in National Office (Pretoria) 
Ref: 26/01/05
Cluster: Office of the CEO
Remuneration package: A competitive salary package with benefits
 
Our promise to our employees is to give them an opportunity to grow their careers through experiences and connections that inspire them to make an impact 
 
ROLE OVERVIEW 
Reporting to the Senior Manager: Research, Knowledge Management and Innovation, this role is required to lead and conduct ongoing research aligned to the SALGA strategy and annual performance plan in order to strengthen SALGA’s body of knowledge to better inform decision making and the service offering of SALGA and to support the positioning of SALGA as the custodian of LG Intelligence. 
 
THE CANDIDATE PROFILE 
■ Report Writing 
■Consultative 
■ Qualitative & Quantitative Research 
■Ability to work in a multi-disciplinary environment 
■Build productive working relationships with stakeholders 
■Proficiency or ability to gain proficiency in project management tools and techniques 
■Ability to work with minimal supervision and outstanding excellent verbal and written communications skills 
■Ability to communicate at different levels with people of different backgrounds 
■Results driven individual
■Ability to work independently and as part of the team 
■Strong analytical ability coupled with sound problem-solving and inter- personal skills; and 
■Strong initiative and well-rounded implementer and driver of multi-disciplinary programmes that have an intentional turnaround dimension. 
■Culture fit: SALGA desires an individual who will share and buy-in, in our core values, mission and vision, demonstrating a commitment to our 's ethos beyond just doing the job 
 
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE 
■ Minimum of a Master’s Degree in Public Administration, Political Science, Economics, Public Policy, Social Science or related field 
■ A Valid Code 08 drivers’ license and own vehicle 
■Minimum of 5 years’ relevant working experience of which at least 3 years have been at an equivalent level within a medium to large sized organisation 
■ Experience in Local Government will be an advantage 
■Knowledge of government policies, legislative processes, policy analysis is essential. 
 
KEY PORTFOLIO AND PERFORMANCE FOCUS AREAS 
■ Research Project Planning and Management: Support the development and implement appropriate project management methodologies and disciplines; and manage full project cycle on assigned projects including M&E. Plan, manage and implement research projects within time, quality and budget requirements. Develop TORs for identified research projects. Maintain records as per SALGA policy and ensure that all project records are uploaded into the company knowledge management system. Create a high-performance culture on all projects and report on progress against milestones and prepare audit files for each project prior to audit. Oversee the implementation of all research projects against contract specification and payments are based on agreed milestone. Identify spin-off projects and opportunities.
■ Research Content: Support the development (with business partners) of the Research agenda in the dedicated portfolio and support the Senior Manager with the development of the SALGA annual research agenda. Implement the SALGA Research Agenda through the coordination and conduct of specific research projects and oversee the implementation of research projects handled by Researchers. Support the development of and utilise appropriate research methodologies, methods, evaluation strategies and research tools. Identify and propose research opportunities in support of the Research agenda and SALGA mandate. Respond to ad hoc research requests from the dedicated portfolio to ensure that SALGA stays abreast of topical issues pertaining to LG and able to inform related debates and information needs. Interpret analyse and package research information to inform decision makers in SALGA and LG Sector. Support the maintenance repository of knowledge and information on local government and support the strengthening of municipal profiles in the central repository 
■ Dissemination of Research Results: Prepare high-quality research reports and presentations to disseminate research findings to targeted audiences. Provide inputs to reports generated by researchers to ensure consistent quality standards. Support the preparation of policy/ municipal briefs on issues that have implications on LG to strengthen SALGAs’ ability to influence policy directions at local and other levels. Disseminate research results through publications, position papers, presentations at seminars, workshops, conferences etc. 
■ Stakeholder Management: Within the scope of area of accountability build and maintain relevant stakeholder relationships/ partnerships in the area of responsibility. Ensure appropriate and timely communications with all stakeholders. Collaborate with academic and research institutions, sector departments and other partners to strengthen the quality and relevance of research and to increase SALGA’s capacity to make an impact 
■ Financial and Expense Monitoring: Assist with the preparation of annual budgets and monitoring of the monthly expenditure in area of accountability. Assist in the identification of potential revenue sources in area of responsibility (where applicable). Participate in procurement committees as required and adhere to procurement requirements and deadlines for identified programmes. Monitor sponsorship payments according to the contract and track programme implementation against the budget. Actively save costs in the area of responsibility. 
■ Governance, Compliance and Risk Management: Uphold sound corporate governance principles in the day-to-day operation of the area of responsibility/ professional discipline. Ensure compliance with organisational policies and procedures. Support the identification and mitigation of organisational and operational risks identified in the area of responsibility/ professional discipline. Develop and maintain programme risk register and ensure that mitigation steps are applied. Assign values to risks in order to understand financial implications of risk 
■ Coaching and Teamwork: Coach more junior members of the team in the planning and implementation of the research agenda and building relevant partnerships in the research space. Fulfil a quality assurance role in the research team to ensure consistent quality standards are achieved. Work as a multi-disciplinary and integrated team to find possible solutions to complex challenges in municipalities. Support organisational priorities and the implementation of resource mobilisation systems and processes. In line with the SALGA organisational culture, role model the importance of alignment of personal and organisational values for improved performance. Support the Executive and Senior Management Team in building a high-performance culture in SALGA. Actively participate in the performance management and development processes in SALGA to drive high performance on an ongoing basis. Monitors the implementation of the research agenda and prepares quarterly reports to management.
 
 
Suitably qualified and experienced candidates must apply on the link below:
 
PLEASE APPLY HERE
 
Closing Date: 06 February 2026
 
NOTE: Communication will be limited to short-listed candidates only. SALGA reserves the right not to proceed with the appointment for any of the vacant position. All appointments will be made in line with the SALGA’S Employment Equity Plan

​SENIOR ADVISOR: INCLUSIVE GOVERNANCE
Based in National Office (Pretoria), Ref: 26/01/02
IGR and Municipal Resilience
Remuneration package: A competitive salary package with benefits
 
Our promise to our employees is to give them an opportunity to grow their careers through experiences and connections that inspire them to make an impact 
 
ROLE OVERVIEW 
Reporting to the Specialist: Inclusive Governance & Councillor Welfare. This role will provide strategic advisory, technical assistance, and capacity-building to municipalities to strengthen governance systems, ethical leadership, oversight and accountability, and compliance with legislative frameworks. Lead SALGA’s interventions on MPAC support, consequence management, ethics management, councillor welfare, and promote inclusive governance through enhanced public participation mechanisms and integration of traditional leadership roles in municipal decision-making processes. Lead initiatives that promote councillor well-being, mental health, safety, resilience, skills development, and empowerment programmes. 
 
THE CANDIDATE PROFILE 
■ Sound understanding of policy and legislative frameworks in area of responsibility 
■ Understanding of project management principles 
■ Understanding of expense management principles and regulations 
■ Sector Knowledge and a sound understanding of the policy, legislative and regulatory frameworks governing the sector; and in particular those applying to the Local Government Sector and SALGA 
■ Staying abreast of new developments in the area or responsibility 
■ Working knowledge of the developments (globally and in South Africa) in the related professional disciplines reporting to the position 
■ Ethical leadership, stakeholder influence, systems thinking, analytical judgment, facilitation, project management, and advanced computer literacy (MS Office, Power BI) 
■ Good understanding of the Public Sector and MFMA & Regulations, MSA, Municipal Structures Act, PRECCA, Protected Disclosures Act, POPIA, King IV, Code of Conduct for Councillors/Officials 
■ Oversight architecture, consequence management workflows, ethics management, legislative compliance, policy drafting, M&E frameworks 
■ Sound understanding of local government legislation (MFMA, MSA, ethics regulations) 
■ Integrity, diplomacy, results orientation, change management 
■Culture fit: SALGA desires an individual who will share and buy-in, in our core values, mission and vision, demonstrating a commitment to our ethos beyond just doing the job 
 
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE 
■ Bachelor’s in Public Policy/Governance/Public Administration or related field (Law advantageous), postgraduate advantageous 
■ Valid Driver’s Licence; Extensive Travel 
■ 5 years in municipal governance/advisory; strong track record in oversight, ethics, consequence management 
 
KEY PORTFOLIO AND PERFORMANCE FOCUS AREAS 
■ Governance Advisory & Reform: Diagnose governance gaps; design advisory notes; support implementation of governance frameworks (Council Rules, Delegations, Audit Committee TORs) 
■ Ethics & Consequence Management: Develop ethics frameworks, anti-corruption toolkits, consequence workflows; support investigations into financial misconduct. 
■ Capacity Building: Design curricula; deliver training to councillors and officials; create toolkits and dashboards.
■ Monitoring & Reporting: Track governance indicators; compile quarterly and annual reports aligned to SALGA APP and AGSA findings. 
■ Stakeholder Engagement: Represent SALGA at IGR forums; manage relationships with NT, COGTA, AGSA, and other stakeholders. 
■ Programme Management: Manage budgets, risks, procurement, and compliance with SALGA 
■ Public Participation: Develop and implement frameworks and tools to strengthen community engagement, ward committee functionality, and participatory governance practices. 
■ Traditional Leadership Integration: Facilitate collaboration between municipalities and traditional leaders to align governance processes with cultural and customary structures, ensuring compliance with legislation and respect for traditional authority.
 
 
 
Suitably qualified and experienced candidates must apply on the link below: 
 
PLEASE APPLY HERE
 
Closing Date: 06 February 2026 
 
NOTE: Communication will be limited to short-listed candidates only. SALGA reserves the right not to proceed with the appointment for any of the vacant position. All appointments will be made in line with the SALGA’S Employment Equity Plan.