12 Research Assistant jobs in South Africa

Description
Job Title Research Assistant Location Braamfontein,ZA Organization Name Wits Enterprise Department Description The Research Assistant will support a regional research project focused on understanding the impacts of youth mobility and migration on access to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) services in Southern Africa. The project explores how internal and cross-border migration, displacement, and patterns of urbanisation influence young people's access to comprehensive SRHR services. Brief Description

Activities And Responsibilities
Research Design and Tool Development

• Assist in the development and refinement of research tools (e.g., interview guides, focus group guides, workshop guides), ensuring they are youth- and gender-sensitive.
• Support the translation and localization of research instruments for use in different cultural and linguistic settings in which the study will be in.

Fieldwork Preparation

• Assist in organizing fieldwork logistics such as coordinating interviews, managing schedules, and liaising with local partners.
• Data collection support
• Participate in or observe qualitative data collection (e.g., interviews, focus group discussions) where appropriate, under supervision.
• Engage respectfully and ethically with youth participants, particularly when discussing sensitive SRHR topics.

Data Management and Preliminary Analysis

• Transcribe or code qualitative data, support data cleaning for survey datasets.
• Assist in identifying key themes, patterns, and issues relevant to youth mobility and access to SRHR services.
• Academic writing and dissemination.
• Draft sections of internal reports, policy briefs, or academic papers in collaboration with senior researchers.
• Assist in preparing presentation materials for conferences, seminars, or stakeholder workshops.

Project Coordination and Communication

• Attend regular research team meetings and contribute to collaborative planning and problem-solving.
• Maintain organised project files and contribute to documenting fieldwork processes and challenges.
• Engage in research mentorship activities, such as methods workshops or writing retreats, where available.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., Social Sciences, Public Health, or related discipline).
• Previous research or fieldwork experience.
• Experience working with communities or participants.
• Knowledge of local language(s) including Zulu, Sotho and other local languages.

Personal Attributes

• Professionalism, reliability, and integrity.
• Ability to handle sensitive information with confidentiality.
• Flexibility and adaptability to fieldwork conditions.
• Cultural sensitivity and respect for diverse populations.

Remuneration: ZAR per annum
Requirements
Detailed Description Job Requirements Additional Details How To Apply

To apply, please submit a cover letter clearly outlining your skills and experience, indicating the post that you are applying for, together with a CV and the names and contact details of at least three (3) references on the link:

For queries, contact Sonti Masike, Executive PA/HR Officer, by email

on

Closing date: 30 September 2025, close of business
***The University is committed to employment equity. Preference may be given to appointable applicants from the underrepresented designated groups in terms of the relevant employment equity plans and policies of the University. The University retains the right not to make an appointment and to verify all information provided by candidates.

Please note that correspondence will only be entered into with shortlisted candidates. The University reserves the right not to make an appointment or to re-advertise.***
Minimum Salary Maximum Salary Currency Amount of Travel Work At Home

Project: Unequal Adaptation to Water Insecurity in South African Townships

About the Role

Where: Johannesburg area

When: September–October (8 weeks)

Type: Paid, on-site, part-time (local hire)

Responsibilities

• Conduct semi-structured interviews with residents, community leaders, and NGOs—focused on water access, non-revenue water (NRW), and sanitation.
• Facilitate 1–2 focus groups to surface coping norms, trust, and practical ideas to improve water services and sanitation.
• Join field walk-alongs in informal settlements to observe daily water/sanitation practices; take careful notes and (where appropriate) photos; deliver short weekly insight memos.
• Handle recruitment, consent, audio recording, transcription/translation, and confidentiality (POPIA-compliant).

Qualifications

• Based in Gauteng; fluent in English plus a local language (e.g., isiZulu, Sesotho, Setswana, isiXhosa).
• A university student or recent graduate with knowledge of—or strong interest in—water.

Required Skills

• Outgoing and proactive, with strong note-taking and people skills.
• Reliable, discreet, and safety-minded (transport stipends provided).
• A person with existing networks in Johannesburg area and knowledge of Johannesburg Water pathways.

Pay range and compensation package

Paid, on-site, part-time (local hire)

Equal Opportunity Statement

We are committed to diversity and inclusivity.

• South African National Parks (SANParks)

Research Assistant at South African National Parks

• Deadline:

23 September 2025

• Region:

Kimberley, Northern Cape

• Salary:

Paterson Grade B3

• Type of employment:

Full time

Job Description
A vacancy exists within Scientific Services for a Research Assistant stationed in Kimberley Scientific Services.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Assist with conducting Research in Arid parks and others.
• Provide guarding and guiding support in the Arid parks.
• Assist with the maintenance of research infrastructures, research sites and equipment.
• Assist with data collection, routine monitoring data, mapping and data capturing.
• Assist with rehabilitation plans and assessment.
• Assisting with report writing.
• Assist with the implementation of the fire management program within the Arid parks.
• Liaison to park management and scientist within SANParks and external scientists.

Qualifications And Requirements

• Matric / Grade 12 certificate.
• An Advanced Certificate in Conservation will be an added advantage.
• Proficient in reading, writing, and communicating effectively in English.
• Knowledge and understanding of veld firefighting practices.
• Competent in using GPS and CyberTracker technologies.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Teams, Excel, and Word.
• A valid Level 1 First Aid Certificate will be advantageous.
• 2 – 5 years of experience participating in field research activities.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team.
• Valid Driver's licence.
• Basic computer literacy will be an added advantage.

Please Note:
SANParks is an equal opportunity employer and reserves the right not to make an appointment.
How to apply

Interested candidates who meet the above requirements should forward their applications accompanied by the their detailed CV's and copies of qualifications to: with the subject heading: "Research Assistant".

Apply here

Candidates who do not apply via the provided link will not be considered.

Closing Date: 23 September 2025. Candidates who have not been responded to within 14 days of the closing date should consider their applications as unsuccessful.

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More about this vacancy

• Date posted:

11 September 2025

Back to #NGOJobsBoard

We're hiring: Research Assistant (Johannesburg) - Qualitative fieldwork on water & sanitation

Project: Unequal Adaptation to Water Insecurity in South African Townships

Where: Johannesburg area When: September-October (8 weeks) Type: Paid, on-site, part-time (local hire)

What you'll do (qualitative only)

Conduct semi-structured interviews with residents, community leaders, and NGOs - focused on water access, non-revenue water (NRW), and sanitation.

Facilitate 12 focus groups to surface coping norms, trust, and practical ideas to improve water services and sanitation.

Join field walk-alongs in informal settlements to observe daily water/sanitation practices; take careful notes and (where appropriate) photos; deliver short weekly insight memos.

Handle recruitment, consent, audio recording, transcription/translation, and confidentiality (POPIA-compliant).

You are

Based in Gauteng; fluent in English plus a local language (e.g., isiZulu, Sesotho, Setswana, isiXhosa).

A university student or recent graduate with knowledge of - or strong interest in - water

Outgoing and proactive, with strong note-taking and people skills.

Reliable, discreet, and safety-minded (transport stipends provided).

• A person with existing networks in the Johannesburg area and knowledge of Johannesburg Water pathways.

• Agricultural Research and Technology Development.
• Prepare plant and soil samples.
• Keeping store clean and in good condition.
• Maintain Lab equipment.
• Washing of glass ware and prepare them to be used.

• Take initiative in your job.

• Senior Certificate (Grade12).

• Physically fit.
• Ability to be rapidly trained and mentored.
• Driver's license will be an added advantage.
• Client focused & customer service disposition.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks simultaneously and exercise confidentiality.
• Organizing skills.
• Computer literacy and proficiency in MS Office suite.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Enquiries: Ms. Z Hlam, Tel:

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 17 SEPTEMBER 2025

A competitive remuneration package will be congruent with the scope, responsibilities and the stature of the position. The appointment will be subject to a positive security clearance (as well as competency and leadership assessments).

Preference will be given to designated groups in terms of the ARC Employment Equity Plan. The Agricultural Research Council is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to the principles and processes of Employment Equity Act.

Applications accompanied by a covering letter, detailed CV with at least three recent (3) contactable referees, certified copies of certificates, supporting documents and a copy of driver's license must be attached on the form.

A SAQA evaluation report must accompany foreign qualifications. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applicants who do not receive any response four (4) weeks after the closing date must regard their applications as unsuccessful. Permanent appointments are subject to six (6) months' probation period. The organisation reserves the right not to appoint.

• Sort and verify soil samples received against the survey data management database.
• Prepare soil samples for spectral analysis according to the standard operating procedures.
• Package soil samples for international shipping.
• Assist with archiving of soil samples.
• Properly maintain lab equipment.

• Keep a clean lab.

• Grade 12/ Senior Certificate.

• Previous soil laboratory work experience will be an added advantage.
• Attention to detail.
• Good work ethic.
• Computer literacy and proficiency in MS Office suite.
• Good communication skills (written and verbal).

Enquiries: Dr NZ Sosibo, Tel:

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 30 SEPTEMBER 2025

A competitive remuneration package will be congruent with the scope, responsibilities and the stature of the position. The appointment will be subject to a positive security clearance (as well as competency and leadership assessments).

Preference will be given to designated groups in terms of the ARC Employment Equity Plan. The Agricultural Research Council is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to the principles and processes of Employment Equity Act.

Applications accompanied by a covering letter, detailed CV with at least three recent (3) contactable referees, certified copies of certificates, supporting documents and a copy of driver's license must be attached on the form.

A SAQA evaluation report must accompany foreign qualifications. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applicants who do not receive any response four (4) weeks after the closing date must regard their applications as unsuccessful. Permanent appointments are subject to six (6) months' probation period. The organisation reserves the right not to appoint.

Research Assistant Africa Youth Portal and Research Project

Location: Johannesburg, South Africa

Contract: 12-Month Fixed-Term

Reports to: Head of Youth Programmes
Salary: R180,000 R240,000 per annum

About SAIIA

The South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) is an independent, non-profit public policy think tank dedicated to leveraging rigorous research and policy engagement to advance a well-governed, peaceful, economically sustainable and globally engaged Africa. For over nine decades, SAIIA has been at the forefront of shaping policy debates on Africa's international relations, governance, and economic development. Through its