Knowledge and Information Services
Position Title: Researcher: Environmental Affairs
Package: Competitive total cost to company package (market and industry aligned)
About Parliament
The Parliament of the Republic of South Africa is the cornerstone of our democracy. As the country’s legislative authority, it is the only institution empowered to make laws for South Africa. But Parliament is much more than a building — it’s where the nation’s representatives meet to address critical issues, pass laws in the public interest, and ensure transparency and accountability in governance.
Parliament consists of two Houses — the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces — each with distinct roles defined in the Constitution. Together, they uphold values such as human dignity, equality, non-racialism, non-sexism, and human rights.
Job Summary
As a Researcher, you will provide strategic research support to Members of Parliament and Committees to strengthen their oversight, legislative, and international/public participation work. You’ll also provide specialised research services to senior management.
Key Responsibilities
1. Conducting Research
- Address research requests from clients and anticipate future needs
- Design and manage research projects with clear objectives
- Facilitate planning meetings and develop conceptual frameworks
- Collect and verify information from credible sources
- Interpret data within relevant policy/legislative contexts
- Contribute to briefings for commissioned research
- Coordinate collaborative research projects across clusters
2. Strategic Research Support & Planning
- Support committee business planning processes
- Attend committee meetings and provide research input
- Identify key issues within the sector to inform oversight and legislation
- Contribute to unit publications and strategic research papers
3. Oversight, Public & International Participation
- Provide research and analysis for oversight visits, study tours, and parliamentary projects
- Prepare proactive briefing materials for delegations and forums
- Develop concept documents for sectoral parliaments and special projects
- Offer on-site research support for forums like IPU, CPA, PAP, and SADC-PF
- Draft reports from regional and international parliamentary engagements
4. Operational Procedures & Sector Specialisation
- Stay updated on policy and legislative changes
- Identify gaps for future policy-related research
- Enhance subject matter expertise through workshops, training, and networking
- Contribute to staff development and planning processes
- Submit monthly reports in approved formats
- Participate in institutional activities and cross-functional teams
- Apply project management and computer skills in daily work
5. Quality Control & Dissemination
- Identify target audiences for research dissemination
- Apply quality control standards to all research outputs
- Present research findings and recommendations to stakeholders, including Presiding Officers and Senior Management
Minimum Requirements
- Education: Matric and an Honours Degree (NQF Level 8) in:
- Environmental Management
- Natural Resource Management
- Ecology
- Forestry
- Sustainability
- Wildlife Management
- Or a related field
- Experience: Minimum 3 years of applied research experience in the environmental policy/natural resource governance space
- Skills:
- Strong written and verbal communication
- Deep understanding of environmental governance and sustainable resource management
- Knowledge of the roles of all spheres of government in environmental issues
Additional Competencies Required
- Sector-specific knowledge
- Government and parliamentary processes
- Applied research skills and methodologies
- Project management
Why Work at Parliament?
At Parliament, your work will be meaningful and impactful. You will:
- Tackle important national challenges
- Contribute to policy and legislative innovation
- Receive recognition and rewards for high performance
- Grow your career with opportunities like bursaries and skills development
- Join a culture that values teamwork, inclusion, and professionalism
We also promote a healthy work-life balance through hybrid working arrangements and wellness initiatives, including access to sporting and wellness programs.
About Us
Working at Parliament is a unique opportunity to be part of an institution that helps shape South Africa’s future. If you are passionate about public service, value integrity, openness, and teamwork, and want to be part of a transformative journey, then we encourage you to apply.
We are committed to professionalism, mutual respect, accountability, and responsiveness — and we’re looking for people who share these values.
How to Apply
Please select the appropriate application route below:
- Never previously employed by Parliament
- Previously employed by Parliament, including interns and current interns
Closing Date: 17 July 2025
Parliamentary Services Administration is an equal opportunity employer and promotes affirmative action.