Paterson Grade: C4
Remuneration: R474, 937.73 CTC (plus a possible 20% performance bonus)
The Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA) is a Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) that facilitates skills development under the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) and supports mine health and safety under the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) for the mining and minerals sector under Skills Development Act (SDA) 97 of 1998 and Mine Health and Safety Act (MHSA) 29 of 1996, respectively. The MQA requires the services of the Research Officer to fill the above-mentioned position.
Role Purpose
The Research Officer will plan, design, conduct (gather, analyse, and interpret data) compile reports, share research finding and report on research projects in the Skills Development and Research (SDR) Unit within the MQA.
The successful candidate will report to the Manager: Skills Development and Research.
Key Performance Areas
- Identify and recommend areas of research within the MQA and the MMS at large.
- Prepare and present terms of reference and scope of work for all research projects to be conducted.
- Use an appropriate and creative methodology to design and manage a research project, which may involve the use of quantitative and/or qualitative methods and may include both pilot and development work.
- Design questionnaires and other research tools as may be required by the project.
- Identify and recommend areas of research within the MQA and the MMS at large.
- Analyse and evaluate research and interpret data, making sure that key issues are identified according to the research objectives.
- Participate in skills research and planning related/ committee meetings.
- Evaluate the potential risks posed by the research process and inform relevant stakeholders.
- Observe all ethical related matters of research projects.
- Facilitate all research requests/rights and notices to various stakeholders and research fields.
- Analyse the Workplace Skills Plan/ Annual Training Report.
- Develop a profile of the workforce, the sector, and sub-sectors.
- Describe scarce skills in terms of provinces, and sub-sectors.
- Maintain skills Database
- Determine the skills development priorities through interaction with WSPs.
- Describe skills development in the MMS as reflected in the ATRs.
- Produce a complete WSP/ATR Analysis report.
- Develop facts and figures booklet base on analysis.
- Manage the occupational profiling to determine OFO code relevant to the occupation.
- Manage the updating of the OFO codes with SDFs/sector specialists and the DHET.
- Analyse the WSP-ATR data with regards to the OFO.
- Request, facilitate and consolidate sector input into the OFO.
- Submit the MQA update into the OFO to the DHET by the required date.
- Ensure that the latest version of the OFO is built into the WSP-ATR processes.
- Conduct skills audits.
- Develop and maintain stakeholder / customer relationships.
- Ensure alignment of all work process to the required quality standards.
- Proactively identify continual improvement strategies.
- Support team effectiveness.
Key Requirements: Qualifications, Experience And Competencies
Qualifications
- A bachelor’s degree with research methodology or a postgraduate degree in a related field (preferably in Social Sciences) at NQF Level 7.
- A Degree in Economics/Statistics/Economics as a major subject will be an added advantage.
- Postgraduate/ Honours Degree in a related field (preferably in Social Sciences) at NQF level 8 will be an added advantage.
Experience
- Minimum of three (3) years’ research experience
- Four (4) Years and above research experience will be an added.
Competencies:
Knowledge required: • Thorough understanding of the MMS including legislation • Understanding of the skills development arena • Understanding of research processes/procedures.
Skills required: • Advanced computer skills • Statistical techniques and computer-based programs Organizational skills including time management • Communication verbal/non-verbal • Report writing analytical, research (social sciences) • Problem solving skills • Synthesize information and present in a simple accessible way • Accuracy
Attributes required: • People orientation, perseverance/tenacity • Attention to detail • Delivery and deadline driven • Willingness to learn and ability to work under pressure • Integrity
Closing Date: 01 August 2023. Late applications will not be considered.
Interested candidates should submit their applications which shall consist of one page motivation, comprehensive curriculum vitae, copies of their qualifications, a valid proof of identification to: recruitment@mqa.org.za
The MQA is an Equal Opportunity Employer; therefore, the filling of the position will be in line with its Employment Equity Plan.
Recommended candidates will be expected to undergo vetting processes. Successful applicant will be required to disclose their financial interest.
Should you not hear from the MQA within 4 weeks of the closing date, you must regard your application as unsuccessful.
The MQA reserves the right not to appoint any person for this position.