CHIEF DIRECTOR: RESEARCH AND MARKET INTELLIGENCE REFERENCE NO:
NSG 20/2025
Job Purpose: To lead, design, and oversee economic research, policy analysis,
and market intelligence, as well as drive the implementation of the NSG’s
research agenda, capacity-building initiatives, and strategic representation in
relevant government forums.
SALARY :
R1 494 900 per annum (Level 14), an inclusive remuneration package
CENTRE :
Pretoria
REQUIREMENTS :
A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification (NQF Level 7) in Economic
Management, Data Sciences or a related field with a specialization in Applied
Economics, Behavioural Economics, Public Economics, Policy Analysis,
Statistics, Development Economics or another relevant discipline that
demonstrates advanced knowledge and practical application of economics will
be considered.
A post-graduate qualification (NQF level 9 or 10) with
demonstrable research capability will be an added advantage. Faculty
affiliation at senior lecturer or Associate Professor level will give candidates a
competitive edge. The successful applicant will be subjected to security vetting
at an appropriate clearance level for senior managers.
Experience:
Extensive proven and relevant experience of which five (5) years must be at a senior
managerial level, in applied economic research, modelling, capacity building
and project management. Experience in leading and managing research
projects and teams, preferably in an academic, research or public sector
context. Demonstrated ability to conduct high-level research and analysis,
formulate policies based on research outcomes, and provide strategic advice
to senior management. Experience in academic writing, publishing of papers,
management of journals and presentation. Experience working in higher and
further education environments.
Knowledge:
In-depth understanding of macroeconomic principles, fiscal policy, and public economics. Knowledge of
relevant public sector legislation, including the Public Service Act, Public
Finance Management Act, and other regulatory frameworks. Proficiency in
both qualitative and quantitative research techniques, particularly in economic
and policy-related studies. In-depth knowledge of and experience in research,
knowledge, information and data management. In-depth knowledge of public
sector landscape and capacity building needs. Knowledge of professional
bodies and regulatory body requirements (e.g., South African Qualifications
Authority, Quality Council for Trades and Occupations, Council for Higher
Education). In- depth theoretical and practical knowledge of best practice and
cutting-edge research methodologies.
Skills:
Advanced theoretical and practical knowledge of research as a discipline, preparing datasets for
quantitative and qualitative data analysis. Knowledge of broad analytical
techniques, such as statistics and econometrics, as well as mathematical and
operations research tools. Ability to analyse and draw reasonable inferences
from the analyses of financial and economic data. Advanced knowledge to
develop and validate research instruments/methods. Advanced knowledge of
data warehousing and mining. Advanced knowledge of multi-disciplinary
research and research environments. Ability to integrate, interrogate and
interpret knowledge and information. Knowledge in skills assessments and
identifying training needs. Proven advanced writing, proofreading and editing
skills. Academic research and publications, use of plagiarism checking tools.
Competencies:
Must be able to provide a vision, set the direction for the
business unit and inspire others to deliver on the organisational mandate. Must
be able to plan, manage, monitor and evaluate specific activities to deliver the
desired outputs. Must be able to compile and manage budgets, control cash
flow, institute risk management and administer tender procurement processes
in accordance with generally recognised financial practices to ensure the
achievement of strategic organisational objectives. Must be able to initiate and
support organisational transformation and change to successfully implement
new initiatives and deliver on service delivery commitments.
Must be able to promote the generation and sharing of knowledge and learning to enhance the
collective knowledge of the organisation. Must be able to explore and
implement new ways of delivering services that contribute to improving
organisational processes to achieve organisational goals. Must be able to
systematically identify, analyse and resolve existing and anticipated problems
to reach optimum solutions in a timely manner. Must be able to manage and
encourage people, optimise their outputs and effectively manage relationships
in order to achieve organisational goals.
Must be willing and able to deliver services effectively and efficiently to put the spirit of customer service (Batho Pele) into practice: Must be able to exchange information and ideas in a clear
and concise manner appropriate for the audience to explain, persuade,
convince and influence others to achieve the desired outcomes. Must be able
to display and build the highest standards of ethical and moral conduct to
promote confidence and trust in the Public Service.
Personal Attributes:
Participate in professional development growth activities for maintaining
professional knowledge and staying current with curricular trends. Ability to
multi-task and organise, prioritise and follow multiple projects and tasks
through to completion with attention to detail. Ability to work independently
while contributing to a team environment. Ability to analyse problems, identify
solutions, take appropriate action, and resolve conflicts using independent
judgment and decision-making.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with management, employees, stakeholders and the
public. Integrity and honesty, detail-oriented, creative and innovative, ability to
work under pressure. Domestic and international travel and work extended
hours when required. Preference will be given to African Females, Youth,
African and Coloured Males and people with disability in accordance with our
employment equity requirements.
DUTIES :
The incumbent will be responsible for the following Key Results Areas: Develop
and implement the NSG’s research agenda to address economic and public
policy priorities. Represent the NSG in Economic Cluster forums, providing
expert economic input and enhancing the institution’s strategic positioning.
Oversee the analysis of socio-economic policies and advise on capacity
development interventions to improve public sector performance. Collaborate
internally to support curriculum design with content, particularly in economics,
based on research-driven insights. Produce high-quality research reports,
policy briefs, and economic analyses for stakeholders.
Manage and oversee collaborative research initiatives with academic institutions and government
departments. Lead the development and use of economic models to forecast
fiscal trends, labour market shifts, and policy impacts globally and locally.
Conduct scenario planning to inform the future of the South African public
sector and the NSG’s long-term strategy and public sector development
initiatives. Monitor and report on economic indicators relevant to public
governance and adjust strategies accordingly. Provide expert advice to senior
leadership based on economic analyses and research findings.
Identify strategic opportunities to align NSG’s programmes with the government’s
economic development priorities. Build strategic partnerships with government
bodies, universities, and think tanks to advance the NSG’s research agenda.
Represent the NSG at national and international economic forums to share
insights and enhance institutional visibility. Facilitate information sharing
through publications, conferences, and workshops to promote thought
leadership. Oversee the establishment and implementation of knowledge
management systems for effective research dissemination.
Foster interdepartmental collaboration to support data-driven decision-making and
learning within the NSG. Undertake market intelligence and data analysis
across organs of state to identify and inform capacity-building interventions.
Conduct skills gap analyses to address the evolving needs of public sector
governance and administration. Develop frameworks for measuring the impact
of capacity-building initiatives and learning programmes. Provide economic
data and research insights to support curriculum development for public sector
training.
Provide strategic leadership and management for the Chief
Directorate. Ensure resource optimisation and performance excellence within
the research team. Develop frameworks for ethical data management and
compliance with research standards. Monitor and evaluate research outputs to
ensure alignment with institutional priorities. Promote professional
development to build a high-performing team.
ENQUIRIES :
Mpho Mugodo Tel No: (012) 441 6017
APPLICATIONS :
Email to Recruitment.MMSSMS@thensg.gov.za, or hand deliver to The
National School of Government, ZK Mathews Building, 70 Meintje Street,
Sunnyside, Pretoria.