RESPONSIBILITIES:

Policy, Systems and Procedure Implementation

• Conduct industry research and analyse data to identify growth opportunities within the NSFAS context.
• Develop content which would drive strategic initiatives that would assist the organisation achieve its goals, considering the local, regional and global dynamics and obligations.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align organisational objectives and ensure effective strategy execution within the public sector framework.

Core Strategic/Operations Objectives Implementation

• Conduct qualitative and quantitative research to gather insights on market trends, consumer behaviour, and competitive landscape.
• Analyse data using statistical methods and tools to identify patterns, correlations, and actionable insights.
• Prepare comprehensive reports and presentations that summarize research findings and recommendations for stakeholders.
• Collaborate with internal teams to define research objectives and ensure alignment with organizational goals.
• Monitor industry developments and emerging trends to provide timely updates and strategic recommendations.
• Utilize data visualization techniques to present complex information in an easily understandable format.
• Maintain organized records of research methodologies, findings, and sources for future reference

People Management & Ethical Leadership

• Manages and participation in the recruitment and selection of unit vacancies in line with EE targets.
• Delegates tasks to subordinates for implementation.
• Directs, inspires, coaches and mentor subordinates to deliver quality programmes in line with NSFAS Values.
• Manages and participates in leading the individual performance contracting and review process for responsible team/s.
• Manages and participates in all disciplinary matters of subunits related to performance and conduct issues.

Stakeholder Management & Relationships

• Proactively identify and address stakeholder concerns, ensuring timely and effective resolutions
• Collaborate with stakeholders to develop and implement process improvements
• Facilitate cross-functional meetings and discussions to align on objectives and strategies

Project Management & Leadership

• Manages multiple tasks and prioritize accordingly without compromising on quality of work
• Provide oversight and where required participate in projects to address identified needs
• Where required, analyse and interpret project reports upon completion of the project to evaluate return on investment and to recommend insights for future decision making.

Budget Optimisation

• Manage expenditure in line with budget for all Planning related projects (where applicable)
• Monitors spend aligned to approved budget (where applicable)
• Monitor and report on the organisation’s research journey to ensure alignment with strategic objectives, considering the specific requirements of the government

Information and Knowledge Management

• Sourcing and analysing of data for literature reviews and background papers.
• Conduct qualitative and quantitative research.
• Collaborate with the Senior Manager and ICT to build systems that enable the management of data obtained from different sources
• Develop and deliver presentations to communicate findings and recommendations to management

Reporting and Accountability

• Prepare monthly and quarterly reports on key performance indicators, process improvements, and stakeholder engagement
• Analyse data, identify trends, and provide insights to support decision-making

DESIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

Minimum requirements:

• NQF Level 9 qualification in Business Administration, Economics, Statistics or Social Sciences or other related qualifications.
• Understanding of the post-school education and training within South Africa and international context.
• Driver’s License
• 3-4 years of experience in research, data analysis, or a related field
• Knowledge of research methodologies and best practices
• Familiarity with database management and data mining techniques.
• Familiarity with project management tools and techniques
• Knowledge of Post School Education and Training (PSET) System
• 2 years’ working experience in Post School Education and Training (PSET) System
• Add experience (2-3 years) and knowledge – Thorough understanding of research methodologies
• Experience – Co-authored at least 2 academic publications.
• Exposure and application to at least 2 statistical packages for the analysis of data
• 2 – 3 years of research supervisory experience
• Computer literacy – Intermediate MS Package Suite
• Proficiency in statistical software (e.g., SPSS, R, or Python) and data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI).
• Proficiency in, or working experience with, some or all of the following programmes: Ms office, SPSS, STATA, Nvivo, AtlasTI or latest data systems.
• Strong written and oral communication skills (having published or be about to publish from their PhD will be an added advantage.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy

Preferred

• PhD qualification in Business Administration, Economics, Statistics or Social Sciences or related qualifications.