RESEARCHER
(4 Year Fixed -Term Contract)
Based in National Office (Pretoria) Ref: 23/10/09
Cluster: Municipal Capabilities and Governance
Remuneration package: A competitive salary package with benefits

ROLE OVERVIEW
Reporting to the Senior Researcher and International Project Manager, the Researcher will form part of the project team for the 4-year EU-funded project, ‘Supporting Public Participation and Planning in Local Government: Towards Local Government Service Delivery and Accountability’ (referred to as COMPACT). Their role is to support the development of research outputs from the project and the M&E. Additionally, they will collaborate with the project partners to give sectoral insights, assist the action research component of the project and co-write some of the research outputs. This duty falls under the ambit of his/her duties in the Research Unit to manage research partnerships; co-ordinate SCM processes; mobilise funding resources; and co-ordinate research outputs between other business units.

THE CANDIDATE PROFILE
▪ Excellent Communication and Interpersonal skills.
▪ Report Writing
▪ Good interpersonal and listening
▪ Consultative
▪ 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
▪ Effective organization and time management skills.
▪ Ability to work with minimal supervision and outstanding excellent verbal and written communications skills

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
▪ Honours or Master’s Degree in either Public Policy, Public Administration, Public Governance, Development Economics, Town/Urban and Regional Planning, Urban Studies or related Social Science;
▪ At least 3 years’ experience in local government research. Experience in action research would be advantageous;
▪ Experience in co-ordinating research/development of learning products and advocacy will be advantageous
▪ Demonstrates a sound understanding of the local government sector
▪ Valid Driver’s Licence

KEY PORTFOLIO AND PERFORMANCE FOCUS AREAS
▪ EU-funded Project: Support the establishment and ongoing operation of reference group; Support the establishment of reference/coordinating body in each of the 12 municipalities ; Attend quarterly reference group meetings; Attend quarterly coordinating body meeting in each of the 12 municipalities; To lead the dissemination of initial results amongst local government stakeholders; Together with the project partners, to support the selection and confirmation of intervention sites; Support preparation for action research by facilitating access to the selected municipalities; Co-write position papers and recommendations regarding the planning regime for government stakeholders; Participate is advocating for changes regarding regulation and support for change at national level with key stakeholders including National Treasury and CoGTA ; Support the dissemination of ‘learning products’ and tools via local government stakeholder forums and civil society networks; Participate in sustainability workshops and plans with stakeholders; Support the finalisation of capacity building manuals and other tools, digital monitoring app, process manual for officials etc. for dissemination; Participate in the final evaluation of the 4-year project; Monthly reporting according to the requirements of the project lead and funder
▪ Operations of the Research Unit: To support the management of research partnerships; To support the coordination of SCM processes; Mobilise funding resources to ensure the delivery of research outputs and products; Co-ordination of research outputs between other business units; Contribute inputs and ideas towards achieving the research priorities of SALGA, including value added products and services.

Suitably qualified and experienced candidates must apply on the link below:

CV SPACES

Closing Date: 27 October 2023

(Please quote the relevant reference number in the subject line)

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