About the Job

The Researcher will undertake research and advocacy for realising rights through mobilising resources for fiscal justice in South Africa and the world. This includes leading, overseeing, and producing research projects, collaborating internally with IEJ staff, and contributing to research that informs advocacy and policy alternatives.

The role also involves engaging with partners, consultants, and stakeholders to advance research findings and policy alternatives that support budget and fiscal justice in South Africa, the region, and the continent.

Key Responsibilities
Fiscal Policy Research

Lead, oversee, and produce high-quality, policy-focused research outputs and/or publications.

Respond to calls for submissions on tax, expenditure, domestic revenue mobilisation, and budget proposals.

Undertake rigorous research on relevant fiscal policy themes.

Participating in research forums, workshops, and knowledge-sharing platforms.

Review, comment on, and contribute to research outputs across the IEJ.

Commission and contribute to research outputs from consultants.

Fiscal Justice Advocacy and Public Engagement

Plan and organise advocacy activities informed by research findings.

Develop accessible summaries and advocacy materials based on research and policy work.

Engage with policymakers and contribute to policy discussions.

Contribute to the development and implementation of advocacy strategies in collaboration with RRR and IEJ teams, and partners.

Developing activities and leading on outputs as part of advocacy efforts in the annual budget cycle.

Lead specific advocacy outputs towards budget justice and social security for all, including participating in the BJC’s fiscal policy work.

Work with government, labour, and civil society partners on fiscal policy matters.

Conduct media engagement (radio, tv interviews etc.).

Represent IEJ in relevant forums and engagements.

Process and stakeholder relationship management

Build and maintain partnerships within the fiscal policy space, both locally and internationally.

Lead and coordinate submissions to institutions such as the government, parliament, NEDLAC, UN entities, and the AU.

Coordinate and/or participate in key tax working fora.

Managing IEJ’s relationships with strategic partners.

Contribute to donor reporting and funding processes where required.

Support the development of proposals for funding opportunities.

Supervision and Team Contribution

Provide guidance and support to interns or junior researchers in producing high-quality work where required.

Support the Senior Researcher and project lead as needed, including on cross-cutting work.

Review consultant’s outputs and provide input where required.

Contribute to project planning, budgeting, implementation, and reporting processes as required.

Collaborate across IEJ teams to support budget advocacy and related initiatives.

Requirements
Qualifications, Experience and Skills:

Master’s Degree in Economics, Development, Social Sciences, or related fields, (e.g. Sociology, Political Science, or Public Policy).

Minimum 3 years’ research experience, with strong qualitative and quantitative skills, including economic modelling.

Experience working with various stakeholders across civil society, public policy, government, or research environments.

Strong writing and analytical skills, with the ability to produce high-quality, policy-relevant outputs.

Understanding of the policy debates in the fiscal policy and economic justice space, with the ability to develop and communicate clear, well-structured arguments across a range of platforms, including the media.

Ability to work independently, take initiative, and manage multiple priorities.

Sound judgement and the ability to make well-reasoned decisions.

Strong interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence in engaging with colleagues and stakeholders.

Flexibility and ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

Attributes

You are someone who:

Has strong political and social awareness or consciousness.

Is committed to economic and social justice.

Is able to work independently, take initiative, and demonstrate accountability for delivering high-quality outputs.

Is organised and detail orientated.

Has the ability to exercise sound judgement and make well-reasoned decisions.

Has strong interpersonal awareness and emotional intelligence in engaging with colleagues and stakeholders.

Is comfortable working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

Can communicate complex ideas clearly to a range of audiences

Proficient using Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace.

Please send your resume/CV