3 Education Sector jobs in South Africa

Direct message the job poster from Insight Giant Corporate Training

About the Role

Our client is seeking a dynamic Senior Research Manager with deep expertise in education and training to support research and planning initiatives within the skills development ecosystem. This is a six-month contract role based in Pretoria, ideal for a seasoned professional with strong analytical capabilities, SETA or public-sector experience, and the drive to influence education and workforce policy through data-driven research.

Job Purpose

This role is responsible for leading and managing research initiatives that inform sector skills planning, education strategies, and development frameworks within the broader training and skills landscape. The incumbent will oversee the implementation of a research agenda that supports strategic decision-making, ensures compliance with regulatory frameworks, and fosters innovation in skills planning and development.

Key Responsibilities

• Research Leadership: Lead cross-functional research projects focused on education, training, and skills development priorities, aligning with national and sectoral objectives.
• Skills Planning Analysis: Support the development and refinement of the Sector Skills Plan (SSP) and Workplace Skills Plans (WSPs) by contributing relevant research insights.
• Project Management: Manage and supervise multi-disciplinary research teams, ensuring high-quality outputs are delivered within timelines and budget.
• Data Interpretation & Reporting: Analyse research findings and produce actionable reports that guide policy development and organisational planning.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Liaise with stakeholders across government, SETAs, educational institutions, and employers to gather data, validate research, and promote collaboration.
• Knowledge Dissemination: Present findings to executive teams, working groups, and sector stakeholders to influence decisions and build capacity in research interpretation.
• Quality Assurance: Ensure all research outputs comply with national standards, ethical guidelines, and organisational protocols.

Qualifications and Experience

• A Bachelor’s degree (NQF Level 7) in Research, Education, Social Sciences, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5–7 years’ experience conducting and managing research in a SETA, education, or public-sector environment.
• Experience in leading research teams or supervising large-scale research projects.
• A postgraduate qualification (NQF Level 8) in Research, Development Studies, or Education Policy.
• Deep understanding of the national skills development framework and related legislation.

Skills and Competencies

• Research Expertise: Proven ability to design, lead, and evaluate applied research projects in the education or public service sector.
• Analytical Thinking: Strong quantitative and qualitative analysis skills with proficiency in research software/tools.
• Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including report writing and presentation.
• Strategic Planning: Ability to align research outcomes with broader sectoral strategies and planning processes.
• Team Leadership: Demonstrated leadership in managing research teams and fostering a collaborative environment.

If you're passionate about evidence-based policy, strategic research, and making a meaningful impact in the education and skills landscape, we invite you to apply for this exciting opportunity.

• Seniority level Mid-Senior level

• Employment type Contract

• Job function Research, Analyst, and Information Technology
• Industries Education Administration Programs

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One of our public sector clients are in need of an experienced Finance individual to join their team in the Eastern Cape. 

Key qualifications and experience:

Matric

Degree - Financial Management / Public Finance / Economics

5 years’ experience at middle or senior management level in Finance environment

Applicants should have obtained pre-entry Nyukela Certificate (certificate for entry into the Senior Management Service from the National School of Government)

Clear credit and criminal record

Great track record as reference checks will be conducted upfront

Key skills:

Project management

Financial acumen

Budget and resource management 

Strategic

Leadership

Collaboration

Change management

Stakeholder management 

Decision making

Excellent English communication - verbal and written

Negotiation

Conflict management

Presentation

Report writing

Asset and risk management

Computer literate - MS Projects, Excel, POWER BI / Tableau 

Key performance areas:  

Monitor and report on the financial and non-financial performance - quarterly performance reports

Oversee the analysis and monitor the implementation of strategic objectives and targets in departments’ Annual Performance Plan

Risk management

Budget management - BAS

Variance analysis 

Asset management

Supply chain compliance

Responsible for smooth operations of the unit 

Draft and implement service delivery improvement programme 

Staff development / training 

Cashflow projections

Department strategic plan analysis 

Provide EXCO with recommendations regarding departmental roll over requests of conditional grant and equitable share