Institutional Researcher

Nelson Mandela University; Gqeberha; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent educational institution in Gqeberha is seeking a candidate to conduct institutional research and support evidence-based planning. The ideal applicant will manage research studies, analyze data trends, and effectively communicate findings. A Master's degree in a relevant field and two to three years of experience in research are required. This role emphasizes research in higher education, expecting candidates to leverage their skills to enhance institutional strategies.

Qualifications

• Completed research-based Master’s degree in relevant discipline.
• Two to three years’ experience in research and data analysis.
• Knowledge of higher education research at an institutional level.

Responsibilities

• Conduct institutional research studies and data analyses.
• Plan and manage research projects from conception to completion.
• Communicate research outcomes to stakeholders.

Skills

Institutional research planning

Quantitative analysis

Qualitative analysis

Project management

Data visualization

Interpersonal skills

Report writing

Education

Research-based Master’s degree

Tools

SPSS

Excel Data Analysis Toolpack

PowerBI

Tableau

Job description

Nelson Mandela University reserves the right not to make an appointment. In considering candidates for appointment into the advertised posts, preference will be accorded to persons from a designated group in accordance with the approved Nelson Mandela University Employment Equity Plan.

CORE PURPOSE OF JOB

The core purpose of this job is to conduct institutional research studies, data analyses, ongoing environmental scanning and benchmarking to support evidence-based institutional planning, performance monitoring and reporting.

KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS

• Independently plan, design, coordinate, manage and conduct various institutional research projects and/orsurveys from conception to completion using various research designs and methodologies.
• Provide quantitative and qualitative analytical support in monitoring, evaluating, and reporting on the efficacyand impact of institutional strategy.
• Develop and administer measurement instruments for research (e.g. survey questionnaires; interview protocols, etc.)
• Extract data from the various sources and analyse trends using statistical computer software packages togenerate cyclical and ad hoc reports.
• Communicate the outcomes of the institutional research and performance monitoring to internal and externalstakeholders, both verbally and in writing, using multiple media and communication platforms.
• Conduct ongoing environmental scanning, market research analyses, benchmarking, and literature reviews toidentify current and future trends that inform the strategic positioning of the University.
• Perform all other duties as assigned by the Director: Institutional Research and Reporting in the fulfilment of the purpose, philosophy and strategic goals of the Office for Institutional Strategy and the wider University

CORE COMPETENCIES

• A sound knowledge of and demonstrated experience in conceptualising and planning institutional researchprojects and applying qualitative and quantitative research designs and methodologies.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and administering research/measurement instruments, and collecting,capturing, analysing, interpreting, and reporting on data emerging from various research instruments (e.g.survey questionnaires and interview protocols).
• Demonstrated commitment to applying the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and ethical conductas it applies to institutional research in a higher education context.
• Proven ability in applying appropriate computer software packages to analyse quantitative and qualitative data,

e.g. Statistica; Stata; SPSS; Excel Data Analysis Toolpack; R; E-Views; MS Office; AtlasTI; NVivo.

• Excellent interpersonal, report writing and presentation skills to communicate research findings and data trendsto diverse audiences.
• Ability to collaborate within multi-disciplinary, cross-functional teams.
• Excellent project management skills and the ability to adhere to tight deadlines with minimal supervision.

REQUIREMENTS

• A completed research-based Master’s degree in a relevant discipline or field of study (e.g. Psychology,Economics, Social Sciences, or Education).
• Preferably two to three years’ experience in research and data analysis (in conceptualising, planning, executing,and reporting on research projects, including developing, administering, and analysing research/measurementinstruments). Evidence of previous research conducted, e.g. reports, surveys designed etc. must be provided atthe interview.
• Note: This position specifically focuses on institutional research (a form of higher education research) and notacademic disciplinary research. Candidates need to demonstrate knowledge of higher education and be able toapply their skills to research studies in this field at an institutional level. Institutional Research experience will bean added advantage.
• The following would be an added advantage:

oProficiency in data visualisation tools (e.g. PowerBI, Tableau) and experience developing/maintaining databases

oMultilingualism

oA PhD