Head of Policy and Research Services

Presidency; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 1,603,854 - 2,169,567; Full time

Job summary

The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa invites applications for the role of Head of Policy and Research Services. This senior post requires guiding policy development, coordinating Government policy initiatives, and delivering high‑level research outputs for strategic decision‑making.

Based in Pretoria, the successful candidate will engage with government offices, think tanks and research bodies to identify gaps, drive evidence‑based interventions, and lead a multidisciplinary team to

Qualifications

• Senior Certificate plus an Honours degree or equivalent on NQF level 8.
• 8–10 years’ experience at senior managerial level.
• In depth understanding of the Public Service Regulatory Framework.

Responsibilities

• Provide policy support and advise to the President and Deputy President of the Presidency.
• Facilitate policy coordination in Government through the Cabinet system and FOSAD.
• Liaise with senior officials responsible for research and policy development in Government as well as think-tanks and research institutions to identify research gaps and outcomes that impact on public policy and use such to make recommendations on interventions required.
• Provide technical support to the structures chaired by the President and Deputy President.
• Conduct socio-economic impact assessments in respect of policy outcomes.

Skills

Communication (oral & writing)

Client orientation

Honesty & integrity

Service delivery innovation

Problem solving & analysis

Knowledge management

Willing to work extended hours

Education

Honours degree / Postgraduate or equivalent (NQF 8)

Job description

Head of Policy and Research Services (REF: PRS/PRES/2026)

The Presidency is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. It is our intention to promote representivity (race, gender and disability). The candidature of persons whose transfer/appointment will promote representivity will receive preference.

Salary: R1 885 710 per annum (level 15) (All-inclusive remuneration package)

Requirements

• Senior Certificate plus an appropriate Hons Degree/Postgraduate or equivalent qualification on NQF level 8 as recognized by SAQA.
• 8‑10 years’ experience at senior managerial level.
• Process competencies:
  • Communication, both oral and writing
  • Client orientation and customer focus
  • Honesty and integrity
  • Service delivery innovation
  • Willing to work extended hours, when necessary
  • Problem solving and analysis
  • Knowledge management
• Core competencies:
  • Financial management
  • Strategic capability leadership
  • Program and project management
  • People management and empowerment
  • Change Management
  • Stakeholder Management
• Knowledge:
  • In depth understanding of the Public Service Regulatory Framework
  • Good understanding of government policies, programmes, strategies, projects and plans
  • Public Service Regulatory Framework (duplicate, retained for clarity)
  • Good knowledge and ability to use appropriate research methodologies
  • Monitoring and evaluation methods, tools and techniques
  • Knowledge of assessment and reviews techniques

Duties

• Provide policy support and advise to the President and Deputy President of the Presidency.
• Facilitate policy coordination in Government through the Cabinet system and FOSAD.
• Liaise with senior officials responsible for research and policy development in Government as well as think‑tanks and research institutions to identify research gaps and outcomes that impact on public policy and use such to make recommendations on interventions required.
• Provide technical support to the structures chaired by the President and Deputy President.
• Conduct socio‑economic impact assessments in respect of policy outcomes.