Specialist: Research & Innovation (C3)

The Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services Sector Education and Training Authority
(merSETA) is a Schedule 3A public entity established in terms of the Skills Development Act (Act
No. 97 of 1998) Registration Number 17/merSETA/01/04/20 to facilitate skills development for the
Metal and Engineering, Motor Retail and Components Manufacturing, Automobile Manufacturing,
Plastics Manufacturing and New Tyre Manufacturing Sectors Automotive Components
Manufacturing Chamber.
INTERNAL & EXTERNAL ADVERT
We have an excellent opportunity for the following professional to join the Strategy and Research Division.
Specialist: Research and Innovation (C3)
Reference Number: SRI/HO/17/07/2026
Salary Level: R43 310.88 pm
FIXED-TERM CONTRACT: 24 MONTHS
HEAD OFFICE
Purpose: This position is responsible for supporting and coordinating partnerships and innovation projects
within the unit. It involves managing the full lifecycle of these partnerships, guiding stakeholders through
processes and deliverables, and solving problems using innovative approaches.
Key Responsibilities
The ideal candidate should be able to fulfill and perform the following key responsibilities:
• Support and coordinate unit partnerships and innovation projects.
• Manage the initiation, implementation, and closure of partnerships comprehensively.
• Actively participate in and support internal stakeholders to attain merSETA objectives.
• Assist in internal processes related to the evaluation and verification of Discretionary Grants
applications.
• Verify that all documentary evidence aligns with the organization's annual performance plan.
• Provide advice to stakeholders on Technical Indicator Descriptors in merSETA’s Annual Performance
Plan.
• Review learner registrations on the Learner Management System accurately and promptly.
• Approve or reject registrations and provide timely and pertinent feedback for reasons behind
rejections.
• Assess the accuracy and compliance of evidence from project deliverables.
• Forecast expected expenses for unit activities and regularly monitor project budgets.
• Review submitted payment requisitions and invoices, making recommendations to management.
• Submit commitment schedules monthly.
• Maintain precise records of commitment schedules.
• Manage the performance development plans of subordinates.
Qualifications and Experience
• A 3-year Bachelor’s degree (NQF Level 7) in one of the following fields—or an equivalent NQF Level 7
Level qualification that matches a Bachelor’s degree in these areas:
? Business Administration/Management
? Project Management
? Commerce
? Social Sciences
? Skills Development/Training
• 3 years’ project management/administration experience in research, innovation or skills development
projects in a SETA or public sector environment
Advantageous
• Honors degree (NQF Level 8) in one of the following fields —or an equivalent NQF Level 8 qualification
that matches an honors/postgraduate degree in one of these areas:
? Business Administration/Management
? Project Management
? Commerce
? Social Sciences
? Skills Development/Training
• More than 3 years’ project management/administration experience in research, innovation or skills
development projects in a SETA or public sector environment
Knowledge and Skills
• Customer Service Orientation skills
• Analysis and Problem-Solving skills
• Project Management Skills
• Presentation skills
• Attention to Detail
Must have own legally registered transport in good condition
Offer
The merSETA offers a competitive salary package and an opportunity to work with a dynamic and diverse
team. If you meet the requirements and are interested in this exciting opportunity, please submit your
application for consideration.
CLOSING DATE: 17 July 2026
The merSETA is an equal opportunity employer and preference will be given to suitably qualified Affirmative
Action Candidates and People Living with Disabilities in line with the Employment Equity Plan. To apply for
this opportunity, submit a fully completed job application form, a detailed curriculum vitae with three
references, clearly quoting the Reference Number only as a subject in the email:
[email protected]
Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Should you not be contacted within 2 months after the
closing date, please know that your application was not successful.
The merSETA reserves the right not to make an appointment.
NB: All applications that do not submit a fully completed merSETA Job Application Form do not
quote the reference number in the subject line will be automatically disqualified.
Applicants are required to follow all instructions as outlined in the advert when submitting
their applications.