Job Alert:
Department: Knowledge and Information Services
Location: Parliament of the Republic of South Africa, Cape Town
Package: Total cost to company – Market and industry competitive
Be a Force Behind South Africa’s Democracy
The Parliament of the Republic of South Africa plays a vital role as the legislative authority of the country. It is not just a historical landmark or a government facility—it is the epicentre of South African democracy, where critical laws are crafted, robust debates are held, and the will of the people is expressed through their elected representatives.
Parliament is made up of two distinct but cooperative Houses—the National Assembly (NA) and the National Council of Provinces (NCOP)—each with specific constitutional responsibilities. These Houses work in tandem to uphold South Africa’s democratic values, including human dignity, equality, non-racialism, non-sexism, freedom, and the protection of human rights.
As part of our mission to ensure effective governance and legislative oversight, Parliament seeks to appoint a skilled and experienced individual as a Researcher: Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation within our Knowledge and Information Services Division.
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About the Role
As a Researcher, your core responsibility will be to provide high-level research support to Members of Parliament, Committees, and Senior Management. This includes assisting with legislative processes, strengthening oversight, and enhancing international and public participation efforts, particularly in the areas of planning, monitoring, and evaluation (PM&E).
Your role will be instrumental in ensuring that Parliament is equipped with accurate, timely, and strategic research that informs evidence-based policymaking, performance monitoring, and governance accountability.
Key Responsibilities
1. Research Design and Execution
- Respond proactively and reactively to the research needs of Members and Committees.
- Design, plan, and manage research projects aligned with Parliamentary and sectoral objectives.
- Organise and conduct planning sessions to develop comprehensive research project plans and frameworks.
- Gather, verify, and analyse data from credible sources, guided by relevant policy and legislative frameworks.
- Coordinate research projects, including commissioned studies and cross-cluster collaborations.
- Support the preparation of briefing notes and strategic reports for stakeholders.
2. Strategic Planning and Committee Engagement
- Participate in Committee business planning processes to inform annual programmes and performance goals.
- Attend Committee meetings and contribute research advice and content as needed.
- Follow up and implement tasks assigned during Committee Management and Business Planning sessions.
- Conduct proactive research to highlight emerging issues in planning, monitoring and evaluation for Parliamentary attention.
- Assist in the production of internal publications to support informed decision-making.
3. Oversight and International Engagement Support
- Provide research and briefing support for Parliamentary oversight visits, sectoral parliaments, and study tours.
- Prepare briefing documents for international engagements, including forums such as the IPU, CPA, PAP, and SADC-PF.
- Assist in the conceptualisation and drafting of proposals and documentation for international and public participation events.
- Accompany delegations as a research advisor and compile analytical reports based on the engagements.
4. Sector Specialisation and Legislative Monitoring
- Stay abreast of policy and legislative developments in the public administration and governance sectors.
- Monitor performance management frameworks and identify legislative and operational gaps in governance.
- Participate in training, seminars, and stakeholder engagements to enhance your knowledge and expertise in monitoring and evaluation.
- Contribute to staff development programmes and the business planning of the Research Unit.
- Submit structured monthly reports and contribute to organisational reporting systems.
- Take part in institutional and cross-divisional knowledge-sharing and planning activities.
5. Quality Assurance and Knowledge Dissemination
- Ensure all research outputs meet the highest standards of quality and relevance.
- Identify appropriate recipients for proactive research dissemination.
- Adhere to the Unit’s editorial, style, and documentation procedures.
- Present findings, strategic insights, and recommendations to senior decision-makers, Presiding Officers, and Committees.
Minimum Qualifications and Experience
To qualify for this role, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Academic Requirements:
- Matric (Senior Certificate)
- An Honours Degree (NQF Level 8) in one of the following fields:
- Public Management
- Public Administration
- Political Science
- Public Policy and Governance
- Development Studies
- A qualification in Performance Monitoring and Evaluation will be considered an added advantage.
- Experience:
- Minimum of three (3) years of applied research experience, preferably in the public governance or performance management sector.
- Demonstrated ability to conduct sectoral analysis, policy review, and programme evaluation.
- Skills and Competencies:
- Excellent written and verbal communication
- Deep understanding of public sector policy and performance management frameworks
- Familiarity with government processes and Parliamentary oversight mechanisms
- Strong knowledge of monitoring and evaluation principles and tools
- Research methodology proficiency and project management capabilities
- Ability to translate complex research into accessible and actionable insights
What You Can Expect from Us
Working for Parliament is more than just a job—it is a mission. Here, your work has a direct impact on how South Africa is governed and how its people are served. When you join our team, you become part of a transformative institution that shapes laws, policies, and the future of our nation.
We offer:
- A dynamic and inclusive work environment
- A culture that values teamwork, innovation, and continuous improvement
- Professional growth opportunities through bursary schemes, mentorships, and internal learning programmes
- A supportive and flexible hybrid work model (remote + office-based) to support work-life integration
- An active employee wellness programme, including sporting activities and mental health support
- Highly competitive remuneration aligned with industry standards
About the Parliament of South Africa
Parliament is one of South Africa’s foundational democratic institutions. Every day, it works to pass laws, oversee the Executive, and facilitate the participation of citizens in governance. If you are inspired by a sense of public duty, driven to promote social equity, and eager to contribute to a high-impact institution—this is your opportunity.
We are looking for individuals who embrace our core values of:
- Professionalism
- Integrity
- Accountability
- Responsiveness
- Teamwork
- Mutual Respect
If you resonate with these principles and want to be part of something extraordinary—we invite you to apply.
Application Process
External Applicants:
Individuals who have never worked for Parliament before.
Ex-Employees:
Individuals who were previously employed by Parliament, including former interns and current interns.
Closing Date: 17 July 2025
📢 “Parliamentary Services Administration promotes and applies the principles of Affirmative Action and equal opportunities.”