Manufacturing, Engineering And Related Services Seta (merseta) Specialist: Research and Innovation (C3) Vacancy 2026
Manufacturing, Engineering And Related Services Seta (merseta)
Manufacturing & Engineering (merSETA)
Monthly stipend
Not stated
Closing date
03 Sept 2026
4 days left
- Opportunity
- Contract
- Minimum education
- Postgraduate (NQF 8+)
- Location
- National (All Provinces)
- NQF level
- NQF 7
- SETA
- merSETA
- Posted
- 28 Aug 2026
Sourced via the GovPage vacancy bulletin, last confirmed there by our scraper on 29 August 2026.
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Opportunity Overview
The Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services Sector Education and Training Authority (merSETA) is a public entity dedicated to facilitating skills development across key manufacturing sectors in South Africa. This includes the Metal and Engineering, Motor Retail and Components Manufacturing, Automobile Manufacturing, Plastics Manufacturing, and New Tyre Manufacturing industries.
merSETA is seeking a Specialist: Research and Innovation to join their Strategy and Research Division. This is a fixed-term contract for 24 months, based at their Head Office, focused on supporting and coordinating crucial partnerships and innovation projects.
Minimum Requirements
To be considered for this opportunity, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- A 3-year Bachelor’s degree (NQF Level 7) in Business Administration/Management, Project Management, Commerce, Social Sciences, or Skills Development/Training, or an equivalent NQF Level 7 qualification in these fields.
- 3 years’ project management/administration experience specifically in research, innovation, or skills development projects within a SETA or public sector environment.
- Must have own legally registered transport in good condition.
Key Responsibilities
The successful candidate will be responsible for a range of duties, including:
- Supporting and coordinating unit partnerships and innovation projects.
- Managing the entire lifecycle of partnerships, from initiation through to implementation and closure.
- Actively participating in and supporting internal stakeholders to achieve merSETA objectives.
- Assisting with internal processes related to the evaluation and verification of Discretionary Grants applications.
- Verifying that all documentary evidence aligns with the organisation's annual performance plan.
- Providing advice to stakeholders on Technical Indicator Descriptors within merSETA’s Annual Performance Plan.
- Reviewing learner registrations on the Learner Management System for accuracy and timeliness.
- Approving or rejecting registrations and providing relevant feedback for rejections.
- Assessing the accuracy and compliance of evidence from project deliverables.
- Forecasting expected expenses for unit activities and regularly monitoring project budgets.
- Reviewing submitted payment requisitions and invoices, and making recommendations to management.
- Submitting commitment schedules monthly and maintaining precise records of these schedules.
- Managing the performance development plans of subordinates.
What the Work Involves
As a Specialist: Research and Innovation at merSETA's Head Office, you will be at the heart of coordinating and managing various projects and partnerships within the Strategy and Research Division. Your daily tasks will involve overseeing the progress of innovation projects, guiding internal and external stakeholders through critical processes, and ensuring deliverables are met.
A significant part of the role includes administrative and verification work, such as assisting with the evaluation of Discretionary Grants, checking documentation against the Annual Performance Plan, and managing learner registrations on the system. You will also play a role in financial oversight, including forecasting expenses, monitoring project budgets, and reviewing payment requisitions. This position involves working closely with both colleagues and subordinates, ensuring projects are on track and records are meticulously maintained.
How to Apply
To apply for this opportunity, please submit your application via email.
- Email your application to: recruitment@merseta.org.za
- Ensure the subject line includes the reference number: SRI/HO/03/09/2026
The closing date for applications is 03 September 2026.
This listing in context
What the 338 opportunities we currently hold say about this one.
- Live contract posts
- 66
- Open to all provinces
- 20
- Closing within 7 days
- 9
27% of the 66 live contract posts we hold ask for Postgraduate (NQF 8+). The commonest requirement is Degree (NQF 7), at 33%.
Live contract posts stay open for a median of 13 days between posting and closing date.
Calculated by SetaJobs from the 338 listings open on this site right now, and updated as they change.
What you'll need to apply
Municipalities, state-owned companies and public entities each run their own process, mostly on their own application form rather than the Z83 — use a Z83 only where this advert asks for one. Send exactly what it lists.
- The employer’s own application form
- Your CV
- Certified copy of your ID
- Certified copies of any qualifications
What a fixed-term post involves
A contract post is employment for a defined period or project. The work and the requirements are usually identical to a permanent post at the same level — the difference is the end date. Contract staff generally receive the same salary scale, sometimes with benefits paid as an allowance instead of a fund contribution.
How the selection usually runs
- The screening and interview process mirrors a permanent post, and the minimum requirements are applied just as strictly.
- Contract posts are often filled faster than permanent ones, because the funding is tied to a project timeline.
What you leave with
Directly relevant experience at the level you want, and internal standing when a permanent post at that level is eventually advertised.
Where this leads next
Contract renewal or extension
Continued funding for the project or post.
Permanent appointment at the same level
Competing for the post when it is advertised — contract service does not convert automatically.
A higher level elsewhere
The experience the contract gave you, which is what the next advert is asking for.
A typical route, not a guarantee — progression depends on vacancies, funding and your own performance.
Watch out for this
Confirm what happens at the end of the term before you resign from something else. A fixed-term contract ends by expiry, and that is not a dismissal you can contest.
About merSETA & this sector
merSETA covers manufacturing, engineering and related services — the home of apprenticeships that lead to Red Seal artisan status.
Helpful guides before you apply
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