Job Opportunity
Department: Knowledge and Information Services
Institution: Parliament of the Republic of South Africa
Location: Cape Town, South Africa
Remuneration: Competitive Total Cost to Company (TCTC) package
Be Part of the Heart of Democracy
At the Parliament of the Republic of South Africa, we uphold the responsibility of shaping the legislative environment of our nation. Parliament is not just a seat of power—it is the pulse of democracy, where public representatives debate pressing issues, pass legislation, and provide vital oversight to ensure a transparent and accountable government.
Comprising the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces, Parliament promotes constitutional values such as equality, human dignity, non-racialism, non-sexism, and freedom.
We are seeking a qualified and passionate Researcher: Water and Sanitation to join our Knowledge and Information Services Division.
Related:
- Job Opportunity: Researcher – Science, Technology and Innovation
- Job Opportunity: Researcher – Public Service and Administration
- Parliament of the Republic of South Africa Researcher – Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation
- Job Advertisement: Researcher – Gender and Equality
- Job Alert: Researcher – Environmental Affairs
Position Purpose
As a Researcher, you will provide strategic, evidence-based research to Parliamentary Committees, Members of Parliament (MPs), and senior stakeholders. Your focus will be on advancing the legislative and oversight agenda in the water and sanitation sector—an area critical to public health, environmental sustainability, and human development.
You will apply your sectoral expertise to guide Parliamentary discussions, inform legislation, shape national policies, and support domestic and international engagement initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
1. Research & Analysis
- Respond to requests for sector-specific research and proactively anticipate future research needs.
- Design and manage detailed research projects to address questions around water governance, sanitation access, and resource management.
- Conduct planning meetings to draft project frameworks and develop sound conceptual research approaches.
- Collect, verify, and synthesise information from credible sources.
- Analyse data and policy documents within legislative and regulatory frameworks.
2. Strategic Support to Committees
- Participate in Committee Business Planning to align research with Parliament’s agenda.
- Attend and contribute to Committee meetings, providing expert analysis and documentation.
- Identify critical emerging issues within the water and sanitation sector and bring them to the attention of relevant Committees.
- Contribute to Unit publications and reports to support strategic Parliamentary oversight and legislative review.
3. Oversight, Public Engagement & International Participation
- Prepare briefing materials for oversight visits, study tours, and international forums.
- Provide in-person research support during sectoral events and international engagements.
- Draft reports and participate in delegations to international bodies, such as:
- Pan-African Parliament (PAP)
- SADC Parliamentary Forum (SADC-PF)
- Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA)
- Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU)
4. Sectoral Monitoring and Expertise
- Keep abreast of key developments in water resource management, sanitation service delivery, and related environmental matters.
- Analyse and review legal frameworks (e.g., National Water Act, Water Services Act, DWS policies) and recommend improvements.
- Identify policy gaps and opportunities for legislative reform through proactive research.
- Maintain networks with academic institutions, water boards, municipalities, and environmental NGOs.
5. Quality Control and Dissemination
- Produce and present high-quality research products in line with Parliament’s standards.
- Ensure research findings are disseminated effectively to all relevant stakeholders.
- Provide expert briefings and presentations to Presiding Officers, Senior Management, and Committee Members.
6. Internal Reporting and Development
- Submit accurate monthly reports and contribute to business planning processes.
- Participate in Unit and institutional activities.
- Take part in training, workshops, and sectoral conferences to build knowledge and represent Parliament in knowledge forums.
Minimum Requirements
Educational Qualifications:
- Matric / Senior Certificate
- Honours Degree (NQF Level 8) in one of the following fields:
- Hydrology
- Water Resources Management
- Environmental Science / Management
- Environmental Engineering or related disciplines
Experience:
- At least 3 years’ applied research experience in the water and sanitation sector.
- Demonstrated experience working with public sector legislation, infrastructure policy, or environmental governance frameworks.
Required Competencies and Knowledge
- In-depth knowledge of the water and sanitation legislative and regulatory environment
- Familiarity with national and municipal water governance structures
- Excellent command of research methods and policy analysis
- Strong written, analytical, and verbal communication skills
- Project management capability, with the ability to manage multiple research tasks under pressure
- Understanding of Parliamentary processes and committee systems
Why Join Parliament?
We offer more than a job—we offer a national mission.
By joining our team, you will enjoy:
- The opportunity to influence public policy at the highest level
- A highly collaborative, inclusive, and professional culture
- Flexible hybrid work arrangements
- Participation in employee wellness and development programmes
- Access to training, bursary support, and career progression pathways
- A competitive remuneration and benefits package
About Parliament of South Africa
Working at Parliament is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to shape the laws and policies that drive national transformation. You will be part of a forward-thinking team committed to service excellence, accountability, and democratic governance.
If you value integrity, professionalism, transparency, and responsiveness, and are driven by a passion for making a real difference in society, we want to hear from you.
How to Apply
Select the button below that best describes your employment history with Parliament:
🔹 EXTERNAL APPLICANTS
(Individuals who have never worked at Parliament)
🔸 EX-EMPLOYEES
(Includes former employees, interns, and current interns)
Closing Date: 17 July 2025
“Parliamentary Services Administration promotes and applies the principles of Affirmative Action and equal opportunities.”