Senior Research Specialist

• To provide strategic leadership and oversight of the SCM function through the development and implementation of procurement strategies, policies, and processes that comply with the PFMA, NT Regulations, the PPPFA, and other applicable legislation. The incumbent will promote good governance, transparency, value for money, and efficient procurement, overseeing strategic sourcing relationships.

Job Description

• Develop and implement research data management practices that ensure the quality, integrity, confidentiality, security, accessibility, and governance of research data throughout the research lifecycle.
• Design and implement quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, including surveys, interviews, focus groups, questionnaires, and mixed-method research approaches.
• Analyse, interpret, and integrate quantitative and qualitative data using appropriate analytical tools and methodologies.
• Produce high-quality technical reports, policy briefs, research papers, presentations, executive summaries, dashboards, and statistical reports for
• Executive Management, the Accounting Authority, DHET, and other stakeholders.
• Translate complex research findings into user-friendly reports and practical recommendations that support strategic decision-making and skills development interventions.
• Monitor research performance indicators and develop reporting frameworks to measure the impact and effectiveness of research initiatives.
• Develop policies and processes for the registration, appointment, and management of research contractors.
• Provide technical guidance and quality assurance to research service providers.
• Ensure all research outputs, WSPs, ATRs, and related reports comply with DHET regulations, ETDP SETA policies, governance frameworks, and ethical research standards.
• Implement quality assurance processes for all research activities and outputs.
• Establish and maintain a central research resource centre comprising research reports, publications, databases, and knowledge products.
• Ensure compliance with ETDP SETA policies, legislative requirements, governance frameworks, and regulatory standards relating to research and skills planning.
• Promote consistency and quality in the implementation of research methodologies, WSP and ATR submissions.
• Identify risks, policy gaps, and compliance issues, and recommend appropriate corrective actions.
• Provide research evidence and labour market intelligence to support the ETDP SETA Operational Plan and strategic planning processes.
• Align research initiatives with organisational priorities and performance targets.
• Prepare, monitor, and manage the operational and project budgets of the Research Unit.
• Lead, supervise, mentor, and coordinate the activities of researchers and research assistants.
• Manage staff performance, capacity building, and professional development.
• Allocate work, monitor progress, and ensure delivery of quality research outputs within agreed timelines.
• Maintain effective document management systems for research records, reports, WSPs, ATRs, and project documentation.
• Ensure proper filing, archiving, retrieval, and safeguarding of research information and confidential data.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, annual, and ad hoc reports for Executive Management, the Accounting Authority, DHET, and other stakeholders.
• Develop presentations, briefing notes, dashboards, and research publications to communicate findings effectively.
• Provide regular progress reports and technical advice to the Manager: Research and Skills Planning.
• Build and maintain productive relationships with employers, organised labour, government departments, research institutions, education and training providers, and other sector stakeholders.
• Engage stakeholders to validate research findings and improve the quality and relevance of research outputs and WSP/ATR submissions.
• Represent the ETDP SETA at sector forums, conferences, workshops, and stakeholder engagements.
• Manage the appointment, contracting, performance, and delivery of external research consultants in accordance with procurement policies.
• Review, evaluate, consolidate, and quality assure research reports submitted by external service providers before final acceptance.
• Perform any other duties as assigned by the Line Manager

Job Requirements Qualification

• A Postgraduate qualification NQF Level 8 in Education, Economics, Management, Social Sciences, Statistics, Public Policy, Development Studies, or a related field.
• A master's degree in the above fields will be an added advantage.

Experience

• At least five 5 years' relevant experience in research and skills planning within the Skills Development, public sector, education, or training environment.
• Proven experience in labour market research, sector skills planning, and project management.
• Demonstrated experience in research data management, including data governance, quality assurance, information management, and compliance with research ethics.
• Proven experience in designing and implementing both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, including surveys, interviews, focus groups, data collection, analysis, interpretation, and reporting.
• Demonstrated experience in analysing large and complex datasets and producing research reports that support evidence-based decision-making.
• Experience in managing Workplace Skills Plans WSPs, Annual Training Reports ATRs, and Sector Skills Plans SSPs will be an added advantage.
• Sound knowledge of the Skills Development Act, Skills Development Levies Act, SETA Grant Regulations, National Skills Development Plan NSDP, DHET policies, and the broader legislative and regulatory framework governing the skills development sector.
• Sound knowledge of labour market intelligence, skills planning frameworks, and the education and skills development sector.
• Advanced knowledge and practical application of quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, including research design, data collection, analysis, interpretation, and reporting.
• Demonstrated experience in research data management, data governance, quality assurance, and ethical research practices.
• Strong analytical, critical thinking, and critical thinking skills, with the ability to analyse labour market trends, identify emerging skills needs, and develop evidence-based recommendations and projection models.
• Proven ability to initiate, manage, and deliver research projects from inception to completion.
• Excellent technical report writing, presentation, and communication skills, with the ability to present complex research findings to diverse audiences.
• Strong project management, planning, organisational, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain strategic partnerships and collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to develop research frameworks, templates, tools, policies, and standard operating procedures.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
• Experience with statistical and qualitative data analysis software such as SPSS, STATA, R, NVivo, Power BI, or equivalent will be an added advantage.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and perform effectively under pressure while meeting deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal skills, sound professional judgment, high ethical standards, integrity, and attention to detail.
• Innovative, results-driven, and committed to continuous improvement and service excellence.A valid South African driver's license.