SENIOR RESEARCHER: RESEARCH MANAGEMENT is a South African government vacancy at Department of Home Affairs (DHA). This job is part of Circular 25 of 2026 from the DPSA. centre: Head Office: Tshwane | closing date: 31 July 2026. Use this page to review the requirements, duties, application instructions and official source links before applying.
Job details
Directorate
Strategy and Institution Performance
Salary
R932 292 – R1 098 195 per annum (Level 11), (an all-inclusive salary package)
Centre
Head Office: Tshwane
Requirements
- An undergraduate qualification in Social Sciences, Development Studies Public Management or Public Administration at NQF level 7 recognized by SAQA is required.
- A post graduate degree would be an advantage.
- 3 years’ experience in a Junior Management / Assistant Director level and Research environment is required.
- Knowledge of the departmental Legislations and Prescripts.
- Knowledge and understanding of Public Service Prescripts and Legislations.
- Research Design and Methodologies.
- Knowledge of the Public Service Regulatory Framework.
- Excellent abilities and experience in project management, project optimisation, and the use of online systems.
- A valid drivers’ license.
- Willingness to travel and work extended hours.
- Required skills and competencies: People Management and Empowerment.
- Service Delivery Innovation.
- Client Orientation and Customer Focus.
- Manpower forecasting and planning.
- Financial Management.
- Programme and Project Management.
- Decision-Making Skills.
- Budget Administration.
- Financial Risk Management.
- Problem-solving and analysis.
- Influencing and networking.
- Business report writing.
- Research Methodology.
- Interpersonal Relations.
- Strong Analytical skills.
- Facilitation skills.
- Negotiation skills.
- Planning and Organising skill.
- Presentation Skills.
- Negotiation skills.
- Communication Skills.
- Financial Management skills.
- Computer Literacy.
- Patriotism, Honesty, Integrity and Accountability.
Duties
- The successful candidate will be responsible for, amongst others, the following specific tasks: Execute, Manage and Conduct research and Data Analytics in the department.
- Lead, plan, and conduct research activities that support decision-making and inform DHA’s policy strategies.
- Conceptualise and develop research proposals/project scope.
- Conduct quantitative and qualitative research from inception to completion, aligned with departmental priorities.
- Conduct statistical analyses, interpret research findings and prepare comprehensive research reports.
- Ensure accurate data collection, storage, and analysis.
- Manage the capturing of data, cleaning and preparation of datasets.
- Ensure rigorous methodological, ethical, and analytical standards in qualitative and quantitative research.
- Develop research dissemination plans for all research projects and communicate research outcomes to relevant internal stakeholders and business units.
- Introduce and utilize digital tools, data analytics platforms, and emerging technologies to improve research processes.
- Drive innovation in data collection, visualisation, and dissemination (e.g., dashboards, AI-assisted analysis).
- Manage the research repository and provide advisory services in the department.
- Develop and implementation of policy and procedure, directive acts and regulations.
- Implement effective risk and compliance in line with the relevant legislative prescripts.
- Ensure effective and efficient management of human, physical and financial resources within the Unit.
- Coach and guide staff on best practices and compliance with regulatory requirements.
Enquiries
Head Office: Ms N Raziya Tel No: (012) 406 4155
Applications
Where to send your application.
Applications compliant with the “Directions to Applicants” above, must be submitted online at https://erecruitment.dha.gov.za or ipsrecruitment@dha.gov.za
Department Notes
Applications must be submitted online at https://erecruitment.dha.gov.za sent to the correct address specified at the bottom of the posts, on or before the closing date, accompanied by a fully completed Application for Employment Form (New Z83, effective from 1 January 2021), obtainable at www.dpsa.gov.za, citing the correct post number and job title, and a comprehensive CV (citing the start and end date dd/mm/yy), job title, duties performed and exit reason for each employment period to be considered, as well as the details of at least two contactable employment references (as recent as possible), regardless of online or manual submission. Where a valid Driver's License and a Professional Driving Permit (PDP) is a requirement, this must be indicated on the CV. All shortlisted candidates, including SMS, shall undertake two pre-entry assessments. One will be a practical exercise to determine a candidate’s suitability based on the post’s technical and generic requirements and the other must be an integrity (ethical conduct) assessment. Shortlisted candidates will also be required to submit a copy of their ID document, a valid driver’s license (if specified as a job requirement), relevant educational qualifications / RPL certificates / Academic Transcripts of completed qualifications, and Acting letters as directed. Furthermore, applicants who possess (a) foreign qualification(s), are required to submit the evaluated results of such qualifications, as received from the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA); for SMS posts will be subjected to a technical exercise and interview. Following the technical exercise and interview, a maximum of three (3) SMS candidates will undergo psychometric assessments to assess cognitive capabilities, behavioural preferences, emotional intelligence, and integrity, will be subjected to an interview, various relevant tests and assessments, and employment suitability checks (credit, criminal, citizenship, qualifications, and employment references including verification of exit reasons, and conducting business with State). Once appointed, serving of a prescribed probation period, and obtaining of a security clearance appropriate to the post, will be required. Correspondence between the Department and candidates will be limited to shortlisted candidates, only. The DHA complies with the Protection of Personal Information Act, 2013 (Act No. 4 of 2013). Applicants’ personal information will be used for recruitment purposes, retained where required for audit, and safeguarded against unauthorised disclosure, except where legally required. Submission of an application constitutes consent to such processing.
Original Text
Directorate: Strategy and Institution Performance
SALARY : R932 292 – R1 098 195 per annum (Level 11), (an all-inclusive salary package)
CENTRE : Head Office: Tshwane
REQUIREMENTS : An undergraduate qualification in Social Sciences, Development Studies
Public Management or Public Administration at NQF level 7 recognized by
SAQA is required. A post graduate degree would be an advantage. 3 years’ experience in a Junior Management / Assistant Director level and Research
environment is required. Knowledge of the departmental Legislations and
Prescripts. Knowledge and understanding of Public Service Prescripts and
Legislations. Research Design and Methodologies. Knowledge of the Public
Service Regulatory Framework. Excellent abilities and experience in project management, project optimisation, and the use of online systems. A valid
drivers’ license. Willingness to travel and work extended hours. Required skills and competencies: People Management and Empowerment. Service Delivery
Innovation. Client Orientation and Customer Focus. Manpower forecasting and planning. Financial Management. Programme and Project Management.
Decision-Making Skills. Budget Administration. Financial Risk Management.
Problem-solving and analysis. Influencing and networking. Business report writing. Research Methodology. Interpersonal Relations. Strong Analytical
skills. Facilitation skills. Negotiation skills. Planning and Organising skill.
Presentation Skills. Negotiation skills. Communication Skills. Financial
Management skills. Computer Literacy. Patriotism, Honesty, Integrity and
Accountability.
DUTIES : The successful candidate will be responsible for, amongst others, the following specific tasks: Execute, Manage and Conduct research and Data Analytics in
the department. Lead, plan, and conduct research activities that support decision-making and inform DHA’s policy strategies. Conceptualise and
develop research proposals/project scope. Conduct quantitative and qualitative research from inception to completion, aligned with departmental
priorities. Conduct statistical analyses, interpret research findings and prepare comprehensive research reports. Ensure accurate data collection, storage,
and analysis. Manage the capturing of data, cleaning and preparation of datasets. Ensure rigorous methodological, ethical, and analytical standards in
qualitative and quantitative research. Develop research dissemination plans for all research projects and communicate research outcomes to relevant internal
stakeholders and business units. Introduce and utilize digital tools, data analytics platforms, and emerging technologies to improve research
processes. Drive innovation in data collection, visualisation, and dissemination
(e.g., dashboards, AI-assisted analysis). Manage the research repository and provide advisory services in the department. Develop and implementation of
policy and procedure, directive acts and regulations. Implement effective risk and compliance in line with the relevant legislative prescripts. Ensure effective
and efficient management of human, physical and financial resources within the Unit. Coach and guide staff on best practices and compliance with
regulatory requirements.
ENQUIRIES : Head Office: Ms N Raziya Tel No: (012) 406 4155
APPLICATIONS : Applications compliant with the “Directions to Applicants” above, must be submitted online at https://erecruitment.dha.gov.za or
ipsrecruitment@dha.gov.za
Official source
This vacancy was imported from DPSA Circular 25 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.