Commission For Conciliation, Mediation And Arbitration (CCMA) Senior Researcher Vacancy 2026

Opportunity Overview

The Commission For Conciliation, Mediation And Arbitration (CCMA) is seeking a Senior Researcher for its Social Justice and Training Department, located at the National Office. This key role is responsible for supporting existing researchers and leading significant strategic research initiatives.

The Senior Researcher's work involves proactively analysing labour market trends, developing tools to monitor these trends, and conducting forecast analyses. Additionally, the role includes conceptualising and executing organisation-wide research studies, from developing proposals and tools to managing data collection, analysis, and the compilation of comprehensive reports and academic publications.

Minimum Requirements

• A Postgraduate degree (NQF 8) specialising in Social Research Methodology or Statistics. A Master’s degree is considered advantageous.
• A minimum of five (5) years of applied research experience, gained in either the Private or Public Sector, with a proven track record of research studies.
• At least one (1) year of exposure within the Labour Law field.
• Proficiency in Project Management.
• Knowledge of:
• Quantitative and qualitative research methodology (including research design, sampling, designing research tools, and analysis).
• Database management techniques and predictive modelling strategies.
• Sound statistical tests (e.g., validity tests, reliability tests, Anovas).
• OLRAC SPSS, STATA, ATLAS T.I, POWER BI, and other Data Analysis software.
• Credible Artificial Intelligence platforms that support ethical output development.
• The South African Labour market and its international impact on CCMA operations.
• CCMA processes and functions.
• The PFMA and other regulations governing public entities.
• All applicable Labour legislation (e.g., LRA, BCEA, EE, SD).
• Skills and Behavioural Competencies:
• Project management skills.
• Computer literacy.
• Statistical and qualitative research skills.
• Analysis, problem solving, and judgement.
• Detail orientation.
• Reliability and adaptability to change.
• Results-driven and willingness to deliver beyond the call of duty.
• Communication: Oral and Written.
• Customer Service Orientation.
• Time management.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide dedicated research capability to the CCMA.
• Conduct both reactive and proactive research projects.
• Compile internal and external research publications.
• Analyse CCMA statistics and economic data.
• Support researchers in the proactive analysis of prominent indicators, trends, and themes in the labour market.
• Develop pre-emptive or situational labour market monitoring tools, such as conflict predictive tools, barometers, and economic dashboards.
• Run and develop forecast analyses or predictive modelling tools.
• Ensure proactive operational alignment of the Research function with best practice.
• Conceptualise and lead key strategic organisational-wide research studies, utilising qualitative, quantitative, or mixed research methods.
• Develop research briefs, proposals, sampling designs, and research tools.
• Manage data collection (desktop or empirical) and analysis for each project.
• Compile sound research reports, presentations, academic articles, and symposium pieces.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online through the official application portal.

• Visit the application portal: https://forms.office.com/r/VJgxja7cCi
• Complete all required fields and upload any necessary documents as specified on the portal.

The closing date for applications is 28 July 2026 at 23:59:59.