Division: Knowledge and Information Services
Institution: Parliament of the Republic of South Africa
Location: Cape Town, South Africa
Remuneration: Market and industry competitive total cost-to-company (TCTC) package
Build a Future-Ready Nation Through Research and Policy Innovation
The Parliament of the Republic of South Africa is the apex of our constitutional democracy and the engine room of legislative transformation. As the institution vested with legislative authority, Parliament plays a critical role in shaping national priorities, overseeing Executive actions, and advancing laws that reflect the will and welfare of the people.
Parliament consists of two Houses:
- The National Assembly (NA)
- The National Council of Provinces (NCOP)
Together, these Houses promote constitutional principles such as human dignity, equality, non-racialism, non-sexism, human rights, and freedom.
We are calling on suitably qualified and passionate candidates to apply for the position of Researcher: Science, Technology and Innovation in the Knowledge and Information Services Division.
Related:
Purpose of the Role
As a Researcher, you will be expected to provide evidence-based, strategic research services to Parliamentary Committees, Members of Parliament (MPs), and Senior Management. Your work will directly support oversight, legislative development, and international participation—particularly in matters related to science, innovation, and technology policy.
This role demands a subject-matter expert who can interpret data, inform decision-making, and engage in collaborative research projects. Your expertise will help shape Parliament’s understanding and policy response to the evolving science, technology, and innovation landscape in South Africa and globally.
Core Responsibilities
Your duties will span the following key areas:
1. Scientific and Policy Research
- Respond promptly to ad hoc and long-term research needs of Committees and individual Members.
- Proactively identify and scope relevant research questions aligned with national innovation priorities.
- Conceptualise, design, and execute multidisciplinary research projects.
- Collect, verify, and analyse scientific and technical data to support decision-making.
- Interpret data in the context of legislative mandates, government policy, and global best practices.
- Brief and oversee commissioned research projects by external service providers.
- Facilitate cross-sectoral research collaborations within Parliament.
2. Strategic Parliamentary Support
- Participate in Committee Business Planning to align research with legislative schedules.
- Attend Committee meetings to present findings or offer real-time insights.
- Contribute to internal strategic documents, publications, and briefings.
- Use foresight analysis to highlight emerging issues in the STI (Science, Technology and Innovation) ecosystem that require Parliamentary attention.
3. Oversight and International Engagement
- Prepare briefing documents for oversight visits, public hearings, study tours, and international forums.
- Offer on-site support to Parliamentarians engaging in global policy platforms such as:
- Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU)
- Pan-African Parliament (PAP)
- SADC Parliamentary Forum (SADC-PF)
- Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA)
- Draft accurate reports from international fora to guide follow-up actions and legislative reform.
- Assist in the planning and conceptualisation of events such as sectoral parliaments, symposia, or technology expos hosted by Parliament.
4. Sector Expertise and Policy Monitoring
- Stay abreast of national and international trends in science, research, and technological advancement.
- Monitor legislation, policy shifts, and strategic frameworks related to innovation (e.g., the White Paper on Science, Technology and Innovation, DST policy frameworks, etc.).
- Identify policy gaps and propose solutions via internal memos and concept notes.
- Network with research councils, academia, and civil society for information exchange.
5. Knowledge Sharing and Compliance
- Disseminate proactive research outputs to stakeholders within Parliament.
- Ensure quality control of all research deliverables, aligning with unit standards and policy.
- Present research findings to diverse audiences including Members of Parliament, Presiding Officers, and Committees.
- Collaborate across departments to ensure coordinated research responses.
Required Qualifications and Experience
Minimum Requirements:
- Matric / Senior Certificate
- Honours Degree (NQF Level 8) in:
- Natural Sciences
- Life Sciences
- Or a closely related field with policy relevance to innovation and technology
Professional Experience:
- At least 3 years of applied research experience in the science, technology, or innovation sector.
- Demonstrated experience working within a public policy, legislative, or governance context is advantageous.
Required Skills and Competencies
To succeed in this role, applicants must demonstrate:
- Sector-Specific Knowledge of science, innovation, and technology policy and regulation
- Research Methodology: Ability to apply both qualitative and quantitative methods
- Understanding of Government Processes, particularly in public policy and science governance
- Project Management Skills
- Strong analytical, writing, and presentation skills
- Knowledge of Parliamentary systems and legislative procedures
What You’ll Gain by Working with Us
Parliament offers a workplace environment where purpose meets impact. Here, you’ll do meaningful work that shapes national discourse and supports public value.
We offer:
- Dynamic and engaging professional responsibilities
- A collaborative, inclusive, and knowledge-driven culture
- Flexible hybrid work models that promote work-life balance
- Access to learning and development programs, including a bursary scheme
- An active employee wellness programme, including sports and mental health support
- A highly competitive salary and benefits package
About Parliament
At the Parliament of South Africa, you are not just taking up a job—you are joining a national mission. Every role contributes to building a democratic, equitable, and innovative South Africa. Here, your research will directly inform laws and oversight that affect the future of science, technology, and innovation in our nation.
We are looking for professionals who live our values of:
- Accountability
- Integrity
- Responsiveness
- Professionalism
- Teamwork
- Respect
How to Apply
🔹 External Applicants: For individuals who have never worked at Parliament
🔸 Ex-Employees: For previous employees, including interns
Closing Date: 17 July 2025
“Parliamentary Services Administration promotes and applies the principles of Affirmative Action and equal opportunities.”