Vacancies
Researcher: Fiscal policy
Full-Time
Johannesburg, South Africa
Download Job Specification
Closing date 8 May 2026 (We will review applications on a rolling basis and invite suitable candidates for interviews as applications are received)
Location Johannesburg, South Africa
Type Three-year contract
Working hours Full-time
To apply Complete this form

Queries can be sent to applications@iej.org.za, but no applications will be accepted by email.

JOB PURPOSE

The Researcher will undertake research and advocacy for realising rights through mobilising resources for fiscal justice in South Africa and Africa.  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 and stakeholders to advance research findings and policy alternatives that support budget and fiscal justice in South Africa, the region, and the continent.  The Researcher will also support the broader Resourcing for Rights Realisation (RRR) team across areas such as budget justice, macroeconomic policy and climate finance, where these intersect with fiscal policy.  Examples of key publications from this workstream can be found here, here and here. 

ABOUT YOU

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-oriented.
  • 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 in using Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace.

MAIN 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.
  • Participate 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.
  • Develop activities and lead 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 bodies, and the AU. 
  • Coordinate and/or participate in key tax working fora.
  • Maintain 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 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.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

  • 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, and 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.

ABOUT THE RESOURCING FOR RIGHTS REALISATION PROJECT

The Resourcing for Rights Realisation project seeks the adoption by African governments of policies that mobilise the maximum available domestic and international resources in an equitable and transparent manner to invest in the realisation of socio-economic rights and planetary wellbeing, including through a more just integration in a fairer and more democratic global financial system. The project focuses on four areas: 1. Macroeconomic policy; 2. Fiscal policy 3. Fiscal governance, transparency and accountability; and 4. Climate finance that advances a just transition. 

CONTRACT

The contract will be a full-time 3-year contract, beginning as soon as possible. 

SALARY (TCTC)

The IEJ’s new Remuneration Policy sets the Researcher salary range at R687 241 – R859 051, depending on experience. Salaries are reviewed annually in line with cost-of-living adjustments and performance.

LOCATION

The position is based in Braamfontein, Johannesburg. The IEJ currently operates on a hybrid work model, with in-office days currently on Tuesdays and Thursdays. This may change in future.

The IEJ is committed to gender and racial equity and transformation and will consider this when reviewing applications.

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