Job Opportunity: Researcher – CoGTA (x2 Posts)

Department: Knowledge and Information Services
Location: Cape Town, South Africa
Institution: Parliament of the Republic of South Africa
Remuneration: Competitive Total Cost to Company Package
Application Deadline: 17 July 2025

Job Opportunity: Researcher – CoGTA (x2 Posts)

Shape the Future of Local Governance in South Africa

Are you passionate about strengthening local government systems and cooperative governance? Are you experienced in public administration and intergovernmental relations? The Parliament of the Republic of South Africa is calling dynamic and skilled individuals to apply for two Researcher positions in the field of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA).

Join the Knowledge and Information Services division and become a key driver in supporting the legislative and oversight work of Parliament, especially the National Council of Provinces (NCOP).

About Parliament

Parliament is the legislative authority of South Africa. It holds the power to make laws, scrutinize government actions, and promote democratic accountability. It is composed of two houses—the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces—each playing a vital role in ensuring that South Africa’s constitutional values, such as human dignity, equality, non-racialism, non-sexism, and freedom, are upheld.

The institution prides itself on fostering integrity, accountability, professionalism, and a commitment to public service. Working at Parliament means being part of an extraordinary mission to shape policies, influence development, and serve the citizens of South Africa.

Related: Researcher Job Opportunity – Parliamentary and Constitutional Affairs

Job Summary

The Researcher: CoGTA will provide specialised and strategic research support to Parliamentary Committees, Members of Parliament (MPs), and Senior Management. You will focus on the oversight, legislative, public participation, and international participation roles of Parliament—particularly relating to local government, traditional affairs, and cooperative governance.

This role plays a key function in equipping Committees with evidence-based information and analysis to inform oversight of provincial and municipal governments, policy reviews, and legislative amendments.

Key Responsibilities

Conducting Research

  • Design and implement research projects tailored to parliamentary needs.
  • Respond to committee and member requests by delivering accurate, timely research outputs.
  • Collect and interpret data using appropriate legislative and policy frameworks.
  • Develop conceptual frameworks for reports and research papers.
  • Collaborate with external researchers, academic institutions, or service providers on commissioned research projects.

Strategic Support to Committees

  • Participate in Committee business planning sessions.
  • Regularly attend Committee meetings, offer expert input, and prepare sectoral reports.
  • Identify and proactively raise critical governance and service delivery issues requiring parliamentary attention.
  • Provide briefings and discussion documents for study tours, public hearings, oversight visits, and sectoral parliaments.

Oversight and Intergovernmental Research

  • Offer strategic research for intergovernmental relations, cooperative governance, and traditional leadership structures.
  • Track developments in local and provincial government performance.
  • Evaluate the implementation of national legislation by municipalities and provincial governments.
  • Monitor traditional affairs and rural governance issues.

Public and International Participation

  • Prepare briefings for international parliamentary delegations (e.g., IPU, SADC-PF, CPA, PAP).
  • Support regional cooperation and comparative research with continental and global parliamentary forums.
  • Draft summary reports on participation in international engagements.

Quality Control and Reporting

  • Ensure all reports meet institutional quality standards.
  • Identify correct audiences and disseminate findings accordingly.
  • Present findings to Presiding Officers, Senior Management, and other parliamentary stakeholders.
  • Submit monthly progress reports and contribute to institutional performance tracking.

Minimum Qualifications & Experience

Education:

  • Matric Certificate (Senior Certificate)
  • Honours Degree (NQF Level 8) in one of the following:
    • Public Administration
    • Public Management
    • Political Science
    • Governance Studies
    • A course in Intergovernmental Relations will be an added advantage

Experience:

  • Minimum of 3 years of applied policy research experience in:
    • Local government
    • Provincial governance
    • Traditional affairs policy and legislation

Technical Competencies:

  • Deep understanding of:
    • Municipal Systems Act
    • Municipal Structures Act
    • Intergovernmental Relations Framework Act
    • Traditional Leadership and Governance Framework Act
  • Strong command of government planning and budgetary processes
  • Research methodology, report writing, and policy analysis
  • Project management tools and stakeholder engagement

Additional Skills & Attributes

  • Excellent oral and written communication
  • Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively
  • Advanced Microsoft Office and research database skills
  • Commitment to continuous learning and sectoral development
  • Strong time management and organisational skills

What You’ll Gain Working at Parliament

At Parliament, you will:

  • Be part of meaningful, high-impact public service
  • Work in a diverse, inclusive, and intellectually stimulating environment
  • Enjoy hybrid work arrangements (remote + in-office flexibility)
  • Access training, bursary schemes, and development programs
  • Receive competitive compensation and wellness benefits
  • Join a community that values professional growth, ethical leadership, and innovation

Application Instructions

If you are ready to take your public service career to the next level, submit your application by 17 July 2025.

Apply via the appropriate portal:

🔹 External Applicants – Those never previously employed by Parliament
🔸 Ex-Employees – Former staff members, interns, or current interns

Ensure your application includes a detailed CV, certified qualifications, and references. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Employment Equity

The Parliamentary Services Administration is committed to Affirmative Action and the promotion of equal opportunities. People with disabilities and candidates from underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.

Final Word

This is not just a job—it’s a calling. If you’re passionate about building a better South Africa through democratic governance, transparency, and effective local government oversight, then this opportunity is for you.

🕊️ Be part of something extraordinary. Join Parliament. Serve the Nation.

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