Key details

Job Highlight

Requirements

Proven experience conducting applied economic research and producing policy-relevant papers or briefs.

Experience in drafting Terms of Reference, managing commissioned research and supervising external Research Partners.

Experience compiling and analysing economic and sectoral data, and producing timely analytical reports.

Experience managing research project budgets and monitoring expenditure (programme level).

Experience maintaining research registers and knowledge repositories (databases, libraries).

Strong stakeholder engagement experience with government, research institutions, private sector and development partners.

Experience in coordinating multi-stakeholder research projects and facilitating steering committee processes.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including report-writing and presentation skills.

Project management skills and the ability to meet deadlines and deliverables.

Computer literacy (MS Office) and familiarity with economic/ data analysis tools. 119

Duties

Identification of Research Needs: Identify future and over-the-horizon research topics with potential impact on South Africa’s economy.

Produce policy- relevant thought papers and economic analysis to support the Director and Senior Management.

Project Initiation and Review: Draft Terms of Reference and letters of engagement for commissioned research.

Prepare SRPs recommendation submissions and maintain a register of follow-up actions and interventions.

Produce economic analysis for policy-oriented audiences.

Facilitation and Monitoring of the Strategic Research Partners (SRPs) programme: Facilitate and monitor research commissioned to SRPs and monitor progress of studies.

Monitor SRPs programme expenditure and ensure value-for-money and deliverable compliance.

Oversight and Administrative Support: Provide support for the effective operation of the Knowledge Management Centre.

Project-manage research projects commissioned to SRPs, establish steering committees, and disseminate outputs.

Compile and maintain registers and ensure timely administration of research contracts.

Stakeholder Management: Facilitate collaboration and knowledge sharing on microeconomic policy, enterprise development and competitiveness.

Build and maintain relationships with government departments, research institutions, private sector and development partners.

Ensure alignment of stakeholder contributions with strategic and policy object.

How to apply

Email: Recruitment@dot.gov.za

Tip: Many government posts require a completed Z83 form. Download it above and follow the guide.

Notes

Closing Date

27 March 2026 NOTE : Applications must be accompanied by a completed new Z83 form, obtainable from any Public Service Department, (or obtainable at).

Applicants must fill in full new Z83 form part A, B, C, and D. A recent updated comprehensive CV (previous experience must be comprehensively detailed, i.e. positions held and dates).

Applicants will submit certified copies of all qualifications and ID document on the day of the interviews.

It is the applicant’s responsibility to have foreign qualifications evaluated by the South African Qualification Authority (SAQA).

The Department reserves the right not to fill the post.

All shortlisted candidates, including SMS, shall undertake two pre-entry assessments.

One must be a practical exercise, and the other must be an Integrity (Ethical Conduct) Assessment.

Selection panels shall score both technical exercises as an additional criterion in the interview process; the logistics will be communicated to candidates prior to the interviews.

Recommended candidates will also be required to attend a generic managerial competency assessment after the interviews also take a note that National School of Governance (NGS) has introduce compulsory SMS pre-entry certificate with effect from 01 April 2020 as Minimum Entry Requirements for Senior Management Services (submitted prior to appointment) and can be accessed through the following link: http://www.thensg.gov.za/training-course/sms-pre- entry-programme/.

The competency assessment will be testing generic managerial competencies using the mandated DPSA SMS competency assessment tools.

The successful candidate must disclose to the Director- General particulars of all registrable financial interests, sign a performance agreement and employment contract with the Director-General within three months from the date of assumption of duty.

The successful candidate must be willing to sign an oath of secrecy with the Department.

Applicants will be expected to be available for selection interviews and assessments at a time, date and place as determined by the Department.

An offer letter will only be issued to the successful candidate once the following has been verified educational qualifications, previous experience, citizenship, reference checks and security vetting.

Please note: Correspondence will only be entered into with short-listed candidates. MANAGEMENT ECHELON