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
Serve Democracy at Its Core
At the Parliament of the Republic of South Africa, we don’t just write laws—we shape the nation’s future. As the legislative authority of South Africa, Parliament is the foundation of our democracy, ensuring accountability, transparency, public participation, and justice.
The institution consists of two Houses: the National Assembly (NA) and the National Council of Provinces (NCOP)—each playing a distinct role in promoting democratic governance and protecting the constitutional rights of all citizens.
We are looking for a skilled and principled Researcher: Parliamentary and Constitutional Affairs to join our Knowledge and Information Services Division to strengthen democratic oversight and legislative development.
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Job Overview
As a Researcher, your role is to deliver professional, insightful, and responsive research support to Members of Parliament (MPs), Parliamentary Committees, and Senior Management. Your work will influence constitutional amendments, parliamentary reform, oversight mechanisms, and intergovernmental relations.
You will also provide targeted research support to the Constitutional Review Committee and serve as a thought partner in matters related to parliamentary law, constitutional interpretation, and democratic governance.
🎯 Key Responsibilities
🔍 1. Research and Analysis
- Respond to research requests and anticipate information needs within the Parliamentary and Constitutional Affairs portfolio.
- Conceptualise and execute end-to-end research projects.
- Collect, verify, and analyse data and policy/legislative instruments.
- Design research plans, frameworks, and deliverables in consultation with Committee leadership.
- Coordinate proactive research projects across clusters and draft high-quality, evidence-based research papers.
📊 2. Strategic Planning and Committee Support
- Contribute to Committee Business Planning to align research with Parliamentary goals.
- Attend Committee sessions and provide real-time research support.
- Offer insights and analysis that guide constitutional amendments, oversight strategies, and legislative reviews.
- Identify and flag emerging issues within the constitutional and parliamentary sectors for Committee consideration.
🌍 3. Oversight, Public Engagement and International Collaboration
- Prepare briefing documents for oversight visits, study tours, and international conferences.
- Assist Parliamentary delegations attending regional and global forums such as:
- Pan-African Parliament (PAP)
- Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU)
- SADC Parliamentary Forum (SADC-PF)
- Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA)
- Draft reports and offer strategic inputs into sectoral projects and thematic policy engagements.
🏛️ 4. Sectoral Monitoring and Policy Intelligence
- Keep up with developments in constitutional law, parliamentary rules, intergovernmental policy, and international parliamentary trends.
- Engage stakeholders including legal think tanks, civil society, and academic institutions to stay ahead of reforms and legal shifts.
- Identify constitutional gaps, reform opportunities, and areas of legislative ambiguity for further inquiry.
🛠️ 5. Administration, Reporting and Capacity Building
- Submit monthly progress reports in approved formats.
- Participate in business planning, institutional workshops, seminars, and learning exchanges.
- Support internal knowledge-sharing and capacity-building efforts within the Knowledge and Information Services division.
- Uphold high standards of documentation, data integrity, and peer-reviewed research.
📚 Minimum Requirements
Educational Qualification:
- Matric / Senior Certificate
- Honours Degree (NQF Level 8) in one of the following:
- Public Service & Administration
- Political Science
- Legal Studies
- Public Policy or other relevant fields
Experience:
- Minimum of 3 years’ relevant research experience focused on parliamentary, constitutional, or governance-related matters.
- Strong track record in conducting applied policy or legal research with practical outputs.
🧠 Essential Competencies and Attributes
- In-depth understanding of parliamentary operations, committee systems, and constitutional frameworks
- Knowledge of national and continental legislative trends
- Research design and execution skills
- Proficiency in qualitative and/or quantitative research methods
- Sound project management capabilities
- Strong writing, presentation, and communication skills
- Ability to synthesize complex legislative, legal, and policy information
🌱 Why Work at Parliament?
When you join Parliament, you’re not just building a career—you’re becoming part of an institution that shapes South Africa’s democracy.
We offer:
- A purpose-driven role with national and international significance
- A collaborative, diverse, and inclusive culture
- Hybrid working arrangements to support work-life integration
- Access to bursaries, training programs, and personal development plans
- Wellness initiatives, including sport and fitness activities
- An industry-competitive remuneration package
🏛️ About Parliament
Parliament offers a rare chance to work where history is made and futures are shaped. Here, your contribution helps uphold justice, democracy, and equality. If you are driven by public service and are committed to professionalism, integrity, and accountability, we invite you to bring your talents to the nation’s most influential institution.
📝 Application Process
Click the appropriate button below to apply:
🔹 EXTERNAL APPLICANTS
(Individuals who have never been employed by 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.”