SENIOR PRACTITIONER: RESEARCH

SENIOR PRACTITIONER: RESEARCH

Closing Date: September 30, 2025
All Inclusive Salary Package: R578 489 – R671 856 per annum
Benefits: All-inclusive remuneration package of R578 489 – R671 856 per annum. The successful candidate may structure the total package for a 13th cheque. The employer’s contribution towards Housing, Medical Aid, and Pension is included in the total package.
Contract Type: Permanent
Objective: The South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) is a statutory public entity, an oversight body of the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Act, No. 67 of 2008. The entity is charged with developing, fostering and maintaining an integrated and transparent national framework for the recognition of learning achievements, ensuring that:

• South African qualifications meet appropriate criteria and are internationally comparable.
• The country’s qualifications are of acceptable quality.
• The quality of education and training is enhanced.
• Access, mobility and progression within education, training and career paths are realised.

SAQA seeks to appoint a Senior Practitioner: Research who will participate in planning, conducting, and reporting on research that forms the evidence base for SAQA’s work and is framed by the NQF objectives. Reporting to the Senior Manager: Research, the Senior Practitioner will also contribute to research publications and assist with research administration, research events, and other developmental initiatives linked to the research.
Requirements are:

Minimum Qualifications
• An appropriate, recognised qualification at NQF Level 7 in a disciplinary field such as Social Sciences/ Education Research/ Education Policy/ or equivalent
• A relevant NQF Level 8 qualification in one of these disciplinary fields would be an advantage.

Minimum Experience
• Three years’ experience in conducting, reporting on, and managing research.
• Experience and knowledge of the NQF would be an advantage.

Knowledge, skills and competencies
• Research skills.
• Ability to analyse, synthesize and manage large amounts of information.
• Ability to manage and work in research teams.
• Ability to manage change.
• Project and time management skills.
• Report and paper writing skills.
• Ability to write for and communicate with NQF stakeholders.
• Skills for policy critique.
• Facilitation and presentation skills.
• Knowledge of research events.
• Research administration and procurement skills.
• Attention to detail.

Key performance areas:
  • Ensure research ethics and alignment to SAQA strategy in areas of responsibility.
  • Contribute to conceptualising, conducting, managing and reporting on research supporting SAQA and NQF implementation and further development.
  • Contribute to NQF research publications.
  • Contribute to conceptualising and realisation of NQF research events.
  • Contribute to the integration of research and NQF policy development, critique, and implementation.
  • Contribute to research funding proposals.
  • Contribute to SAQA engagements nationally and internationally around NQF research and policy development and implementation.
  • Contribute to the professional development of staff, including mentoring staff in specific specialised tasks.

SAQA will verify credit and criminal records as well as qualifications.
SAQA reserves the right not to make an appointment to the advertised post and will only communicate with short listed candidates.

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