Chief Director : Policy Development and Research

Department of Higher Education and Training; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Higher Education and Training seeks a Chief Director for Policy Development and Research in Pretoria. This role involves leading policy development and research efforts within the higher education sector, liaising with universities, and guiding strategic initiatives to improve educational frameworks. Candidates should possess strong qualifications and a minimum of five years of relevant experience at a senior management level.

Qualifications

• Minimum of five years’ work experience at senior management level.
• Extensive experience in policy development and research environment.
• Excellent knowledge of legislative and policy frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement policies in higher education.
• Liaison with universities regarding policy development.
• Guide research and development of relevant higher education policies.

Skills

Research

Policy Development

Project Planning

Management

Education

Bachelor’s degree / Advanced diploma (NQF Level 7)

Job description

Job title : Chief Director : Policy Development and Research

Job Location : Gauteng, Pretoria Deadline : July 18, 2025 Quick Recommended Links

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REQUIREMENTS :

• An appropriate bachelor’s degree / Advanced diploma (NQF Level 7) in Policy Development / Social Science / Development Studies / Public Management or any related qualification.
• A minimum of five (5) years’ work experience with at least five (5) years of relevant experience at the Senior Management level (salary level 13) in policy development and research environment.
• Extensive experience in research, policy, project planning and management.
• Excellent knowledge and understanding of the legislative and policy context; regulatory frameworks governing the higher education system in South Africa and broadly internationally are basic requirements.

DUTIES :

• To develop review and implementation of policies in various areas of higher education; liaison with universities and higher education stakeholders regarding policy development and implementation, and related development support; implementation of the Research Output policy on the Evaluation of Creative Outputs and Innovations Produced by Public Higher Education Institutions which require improvements from time-to-time.
• Both policies lead to the allocation of research subsidies to universities and the compilation of annual analytic sector and individual institutional reports.
• The incumbent will lead a team of professionals in the three Directorates within the Chief Directorate, as well as advice the University Branch, the Deputy Director-General of the branch, the Director-General and the ministry on matters relating to higher education policy and generally on pertinent higher education developments.
• The incumbent will be responsible for guiding research of and for higher policies and the development of relevant policies.