Due Diligence Researcher

S-RM; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 300 000 - 400 000; Full time

Job summary

A global intelligence consultancy in Cape Town is seeking a Researcher to support monitoring and research activities. The role involves conducting high-quality open-source research, developing Boolean searches, and drafting concise alerts. Ideal candidates should have relevant tertiary education, strong analytical skills, and proficiency in English. The company offers flexible working arrangements, generous holiday, pension contributions, and various health benefits, making it an attractive workplace for driven individuals.

Benefits

23 days holiday per year

Matching pension contribution up to 7%

Hybrid working and flexible hours

EAP programme for family

Free access to Headspace

Qualifications

• Some form of relevant tertiary education, preferably in Political Science or Law.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to analyze large data volumes.
• Excellent written and spoken English.

Responsibilities

• Conduct daily media monitoring using internal tools.
• Develop accurate Boolean search strings and keyword lists.
• Summarize relevant incidents or corporate developments.

Skills

Attention to detail

Proficiency in MS Office

Excellent English communication

Research and investigative skills

Curiosity about global affairs

Education

Relevant tertiary education in Political Science or Law

Tools

Research databases

Job description

S-RM is a global intelligence and cyber security consultancy. Since 2005, we’ve helped companies, governments and private individuals solve some of their most complex challenges.

We’ve been able to do this because of our outstanding people. We’re committed to developing bright, curious, enthusiastic people who want to think critically, solve complex problems, and achieve success.

But we also know that work isn’t everything. It’s about the lives and careers it helps us build. We’re immensely proud of this culture and we invest in our people’s wellbeing, learning, and ideas every day.

We’re excited you’re thinking about joining us.

THE ROLE

The Researcher supports the team’s monitoring and research activities by conducting high-quality open-source research, identifying relevant developments, and drafting concise alerts. The role focuses on developing strong analytical, writing, and organisational skills while building an understanding of global compliance frameworks, client needs, and the wider corporate intelligence industry.

The main duties for this role will be varied but we anticipate that they will involve the following:

• Conduct daily media monitoring using internal tools and approved databases;
• Develop accurate Boolean search strings and keyword lists tailored to client and report context;
• Identify, verify, and summarise relevant incidents or corporate developments;
• Produce concise, well‑written alerts requiring minimal editing;
• Maintain awareness of client industries, compliance frameworks (e.g., AML/KYC), and global ESG trends;
• Participate in ad hoc research tasks and cross‑functional projects;
• Actively engage in training and feedback sessions to improve accuracy, efficiency, and writing quality;
• Uphold the team’s quality standards and contribute ideas for service enhancement.

This position will be based at our offices in Cape Town but flexible working arrangements are available.

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR

We think candidates with the following skills and experience are likely to succeed as a Researcher with S‑RM.

That said, if you don’t think you meet all of the criteria below but are still interested in the job, please apply. Nobody checks every box—we’re looking for candidates that are particularly strong in a few areas and have some interest and capabilities in others.

We’re looking for someone that is able to adapt to change and work comfortably in a fast‑paced environment, this person will have some or all of these skills:

• Some form of relevant tertiary education – most relevant to us would likely be Political Science, Law or similar; or equivalent work experience.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to process and analyse large volumes of data, drawing out key themes and providing relevant analysis and summaries;
• Proficiency in MS Office and research databases;
• Excellent written and spoken English with a focus on analysing and presenting complex themes and subjects;
• Excellent research and investigative skills;
• Prior experience in research, writing, or analysis would be beneficial but not essential.

Successful candidates are also likely to show the following personal attributes:

• Excellent attention to detail and fact verification.
• Time management and ability to work to tight deadlines.
• Curiosity about global affairs, regulation, and corporate conduct.
• Basic knowledge of financial and commercial concepts;
• Excellent planning and organisational skills.

The ability to read and research in Mandarin or Arabic will be highly beneficial for this role but will not be a requirement. If you do have this skill, please do highlight it in your cover letter.

This role will be based in Cape Town and all candidates must have permission to work in South Africa by the start of their employment.

BENEFITS

We offer thoughtful, balanced rewards and support to help our people do their best work and live their lives outside it, this includes but is not exhaustive of:

• 23 days holiday per year in addition to bank holidays (+1 day for every day of service up to a maximum of 28 days);
• Matching pension contribution up to 7% (up to a maximum of 14% combined), and financial education;
• Hybrid working and flexible working hours

Parental Support:

• Fertility treatment leave – 5 days of leave per cycle of treatment per year;
• Maternity leave – 26 weeks of full pay followed by 13 weeks of half pay;
• Paternity leave – 6 weeks of full pay.

Various Health and Medical Benefits including:

• Medical Aid and Gap Cover Policy (taxable benefit) for you and your family;
• Free access to the world-famous mindfulness app Headspace;
• EAP programme for you and your immediate family.

THE APPLICATION PROCESS

To apply for this role, please submit an up-to-date CV through this LinkedIn ad.

A cover letter will not be required for this role but will be encouraged. If you would like to add a cover letter to your application, we would be very interested to know why you think you are a great fit for the role, team and S‑RM, and how you feel your skills might apply in this position.

The application process will include:

• A preliminary call, which will be a chance for you to find out more about S‑RM and the role.
• A written research task. This will assess your analytical and writing skills and give you a better sense of the work we do.
• First Interview - this will be run remotely
• Second interview – this may be an in‑person interview, but we will have the ability to run remote interviews for non‑local candidates

We nurture a culture of equality, diversity and inclusion and we are dedicated to developing a workforce that displays a variety of talents, experiences and perspectives.