Senior Researcher

To apply, click on the link at the end of the posts and all the best with your applications.

The Council on Higher Education (CHE) is an independent statutory body established
by the Higher Education Act (Act No. 101 of 1997, as amended). It advises the Minister
of Higher Education and Training on higher education matters and, as the Quality
Council for Higher Education in terms of the National Qualifications Framework Act
(Act No. 67 of 2008, as amended) it is responsible for quality assurance and promotion
in higher education through the Higher Education Quality Committee (HEQC).

The Research and Monitoring Programme is responsible for conducting research on
issues that are critical for the continuing development of a vibrant, innovative,
transformative, and future-oriented national higher education system, responsive to
the changing needs of society. It is also responsible for monitoring developments
within the higher education landscape; regularly publishing information about these
developments; providing platforms for national critical discourses on topical higher
education issues; and facilitating such national discourses.

Applications are invited from suitably qualified and experienced candidates for
appointment to the following position:

Position: Senior Researcher
Programme: Research and Monitoring
Total cost of employment package
R1 216 824. 00 per annum

The successful candidate will be reporting to the Director: Research and Monitoring

Main responsibilities:
§ Conceptualising research projects, preparing comprehensive research
proposals, and compiling submissions to apply for ethical clearance.
§ Leading data collection, data processing, data analysis, and other practical
research processes in qualitative and quantitative empirical and/or desk-top
research projects.§ Drafting progress reports and final research reports, submitting these for review
process, and revising them appropriately taking into account feedback from
the review process.
§ Disseminating relevant research information, including research findings, at
conferences, colloquia and symposia, as well as in scholarly publications.
§ Coordinating and monitoring research projects commissioned out to external
researchers, and managing contracts of the external researchers.
§ Reviewing research outputs produced by in-house, interns and external
researchers; and providing guidance on how these could be improved and/or
strengthened.
§ Screening manuscripts received for publication in Kagisano, the research
journal of the CHE, processing them for a peer review process, and packaging
the feedback from the peer reviewers to be communicated to authors.
§ Managing intellectual engagement and/or national critical discourse events,
including managing task teams or working groups established to plan, organise
and coordinate such events.
§ Drafting reports and other relevant submissions to the Research, Monitoring
and Advice Committee; Council; the Department of Higher Education and
Training; and other stakeholder bodies.
§ Participating actively in initiatives to grow the research area of work within the
CHE, and to increase the impact of the research on the higher education
system in South Africa.
§ Networking with researchers and other research stakeholders in universities,
science councils, and other research bodies locally and internationally.

Minimum requirements
§ Research-based Master’s degree, preferably in Higher Education or related
Humanities and Social Science disciplines. A doctorate degree in Higher
Education or related Humanities and Social Science discipline will be accorded
more preference.
§ Five (5) years’ demonstrable research experience focusing on, or related to,
higher education.
§ Three (3) scholarly papers or book chapters published within the last five (5)
years in journals or books that are recognised by the Department of Higher
Education and Training (DHET).
§ Three (3) conference presentations within the last five (5) years.
§ Demonstrable experience of managing research projects, research teams,
research project budgets, and quality of research outputs.
§ Demonstrable experience of organising intellectual engagement events such
as conferences, colloquia and seminars.
§ Demonstrable understanding of research – policy interface, and societal
impacts of research.
§ Above average academic writing skills.
§ Above average academic review and/or editing skills.

Competencies
§ Academic rigour
§ Academic writing
§ Attention to detail
§ Conceptual, strategic and systems thinking
§ Critical analysis
§ Deadline conscious
§ Emotional intelligence
§ Facilitation of events
§ Knowledge management
§ Planning and organising
§ Problem solving
§ Project management
§ Qualitative research
§ Quantitative research
§ Research ethics and integrity
§ Research philosophy in Education, Social Sciences or Humanities
§ Stakeholder engagement
§ Verbal and written communication

Application procedures
To apply please submit the following:
a) A completed job application form available from the CHE website
(www.che.ac.za/newsroom/vacancies).
b) A comprehensive CV which should include a list of scholarly publications,
among others.
c) Certified copies of qualifications.
d) Copies of three (3) articles/papers published in scholarly journals, and/or book
chapters, published within the last five (5) years.
e) A detailed motivation regarding your suitability for the position, as well as how
you meet each of the stipulated requirements.
f) Names and contact details (including telephone numbers) of three workrelated referees, including at least one from a recent line manager

Applications that do not include all that is listed above will not be considered.

Applications must be forwarded to Affirmative Portfolios, for attention Destiny Penniken
via e-mail to recruitment@affirm.co.za or hand delivered to 14 Petunia Street, Corner
Main Road, La Rocca Office Park, Block E, Bryanston.

Correspondence will be limited to shortlisted candidates. If you have not been
contacted within 30 days after the closing date, please consider your application as
unsuccessful. Shortlisted candidates will be required to undergo psychometric tests
and competency assessments to determine their suitability for employment.

Further details pertaining to conditions of service including remuneration are available
from +27 12 349 3872 or email Mashiane.M@che.ac.za. Enquiries about the technical
aspects of the position may be directed to research@che.ac.za. The CHE is
committed to Employment Equity and aims to attract and retain talented individuals
to achieve its equity objectives. Therefore, people from designated groups, including
those with disabilities, are encouraged to apply.

Closing date: 13 June 2025

We wish you all the best with your applications