SENIOR RESEARCHER

SENIOR RESEARCHER

Closing Date: January 31, 2024
All Inclusive Salary Package: R 958 824 ā€“ R 1 125 825 Per Annum
Benefits: The successful candidate may structure the total package for a 13th cheque. Housing, medical aid, and pension allowance are included in the total package.
Contract Type: Permanent
Objective: The South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) is a statutory public entity operating under the NQF Act, No. 67 of 2008, as amended in 2010 and 2019. SAQA seeks to appoint a Senior Researcher. The successful candidate will conceptualise, conduct, oversee and assist with the management of research towards the implementation and further development of the NQF, report on/ disseminate research findings, co-lead the integration of research and policy development, and provide strategic insights, advice, and evidence-based inputs. (Applicants are required to attach an application letter together with their curriculum vitae and at least three references).
Requirements are:
  • Eligible candidates must hold an appropriate recognised qualification at NQF Level 9 or above, or equivalent, in the fields of Social Science, Education, Education Policy.
  • A relevant recognised qualification at NQF Level 10 in these fields would be an advantage.
  • A minimum of 3 years of research and management experience with extensive knowledge of the NQF environment and related aspects, the South African system for education, training, and development, research design, methodology and analysis (quantitative and qualitative) are required.
  • Incumbents need to have good knowledge of the relevant legislation including but not limited to the NQF Act, as Amended, NQF policy suite, PFMA, National Development Plan, New Growth Path, ETD sector legislation, programme and project management, financial management, managing emerging researchers, and change management.
  • Characteristics of a transformational leader with strong managerial skills, a clear vision, and focused action would position candidates favourably.
Key performance areas:
  • Conceptualise, conduct, oversee, and assist with the management of, SAQA research and SAQAā€™s research partnerships towards the implementation and further development of the NQF.
  • Plan, develop, manage, and contribute to, the NQF Impact Study.
  • Report on, and contribute to the dissemination of, SAQAā€™s research, by writing for different audiences and co-leading and participating in research events.
  • Co-lead the integration of research and policy development.
  • Provide strategic evidence-based advice, inputs, and insights.
  • Publish in peer-reviewed publications.
  • Support research capacity development at SAQA.

The work covers a wide range of research foci relating to the South African NQF and qualifications frameworks globally, as well as specialised work relating to redress, learner access, success and progression, and quality and transparency in the system for education, training, development, and work in the country.

SAQA will verify credit and criminal records as well as qualifications.
SAQA reserves the right not to make an appointment to the advertised post and will only communicate with short listed candidates.