Senior Practitioner: Research at South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA)

Minimum Qualifications

• An appropriate, recognised qualification at NQF Level 7 in a disciplinary field such as Social Sciences/ Education Research/ Education Policy/ or equivalent
• A relevant NQF Level 8 qualification in one of these disciplinary fields would be an advantage.

Minimum Experience

• Three years’ experience in conducting, reporting on, and managing research.
• Experience and knowledge of the NQF would be an advantage.

Knowledge, skills and competencies

• Research skills.
• Ability to analyse, synthesize and manage large amounts of information.
• Ability to manage and work in research teams.
• Ability to manage change.
• Project and time management skills.
• Report and paper writing skills.
• Ability to write for and communicate with NQF stakeholders.
• Skills for policy critique.
• Facilitation and presentation skills.
• Knowledge of research events.
• Research administration and procurement skills.
• Attention to detail.

Key performance areas:

• Ensure research ethics and alignment to SAQA strategy in areas of responsibility.
• Contribute to conceptualising, conducting, managing and reporting on research supporting SAQA and NQF implementation and further development.
• Contribute to NQF research publications.
• Contribute to conceptualising and realisation of NQF research events.
• Contribute to the integration of research and NQF policy development, critique, and implementation.
• Contribute to research funding proposals.
• Contribute to SAQA engagements nationally and internationally around NQF research and policy development and implementation.
• Contribute to the professional development of staff, including mentoring staff in specific specialised tasks.