ASSISTANT DIRECTOR: RESEARCH is a South African government vacancy at Government Communication and Information System (GCIS). This job is part of Circular 17 of 2026 from the DPSA. centre: Pretoria | closing date: 12 June 2026. Use this page to review the requirements, duties, application instructions and official source links before applying.
Job details
Applications
Where to send your application.
Applicants must submit their applications via the link http://erecruitment.gcis.gov.za or hand deliver applications to Tshedimosetso House, 1035 cnr Francis Baard & Festival streets, Hatfield, Pretoria.
Directorate
Research Services
Salary
R487 197 per annum (Level 09)
Centre
Pretoria
Requirements
- Applicants should be in possession of an appropriate National Diploma (NQF 6) as recognised by SAQA in Communication Sciences/Social Sciences/ Political Sciences/ Statistics.
- A relevant post-graduate qualification with a research component, including completion of an academic research project, will be an added advantage.
- At least three (3) years’ relevant experience of which one (1) year should be on salary level seven (7), eight (8) or equivalent supervisory level in research/ communication research (Experience gained through the completion of a full academic research project, encompassing all research processes, will be considered as part of experience).
- General managerial, project management and administration experience (related to tasks of human resources).
- Good general knowledge and interest in current and government affairs.
- Skills: Competence in research design and analytical skills with proven experience in qualitative and quantitative research methodologies.
- Must be well-versed in all aspects related to communication research processes.
- Competence in qualitative and quantitative data collection as well as experience in writing research proposals or research briefs.
- Proficiency in MS programmes and data analysis packages (i.e.
- SPSS).
- Ability to liaise with clients and service providers.
- Proficiency in both presentation and report writing.
- Ability to work independently without direct supervision as well as in a team.
- Must be able to work under pressure.
Duties
- The successful candidate will assist with the management, planning and application of research to enhance effectiveness of government communication.
- Assist in providing research advice and a support service to GCIS and to clients in terms of communication research.
- Professionally liaise with service providers and clients.
- Design qualitative and quantitative data collection instrument, including the administration of appropriate research instruments.
- Conduct quantitative data analysis using software such as SPSS and MS Excel programme.
- Ability to analyse qualitative data.
- Interpret research results and prepare research reports (Ms Word &
- Ms PowerPoint) for sharing with relevant stakeholders.
- Present research findings at various stakeholder meetings (internal and external).
- Aid in general managerial tasks, including financial management to ensure optimal resource management in the Directorate: Research Services.
- Work as part of a team in the Directorate and GCIS project teams.
Enquiries
Ms Getrude Sadiki Tel No: (012) 473 0095
Department Notes
Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply. The old prescribed application or employment form Z83 was withdrawn with effect from 31 December 2020. As per the Government Gazette No: 43872, any applicant who submits an application on or after 1 January 2021 must do so on the new prescribed Z83 form, obtainable from any Public Service Department or on the internet at www.gov.za/documents. Failure to submit an application on the new prescribed Z83 form will lead to disqualification. Applicants are not required to submit copies of qualifications and other relevant documents on application but must submit the fully completed and signed Z83 form and a detailed curriculum vitae. Communication regarding submission of certified copies of qualifications and other relevant documents will be limited to shortlisted candidates. Therefore, only shortlisted candidates will be required to submit certified documents on or before the day of the interview, following communication from the department. Should you be in possession of a foreign qualification, it must be accompanied by an evaluation certificate from the South African Qualification Authority (SAQA). Applicants who do not comply with the abovementioned requirements, as well as applications received late, will not be considered. Correspondence will be limited to short-listed candidates. If you have not been contacted within three (3) months after the closing date of this advertisement, please accept that your application was unsuccessful. The successful candidate must disclose to the DG particulars of all registrable financial interests, sign a performance agreement and employment contract with the DG within three months from the date of assumption of duty and obtain a top-secret security clearance. All appointments are subject to the verification of educational qualifications, previous experience, citizenship, reference checks and security vetting. The department reserves the right to fill or not to fill the vacant post. The successful candidates will enter into an employment contract with the GCIS that will be reviewed based on performance expiration. By submitting the employment application form, you agree and consent in terms of section 11 (1) of the Protection of Personal Information Act, 2013 (POPIA), for your personal information which you provide to the Government Communication and Information System (“GCIS”) being processed by the GCIS and its employees, agents, cabinet committees, and sub-contractors for recruitment purposes, in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act.
Notes
In line with the Directive on the Professionalisation of Human Resource Management and Development in Public Service, all shortlisted candidates will undertake a pre-entry practical exercise as part of the assessment method to determine their suitability based on the technical and generic requirements of the post. Please detail courses passed in the CV as per the academic transcript. This post will be filled by a suitably qualified candidate whose appointment will assist the department in achieving its Employment Equity targets in terms of the Department’s Employment Equity Plan. Preference will be given to coloured and white candidates. Suitably qualified People with disabilities will be given preference regardless of Race or Gender.
Z83 form: Government job applications usually require the Z83 application form. Download the Z83 application form before applying.
Original Text
SALARY : R487 197 per annum (Level 09)
CENTRE : Pretoria
REQUIREMENTS : Applicants should be in possession of an appropriate National Diploma (NQF 6) as recognised by SAQA in Communication Sciences/Social Sciences/
Political Sciences/ Statistics. A relevant post-graduate qualification with a research component, including completion of an academic research project,
will be an added advantage. At least three (3) years’ relevant experience of which one (1) year should be on salary level seven (7), eight (8) or equivalent
supervisory level in research/ communication research (Experience gained through the completion of a full academic research project, encompassing all
research processes, will be considered as part of experience). General managerial, project management and administration experience (related to
tasks of human resources). Good general knowledge and interest in current and government affairs. Skills: Competence in research design and analytical
skills with proven experience in qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. Must be well-versed in all aspects related to communication
research processes. Competence in qualitative and quantitative data collection
as well as experience in writing research proposals or research briefs.
Proficiency in MS programmes and data analysis packages (i.e. SPSS). Ability to liaise with clients and service providers. Proficiency in both presentation and
report writing. Ability to work independently without direct supervision as well as in a team. Must be able to work under pressure.
DUTIES : The successful candidate will assist with the management, planning and application of research to enhance effectiveness of government
communication. Assist in providing research advice and a support service to
GCIS and to clients in terms of communication research. Professionally liaise with service providers and clients. Design qualitative and quantitative data
collection instrument, including the administration of appropriate research instruments. Conduct quantitative data analysis using software such as SPSS
and MS Excel programme. Ability to analyse qualitative data. Interpret research results and prepare research reports (Ms Word & Ms PowerPoint) for sharing
with relevant stakeholders. Present research findings at various stakeholder meetings (internal and external). Aid in general managerial tasks, including
financial management to ensure optimal resource management in the
Directorate: Research Services. Work as part of a team in the Directorate and
GCIS project teams.
ENQUIRIES : Ms Getrude Sadiki Tel No: (012) 473 0095
NOTE : In line with the Directive on the Professionalisation of Human Resource Management and Development in Public Service, all shortlisted candidates will
undertake a pre-entry practical exercise as part of the assessment method to determine their suitability based on the technical and generic requirements of
the post. Please detail courses passed in the CV as per the academic transcript. This post will be filled by a suitably qualified candidate whose
appointment will assist the department in achieving its Employment Equity targets in terms of the Department’s Employment Equity Plan. Preference will
be given to coloured and white candidates. Suitably qualified People with disabilities will be given preference regardless of Race or Gender.
Official source
This vacancy was imported from DPSA Circular 17 of 2026 for reference.
Disclaimer: This vacancy was imported from the official DPSA circular PDF. Please confirm the reference number, closing date, and application instructions in the original circular before applying. View the official DPSA vacancy circulars.