PURPOSE OF THE JOB

The key purpose of this role is to design, conceptualise, and conduct research in order to develop and deliver the Sector Skills Plan (SSP) annually, in alignment with the National Skills Development Plan (NSDP).

This includes analysing, interpreting, and documenting data insights, and trends derived from Workplace Skills Plans (WSPs) and Annual Training Reports (ATRs) submitted by industry stakeholders.

Key Performance Areas

Outputs

Research Development and Critical Analysis 40%

• Critically appraise insurance literature using scientific methods.
• Conceptualise and develop insurance-related research aligned with the DHET research framework.
• Formulate and refine research hypotheses relevant to the insurance industry.
• Conduct accurate and reflective research on insurance sector conditions, engaging with sector stakeholders.
• Identify INSETA’s core sector priorities to inform sector research objectives.
• Perform scientific analyses on scarce and critical skills (Hard-To-Fill-Vacancies) within the sector.
• Review and critique empirical studies, identifying gaps and new research opportunities.
• Produce research reports focused on skills mismatches, impact studies, and sectoral insights.
• Manage and coordinate the Research and Learning Committee, schedule quarterly meetings and preparation of meeting packs.

Execute Quantitative Research Based on WSP/ATR Data 40%

• Collect, clean, and collate data from WSP/ATRs.
• Develop comprehensive employer and employee profile of the insurance sector.
• Extract actual and planned training data from submitted WSP/ATRs.
• Analyse data to support the allocation of discretionary grants.
• Determine educational and skills profiles of employees based on WSP/ATR data.
• Identify Hard-To-Fill vacancies and skills gaps to determine training priorities.
• Conduct research on emerging occupations and skills needs to support the development of new qualifications aligned to industry demands.
• Interpret research findings to guide funding decisions aimed at addressing occupational shortages.
• Draft and update the Sector Skills Plan based on insights derived from WSP/ATRs and desktop research.

Achieve PFMA Budgeting Targets 10%

• Ensure compliance with PFMA spending targets related to discretionary grants and special projects.
• Monitor and control operational expenses in line with the budget line items.

Stakeholder Expectation Management 5%

• Represent the Research Unit, including responding professionally to stakeholder communications.
• Build and maintain collaborative and supportive relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Resolve queries and complaints within timeframes while preserving stakeholder relations and confidence.

General Administration and Projects 5%

• Provide accurate information from research records and database to support audit and stakeholder queries.
• Evaluate service provider deliverables and report on performance against agreed outputs.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Qualifications

Minimum Requirement:

• Grade 12 or equivalent  qualification and 
•  A National Diploma (NQF Level 6) in
  • Economics
  • Development Studies
  • Public Policy
  • Statistics
  • Education
  • Social Sciences, or any related qualification. or  related field.

Advantageous requirement:

•  An NQF 7 Qualification in
  •  Economics,
  • Development Studies,
  • Public Policy,
  • Statistics,
  • Education,
  • Social Sciences, or any related qualification. or  related field.

Experience

Minimum Requirement:  

• Minimum of 3-5 years proven experience conducting quantitative and qualitative research.
• Demonstrated ability to analyse large datasets i.e. WSP/ATR.
• Experience in producing research reports.
• Experience in engaging with stakeholders (employers, training providers, industry bodies etc.).
• Ability to coordinate and/or facilitate workshops, committees, and consultation.
• Experience in project management.
• Familiar with SETA related policies, plans, and legislation.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

Knowledge

Minimum Requirement:

• Knowledge and understanding of SETA related policy and legislative frameworks such as:
  • Skills Development Act
  • National Skills Development Plan
  • National Qualifications Framework
  • Occupational Qualifications Sub-Framework
  • Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) and National Treasury regulations
  • National Development Plan
  • Knowledge and application of various research methods and data analytics
  • Understanding of Workplace Skills Plans (WSPs) and Annual Training Reports (ATRs)
  • Understanding of the Sector Skills Plans
  • Knowledge of project management principles and knowledge management systems and processes

Skills

Minimum Requirement:

• Critical thinking
• Ability to analyse and interpret complex data
• Advanced excel and other statistical tools
• Strong academic and professional writing skills
• Good public speaking and general communication skills
• Attention to detail
• Innovative and adaptable
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines under challenging circumstances.