The Council on Higher Education (CHE) is an independent statutory body established by the Higher Education Act (Act No. 101 of 1997, as amended). It advises the Minister of Higher Education and Training on higher education matters and, as the Quality Council for Higher Education in terms of the National Qualifications Framework Act (Act No. 67 of 2008, as amended) it is responsible for quality assurance and promotion in higher education through the Higher Education Quality Committee (HEQC).

The Research and Monitoring Programme is responsible for conducting research on issues that are critical for the continuing development of a vibrant, innovative, transformative, and future-oriented national higher education system, responsive to the changing needs of society. It is also responsible for monitoring developments within the higher education landscape; regularly publishing information about these developments; providing platforms for national critical discourses on topical higher education issues; and facilitating such national discourses.

The successful candidate will be reporting to the Director: Research and Monitoring

Main responsibilities

• Preparing research proposals on approved topics or themes and compiling submissions to apply for ethical clearance for the proposed research projects.
• Conducting desktop research on approved topics or themes, using approved methods and techniques.
• Conducting qualitative and/or quantitative empirical research on approved topics or themes, using approved instruments, methods and techniques.
• Contributing to the drafting of research reports, submitting them for peer review, and finalising them taking into consideration the feedback from the peer reviewers.
• Authoring and/or co-authoring manuscripts for internal and/or external scholarly publications.
• Collating and compiling information for publication in the Research Bulletin of the Department of Higher Education and Training, and in similar sector-wide research information bulletins or compendia.
• Providing project management support to external researchers working on research projects commissioned by the CHE.
• Participating in internal and external intellectual engagement activities including presenting own research work at conferences, colloquia and other intellectual engagement forums.
• Participating in internal task teams and working groups established from time to time, to plan, organise and coordinate the CHE's intellectual engagement events.
• Contributing to growing and monitoring the sectoral and societal impacts of the research work of the CHE.

Minimum requirements

• Research-based master's degree (NQF Level 9 qualification) preferably in Education, or other closely related Humanities and Social Science subject areas.
• Three (3) years of demonstrable work experience as a researcher or equivalent, preferably in a higher education institution, a science council or a similar research institution.
• Two (2) articles in scholarly journals that appear on the list of the Department of Higher Education and Training, or two (2) chapters in scholarly books.
• Two (2) presentations at national and/or international conferences.
• Demonstrable understanding of higher education as a field or area of research.
• Substantial project management experience.
• Demonstrable practical experience of using statistical data analysis software.

Competencies

• Academic rigour
• Academic writing
• Attention to detail
• Conceptual thinking
• Critical analysis
• Deadline consciousness
• Facilitation and presentation
• Networking
• Planning and organising
• Problem solving
• Project management
• Qualitative research methods
• Quantitative research methods
• Quality consciousness
• Research ethics
• Stakeholder engagement
• Systems thinking
• Verbal and written communication

Application procedures
To apply please submit the following:

• A completed job application form available from the CHE website (www.che.ac.za/newsroom/vacancies).
• A comprehensive CV which should include a list of scholarly publications, among other information.
• Certified copies of qualifications.
• Copies of two (2) articles/papers published in scholarly journals, and/or scholarly book chapters published.
• A detailed motivation regarding your suitability for the position, as well as how you meet each of the stipulated requirements.
• Names and contact details (including telephone numbers) of three work-related referees, one of which must be the current line manager (or most recent line manager if not currently employed).

Applications that do not include all that is listed above will not be considered.
Applications must be forwarded to H&S Labour Brokers, for attention Elginita Moodley via e-mail to che005@hslabour1.co.za
Correspondence will be limited to shortlisted candidates. If you have not been contacted within 30 days after the closing date, please consider your application as unsuccessful. Shortlisted candidates will be required to undergo psychometric tests and competency assessments to determine their suitability for employment.
Further details pertaining to conditions of service including remuneration are available from +27 12 349 3872 or email Mashiane.M@che.ac.za. Enquiries about the technical aspects of the position may be directed to research@che.ac.za. The CHE is committed to Employment Equity and aims to attract and retain talented individuals to achieve its equity objectives. Therefore, people from designated groups, including those with disabilities, are encouraged to apply.

Closing date: 30 October 2026

Late applications will not be considered.