⚡ AUTO-APPLYGOVERNMENT

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR: RESEARCH (

DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION

Salary band

R 487 197

Closing date

13 July 2026

Reference

NSF25/07/2026

Apply via

Auto-apply (Gmail)

About this role

Department

DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION

Location

Pretoria

Salary

R487 197 per annum (Level 9)

Requirements

An appropriate bachelor’s degree/ national diploma (NQF Level 6) in Economics, Econometrics and/or Statistics. A minimum of three (3) to five (5) years’ collective working experience within the Research field with three (3) years’ experience in a supervisory position. Knowledge of the education system and pedagogy, Post school education and training system, Government wide legislation, Legislative Knowledge and Prescripts, e.g. Skills Development Act, Skills Development Levies Act, Public Service Act, PFMA and National Treasury Regulations, General knowledge of Public Service Regulations, NSF business strategies and goals, NSF Services, NSF business processes and value chain, NSF policies, procedures and regulations, Customer Service, NSF Values, NSF goals and performance requirements. Must be be able to take accountability, practice service excellence, be collaborative, have Integrity, passion, developmental, be objective, dedicated, committed and willing to work irregular hours and do extensive travel. A valid driver’s license. Skills: Applying Technology, Citizen Focus and Responsiveness, Diversity Management, be able to have an impact and influence decisions, to manage interpersonal conflict and resolving problems, be able to do networking and build bonds, plan and organize with excellent problem solving and decision making skills, shows concern for others with good self-management abilities, have good quality management, be able to manage and exercise research and analysis with technical proficiency.

Duties

The successful candidate will be expected to conduct socio-economic analysis and research by analysing and evaluating the effectiveness and impact of the NSF’s projects and programmes on beneficiaries and institutions. Undertake cost benefit analysis to determine the value for money of the NSF’s programmes. Establish the demand for scarce and critical skills across different sectors of the economy and assess the supply of training programmes across the different types of institutions and match them to NSF’s planned interventions. Estimate the contribution of the NSF to the goals set out in the White Paper for Post School Education and Training and keep abreast of developments in research on labour markets and the skills system. Provide evidence and analysis to support the NSF’s strategic planning and reporting processes by providing evidence and analysis to support the NSF’s strategic planning processes. Draft reports on the NSF’s progress against its targets and draft research reports for publication on the NSF website. Work with the skills planning mechanism within the DHET to ensure strategic alignment. Participate as an active member of the Directorate team by operating within delegated authorizations, adhering at all times to the values of the NSF and preparing monthly reports and making presentations as required.

Applying for this role through NewGenJobs

NewGenJobs aggregates job listings from South African government sources including PSC Circulars and DPSA, as well as private sector employers across banking, retail, healthcare, and professional services. When you apply through our platform, your application is tracked in your personal dashboard and you are notified of any updates. Completing your profile fully before applying ensures your CV and personal details are submitted correctly every time.

·Read the full job requirements before applying and confirm you meet every minimum qualification listed.

·Tailor your CV to reflect the specific skills and experience mentioned in this advert before submitting.

·Apply before the closing date. Late applications are not accepted by South African employers regardless of the reason.

·If this is a government role, a signed Z83 form is required. NewGenJobs auto-fills this from your saved profile.

About the hiring department

This vacancy is within DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION. Government departments in South Africa advertise vacancies through the Public Service Commission and are required to follow a standardised recruitment process governed by the Public Service Act. Applications are screened against the minimum requirements listed in the advert before any CV is reviewed by a panel.

Shortlisted candidates are contacted directly by the department. If you do not receive a response within 90 days of the closing date, your application was not successful. NewGenJobs tracks every application you submit through your personal dashboard so you always know where you stand.

Requirements

·An appropriate bachelor’s degree/ national diploma (NQF Level 6) in Economics, Econometrics and/or Statistics
·A minimum of three (3) to five (5) years’ collective working experience within the Research field with three (3) years’ experience in a supervisory position
·Knowledge of the education system and pedagogy, Post school education and training system, Government wide legislation, Legislative Knowledge and Prescripts, e
·Skills Development Act, Skills Development Levies Act, Public Service Act, PFMA and National Treasury Regulations, General knowledge of Public Service Regulations, NSF business strategies and goals, NSF Services, NSF business processes and value chain, NSF policies, procedures and regulations, Customer Service, NSF Values, NSF goals and performance requirements
·Must be be able to take accountability, practice service excellence, be collaborative, have Integrity, passion, developmental, be objective, dedicated, committed and willing to work irregular hours and do extensive travel
·A valid driver’s license

Key Duties

·The successful candidate will be expected to conduct socio-economic analysis and research by analysing and evaluating the effectiveness and impact of the NSF’s projects and programmes on beneficiaries and institutions
·Undertake cost benefit analysis to determine the value for money of the NSF’s programmes
·Establish the demand for scarce and critical skills across different sectors of the economy and assess the supply of training programmes across the different types of institutions and match them to NSF’s planned interventions
·Estimate the contribution of the NSF to the goals set out in the White Paper for Post School Education and Training and keep abreast of developments in research on labour markets and the skills system
·Provide evidence and analysis to support the NSF’s strategic planning and reporting processes by providing evidence and analysis to support the NSF’s strategic planning processes
·Draft reports on the NSF’s progress against its targets and draft research reports for publication on the NSF website
·Work with the skills planning mechanism within the DHET to ensure strategic alignment
·Participate as an active member of the Directorate team by operating within delegated authorizations, adhering at all times to the values of the NSF and preparing monthly reports and making presentations as required

Before you apply - checklist

Make sure you have everything ready before the closing date.

✓Download and fully complete the official Z83 form - partial or outdated Z83 versions are rejected
✓Prepare a detailed CV listing every previous post with exact start and end dates (month and year)
✓Get certified copies of all qualifications - certification must be done at a police station or commissioner of oaths
✓Include a certified copy of your South African ID document or passport
✓Include a copy of your valid driver's licence (front and back)
✓Be prepared to undergo a criminal record check - a conviction may disqualify you depending on the nature of the post
✓Submit your complete application package to sasrecruit44@nda.gov.za before the closing date - late or incomplete submissions are not considered

How to Apply

⚡ This job supports one-click auto-apply via your Gmail.

✓ Your CV is attached automatically.

✓ You review the application before anything is sent.

✓ We track employer replies and notify you.

Applying to: sasrecruit44@nda.gov.za

Apply with one click

Auto-apply via Gmail. Your CV is attached instantly.

✓Track all your applications

✓POPIA compliant

✓Replies tracked automatically

✓100% free

Frequently asked questions

How do I apply for the ASSISTANT DIRECTOR: RESEARCH ( position at DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION?+

Applications for this post are submitted by email. Sign up on NewGenJobs, complete your profile, and use the one-click auto-apply feature - we attach your CV and the completed Z83 form (for government posts) and send the application directly to DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION from your Gmail account. The closing date is 13 July 2026.

What documents do I need to apply for a government post in South Africa?+

Government posts require a completed Z83 application form (the official DPSA form), a detailed CV listing all previous employment with exact dates, and certified copies of your qualifications and ID. NewGenJobs auto-fills the Z83 from your profile. Do not submit original documents - certified copies only. Uncertified copies or incomplete Z83 forms are grounds for immediate disqualification.

What is the salary for the ASSISTANT DIRECTOR: RESEARCH ( position?+

The advertised salary band for this post is R 487 197. This is the all-inclusive remuneration package, which typically covers basic salary, medical aid contribution, and other benefits. The exact split between cash and benefits is determined at appointment stage.

When does the ASSISTANT DIRECTOR: RESEARCH ( application close?+

The closing date for this position is 13 July 2026 - 9 days from today. Late applications are not accepted by South African employers. Submit your application well before the deadline. NewGenJobs sends you a reminder before your tracked jobs close.