Assistant Director: Researcher (Economic Cluster) – Mpumalanga Provincial Government

Post Number: 04/186
Reference No: AD-RECP/OTP/22
Centre: Mbombela, Mpumalanga
Post Level: Salary Level 10

Salary

The successful candidate will earn a salary of R582 444 per annum (Level 10).

Job Purpose

The Assistant Director: Researcher (Economic Cluster) is responsible for conducting and coordinating socio-economic and service delivery research to support evidence-based decision-making within the Mpumalanga Provincial Government.

The position focuses on economic research, policy analysis, performance monitoring, and knowledge management across Economic Cluster Departments, contributing to improved planning, service delivery innovation, and strategic governance.

Minimum Requirements

Applicants must meet the following requirements to be considered:

• An appropriate Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent qualification (NQF Level 7) in one of the following fields:
  • Economics
  • Financial Management
  • Auditing
  • Agricultural Management
  • Business Science
• A postgraduate qualification (Honours or Master’s Degree) in:
  • Economics
  • Financial Management
  • Business Science
    will be an added advantage.
• A minimum of three (3) years’ relevant working experience in:
  • Research
  • Policy development
  • Monitoring and evaluation
• Proven competency in effective written and verbal communication.
• Advanced computer skills.
• Willingness to work beyond normal working hours and ability to work under tight schedules.

Key Skills and Competencies

The ideal candidate must demonstrate the following essential skills and competencies:

• Strong economic and analytical skills
• Research methodology and statistical analysis
• Knowledge of macro-economic and micro-economic policy issues
• Comprehensive report writing and data interpretation
• Project management and coordination
• Stakeholder engagement and coordination
• Knowledge management
• Financial management
• People management and empowerment
• Service delivery innovation
• Ethical conduct and high attention to detail

Key Responsibilities and Duties

The successful candidate will be responsible for the following duties:

• Conduct service delivery and socio-economic research for the provincial government.
• Coordinate and conduct research focusing on Economic Cluster Departments, including:
  • Agriculture
  • Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs
  • Public Works
  • Roads and Transport
  • Economic Development and Tourism
  • Related public entities
• Analyse and monitor the performance of economic cluster departmental projects and service delivery initiatives.
• Provide synthesised research findings on service delivery programmes and projects to inform planning and decision-making processes.
• Provide methodological guidance and technical support to departments conducting economic research.
• Analyse economic data, sector trends, and key economic indicators.
• Develop and maintain a database of economic research outputs and statistical information.
• Liaise with economic cluster departments and local municipalities on research-related matters.
• Support the preparation of strategic publications, reports, and knowledge-sharing sessions on economic issues.

Employment Equity

The Mpumalanga Provincial Government is committed to employment equity and diversity. Suitably qualified candidates from designated groups are encouraged to apply.

Enquiries

For further information regarding this post, enquiries should be directed to:

Assistant Director: Internal HRM & D
Contact Person: Ms VT Nkosi
Telephone: (013) 766 2343