Assistant Director: Industry Research Vacancy 2026 at the Department of Public Works in Pretoria

The Department of Public Works is inviting applications for an Assistant Director: Industry Research position at its Head Office in Pretoria. The opportunity may interest professionals with qualifications in finance, economics, mathematics, statistics or the built environment who have relevant experience in research, financial analysis, property research or data analytics.

The position offers an annual salary of R605 745. The successful candidate will contribute to research projects, analyse financial and economic information, develop analytical tools and prepare reports that support decision-making across the organisation.

This is a specialist role that requires more than general administrative experience. The department is looking for someone who can work with complex information, apply financial mathematics principles and communicate research findings to different stakeholders.

Assistant Director: Industry Research Vacancy 2026: Position Details

Purpose of the Position

The main purpose of this role is to conduct research, analyse data and support the development of analytical tools. The successful candidate will also compile research reports and apply property and financial mathematics principles when determining user charges.

The Industry Research directorate uses research and analytical information to provide insights and tools to different stakeholders. These resources help stakeholders make informed decisions and improve the efficiency of their operations.

The appointed Assistant Director will therefore need to turn research findings and complex data into useful information. This includes identifying trends, testing information, preparing reports and helping develop models that support planning and decision-making.

Minimum Requirements

Applicants must have a minimum three-year tertiary qualification at NQF Level 6 or a National Diploma in one of the relevant fields. The advert identifies the following areas:

• Built Environment.
• Finance.
• Economics.
• Mathematics.
• Statistics.
• An equivalent relevant qualification.

Applicants must also have appropriate work experience in a financial, data analytics, economic or property research environment. The advert does not specify a number of years of experience, so candidates should consult the complete official advertisement for any further detail.

Knowledge and Technical Skills

The position requires strong research, analytical and technical abilities. Applicants should have the following knowledge and skills:

• Competence in Microsoft Office applications.
• High-level competence in Microsoft Excel, including advanced functions.
• Research and report compilation skills.
• Knowledge of different data analytics software tools.
• Understanding of analytical tool and model development.
• Knowledge of financial or investment management principles.
• A strong understanding of financial mathematics principles.
• Good project management skills.
• People management skills.

Advanced Excel knowledge is particularly relevant because the role involves analysing information, documenting findings and supporting the development of models and dashboards. Applicants should be comfortable working with data and presenting their findings in a clear format.

Personal Attributes

The department is looking for a committed individual who can work independently and contribute positively to research projects. The advert highlights the following personal attributes:

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Strong analytical abilities.
• Ability and willingness to work under pressure.
• Ability to work independently.
• A dedicated, diligent and focused approach.
• Interest in knowledge development and research.
• Good presentation skills.
• Innovative thinking.
• Ability to take initiative.
• Commitment to excellence.

These qualities are important because the position involves working with stakeholders from different backgrounds. The successful candidate must be able to explain findings, consider feedback and contribute to solutions that support organisational objectives.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

The Assistant Director: Industry Research will perform research, data analysis and reporting duties. The main responsibilities include the following.

1. Conducting Research and Analysing Trends

• Research financial, economic, social and other trends and topics independently.
• Identify relevant developments that may affect the organisation or its stakeholders.
• Analyse information and document important insights.
• Use research findings to support informed decision-making.

This work requires the ability to identify useful information, assess its relevance and explain what the findings mean for the organisation.

2. Performing Data Analysis

• Analyse relevant data and prepare supporting documentation.
• Interpret information from different sources.
• Present findings in a clear and useful format.
• Support the development of analytical approaches and tools.

Data analysis will help the directorate understand patterns and trends. The successful candidate must be able to work carefully with information and communicate the results accurately.

3. Preparing Business and Research Reports

• Compile business reports.
• Document research findings and analytical insights.
• Present information that supports operational and strategic decisions.
• Prepare reports that stakeholders can use in their respective areas of work.

4. Calculating Property Rent and User Charges

• Calculate property rental amounts and user charges.
• Apply relevant property and financial mathematics principles.
• Use research and analytical information to support the determination of charges.

This responsibility makes knowledge of finance, property research and mathematical analysis important for the position.

5. Working with Stakeholders

• Work with stakeholders from different professional backgrounds.
• Validate analyses and research outputs with relevant stakeholders.
• Provide technical assistance to other business units.
• Communicate findings and support the practical use of research outputs.

6. Developing Analytical Tools and Policies

• Develop analytical tools, including models and dashboards.
• Contribute to the development of investment-related policies.
• Support the use of analytical tools to improve decision-making.

Salary and Work Location

The advertised salary is R605 745 per annum. The successful candidate will work at the Department of Public Works Head Office in Pretoria.

This role offers an opportunity to apply research, financial analysis and data analytics skills in a public sector environment. Applicants should consider the specialist nature of the position and make sure their qualifications and work experience match the requirements.

Who Should Consider Applying?

This vacancy may suit professionals with qualifications in economics, finance, statistics, mathematics or the built environment. Candidates who have worked with financial information, property research, economic analysis or data analytics may find the responsibilities relevant to their experience.

It may also appeal to people who have experience preparing research reports, developing analytical models or using advanced spreadsheet functions. The department expects the successful candidate to work with different stakeholders and provide technical support to other business units.

Applicants should not rely on the job title alone when deciding whether to apply. The role requires relevant work experience and technical knowledge, particularly in financial mathematics, research and data analytics.

How to Apply

Applications for the Assistant Director: Industry Research position must be submitted by email to the recruitment address provided in the vacancy information.

Position: Assistant Director: Industry Research

Reference number: 2026/378

Application email: Recruitment26-90@dpw.gov.za

Send Application Email

Before submitting your application, read the complete official vacancy advertisement. Check the required application form, supporting documents, certification requirements and any additional instructions. The details supplied for this article do not provide a complete document checklist.

Use the correct reference number in your application and ensure that your contact information is accurate. Applicants should also confirm that their qualifications and work experience meet the requirements before sending their documents.

Enquiries

For further information about the position, applicants can contact:

• Enquiries: Mr M Konyana
• Telephone: (060) 923 1671

Important Information for Applicants

The vacancy details supplied for this article do not include a closing date. Applicants should consult the complete official advertisement or contact the department to confirm the application deadline and whether the recruitment process remains open.

The advert also does not specify the exact number of years of work experience required. Candidates should review the original requirements carefully before applying.

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