RESEARCH SPECIALIST- ECONOMICS

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY BUSINESS UNIT: RESEARCH SERVICES UNIT POST TITLE: RESEARCH SPECIALIST- ECONOMICS SALARY: EQUIVALENT TO DPSA LEVEL 10 (PERMANENT POSITION) N.O OF POSTS: 1 (ONE) CENTRE: DURBAN, MKRI OFFICE REFERENCE: SPEC/ECON- 01/2026 CLOSING DATE: 11 SEPTEMBER 2026 EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY BUSINESS UNIT: RESEARCH SERVICES UNIT POST TITLE: RESEARCH SPECIALIST- ECONOMICS SALARY: EQUIVALENT TO DPSA LEVEL 10 (PERMANENT POSITION) N.O OF POSTS: 1 (ONE) CENTRE: DURBAN, MKRI OFFICE REFERENCE: SPEC/ECON- 01/2026 CLOSING DATE: 11 SEPTEMBER 2026 BACKGROUND The Moses Kotane Research Institute (MKRI) is mandated to stimulate a sustainable provincial economy through research, development and innovation, and to strategically lead in innovation and maritime co-ordination and implementation activities to respond to the needs of the provincial economy. In order to fulfil its mandate, the Institute is looking to appoint one (1) Research Specialist: Economics, to assist with conducting research, data collection & analysis, economic analysis and reporting, overall research project coordination, and research article drafting. REQUIREMENTS: The ideal candidate must be in possession of master's degree in economics A valid driver’s license. Minimum 3-years economic research experience, experience in academics in a university. ADDED ADVANTAGE: PhD in Economics and 3 years as industry experience as a Development Economist ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES REQUIRED: The successful candidate should be able to: Specify and estimate OLS/multiple regression models. Conduct time-series econometric analysis. Conduct economic impact assessments of projects, programmes and events. Estimate direct, indirect and induced impacts of government interventions/projects. work with large datasets, clean and validate economic data, merge datasets from different sources and construct economic indicators. Ability to use E-Views or STATA advantage for this role. Basic understanding of economic modelling and economic policy analysis. Ability to understand and apply specified field and/or survey research procedures and protocols. Knowledge of computer spreadsheet and/or database applications in the compilation of research data i.e. SPSS Good co-ordination and project management skills. Ability to apply sound research techniques, methodology and logical critical analysis. Ability to evaluate, verify, and edit research data. Computer literacy (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and/or Project). KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: The successful candidate will be required to assist with: Research Project Coordination Conduct Research Data Analysis and reporting Research articles drafting Management of research assistants. DISQUALIFIERS: Any candidate who has Pending or Criminal Convictions cases, Pending or Disciplinary Records, and submits falsified documentation will be immediately disqualified from the selection process. DIRECTIONS TO APPLICANTS: Interested applicants are encouraged to apply by submitting their applications to: [email protected]. The application must clearly state the position applied for and the corresponding reference number on the subject line must include a detailed copy of a CV, recently certified copies of (1) ID, (2) driver’s license and (3) certified copies of relevant qualifications (not older than 6 months). Applicants are to ensure that they submit all required documentation stated above, as failure to do so may lead to disqualification of the application during the selection process. For any technical queries contact the HR Administrator at [email protected]. Candidates who have not heard from MKRI within 6 weeks from the closing date can consider their application unsuccessful. Applicants will be disqualified for any incorrect information supplied. After the interviews and technical exercises, where applicable, candidates recommended for appointment will be taken through competency testing and verification processes. The Moses Kotane Research Institute is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer and preference will be given to suitably qualified candidates from designated groups in terms of Employment Equity Act, 1998. The Institute reserves the right not to make these appointments.