Chief Economist and Head of Research needed at National School of Government

REQUIREMENTS :

• A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification (NQF Level 7) in Economic Management, Data Sciences, or a related field with a specialization in Applied Economics, Behavioral Economics, Public Economics, Policy Analysis, Statistics, Development Economics, or another relevant discipline that demonstrates advanced knowledge and practical application of economics will be considered.
• A post-graduate qualification (NQF level 9 or 10) with demonstrable research capability will be an added advantage. Faculty affiliation with senior lecturer or Associate Professor level will give candidates a competitive edge. The successful applicant will be subjected to security vetting at an appropriate clearance level for senior managers.

Experience:

• Extensive proven and relevant experience, of which five (5) years must be at a senior management level, in applied economic research, modelling, capacity building and project management. Experience in leading and managing research projects and teams, preferably in an academic, research or public sector context.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct high-level research and analysis, formulate policies based on research outcomes, and provide strategic advice to senior management.
• Experience in academic writing, publishing of papers, management of journals and presentation. Experience working in higher and further education environments.

DUTIES :

• The incumbent will be responsible for the following Key Results Areas: Develop and implement the NSG’s research agenda to address economic and public policy priorities. Represent the NSG in Economic Cluster forums, providing expert economic input and enhancing the institution’s strategic positioning.
• Oversee the analysis of socio-economic policies and advise on capacity development interventions to improve public sector performance. Collaborate internally to support curriculum design with content, particularly in economics, based on research-driven insights. Produce high-quality research reports, policy briefs, and economic analyses for stakeholders. Manage and oversee collaborative research initiatives with academic institutions and government departments.
• Lead the development and use of economic models to forecast fiscal trends, labour market shifts, and policy impacts globally and locally. Conduct scenario planning to inform the future of the South African public sector and the NSG’s long-term strategy and public sector development initiatives. Monitor and report on economic indicators relevant to public governance and adjust strategies accordingly. Provide expert advice to senior leadership based on economic analyses and research findings.
• Identify strategic opportunities to align NSG’s programmes with the government’s economic development priorities. Build strategic partnerships with government bodies, universities, and think tanks to advance the NSG’s research agenda. Represent the NSG at national and international economic forums to share insights and enhance institutional visibility. Facilitate information sharing through publications, conferences, and workshops to promote thought leadership.
• Oversee the establishment and implementation of knowledge management systems for effective research dissemination. Foster interdepartmental collaboration to support data-driven decision-making and learning within the NSG. Undertake market intelligence and data analysis across organs of state to identify and inform capacity-building interventions. Conduct skills gap analyses to address the evolving needs of public sector governance and administration. Develop frameworks for measuring the impact of capacity-building initiatives and learning programmes.
• Provide economic data and research insights to support curriculum development for public sector training. Provide strategic leadership and management for the Chief Directorate. Ensure resource optimisation and performance excellence within the research team. Develop frameworks for ethical data management and compliance with research standards. Monitor and evaluate research outputs to ensure alignment with institutional priorities. Promote professional development to build a high-performing team.