Head of Department: Policy and Research

Boardroom Appointments; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 800 000 - 1 200 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading South African organization is seeking an experienced Head of Department: Policy and Research to manage and lead policy development and research initiatives. The ideal candidate needs strong leadership and analytical skills, a Master's degree in Social Sciences (PhD preferable), and at least five years of experience in middle management with a track record in research publication and team management. This position promises to be impactful and demanding, reflecting a commitment to a gender-equal society.

Qualifications

• Minimum five years relevant experience in middle management.
• Extensive record of publications in Social Sciences.
• Proven experience as a research report editor.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage policy development and research initiatives.
• Guide strategic research initiatives and drive research outcomes.
• Provide strategic leadership and mentorship to researchers.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical skills

Project management

Research supervision

Statistical software knowledge

Excellent written and verbal communication

Education

Masters degree in Social Sciences or related fields

PhD in related fields

Job description

About the job Head of Department: Policy and Research

Head of Department: Policy and Research

Our client, a prominent organization in South Africa, is seeking a dynamic and experienced Head of Department: Policy and Research to lead and manage the policy development and research initiatives. This key position requires a strategic thinker with strong leadership and analytical skills, capable of driving impactful policy recommendations and research projects.

Requirements:

South African Citizens

Masters degree in the Social Sciences or related fields; a PhD would be an added advantage.

Minimum five years relevant working experience in middle management in the public sector or a research institute.

An extensive record of publications in the Social Sciences or related fields.

Proven experience as a research report editor.

Proven experience in managing and overseeing a team of researchers.

Experience in conducting qualitative and quantitative research.

Project management and research supervision experience.

Knowledge of statistical software/packages.

Astuteness or critical thinking.

Curiosity or the passion to delve deeper into issues to unearth insight.

Commitment policy and research is a tough job, it may involve long hours and short timelines, thus, the incumbent must be resilient.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, especially research report writing skills.

Systematic and attention to detail.

Sympathetic listener and interpersonal skills, particularly when conducting research with human subjects.

Commitment to working towards a gender equality society.

Oral and written presentation skills.

Valid drivers licence and willingness to travel.

Key Performance Areas:

• Participation in the strategic planning of The Company and ensuring that the annual performance and quarterly plans of the Policy and Research Department are developed, implemented, monitored, and reported on as required.
• Guiding strategic research initiatives and driving high-quality research outcomes.
• Providing strategic leadership, direction, and mentorship to researchers on the implementation of innovative and transformative research initiatives, including change management within the department and the company at large.
• Developing the relevant skills in the department to adapt to the use of new industry technology, promoting efficient transition to the 4th Industrial Revolution as required.
• Development and enforcing proper work ethics and management standards within the department and The Company at large, as well as managing work efficiency and productivity against agreed-upon benchmarks.
• Setting research goals aligned with the companys mandate, including the institutional vision, mission, and core values.
• Conceptualisation and supervision of multiple research projects, nationally and provincially.
• Conceptualisation of the research agenda of The Company in consultation with the relevant oversight structures for consensus management.
• Implementing effective budget planning and financial management of the departments resources.
• Management of internal and external stakeholders, including service providers, especially for the Policy and Research Department.
• Ensuring compliance with the companys internal regulatory tools, as well as national and international legislation governing the work of The Company and the public sector at large.
• Taking a leadership role in working with partner organisations on key policy issues.