Job Opportunities

Apply Now: 10 Research Assistant Jobs Open at Moses Kotane Research Institute

Moses Kotane Research Institute is calling on qualified individuals to apply for 10 open positions as Research Assistants (Ref: EL/RA-01/2025). The deadline for applications is 16 July 2025. If you’re passionate about research and data, this is your golden chance to take your career to the next level.

Are you someone who enjoys digging deep into information, asking big questions, and helping people make better decisions through data? If yes, then this opportunity might be just for you.

The Moses Kotane Research Institute (MKRI) is offering 10 Research Assistant job positions for the year 2025, and they’re looking for smart, motivated, and detail-oriented individuals to join their team. These positions are ideal for people who already have a high-level qualification and are excited about working in fields like Economics, Maritime, Development Studies, Public Policy, ICT, or similar areas.

What You Need to Qualify

To be considered for one of these jobs, you must have:

A doctoral qualification (NQF Level 10) in Economics, Maritime, Development Studies, Public Policy, ICT, or a related field.
A valid driver’s license.
Some knowledge of software like IHS Markit Regional Explorer, Nvivo, or SPSS will give you an extra edge.

Even if you’re not an expert in all of these tools, don’t worry — if you’re a fast learner and willing to grow, that’s a big plus.

What Skills Are They Looking For?

MKRI is looking for candidates who are:

Great at speaking and writing clearly.
Able to work alone or in a team on research projects.
Skilled with both numbers (quantitative data) and stories (qualitative data).
Comfortable using Microsoft Excel and other research tools.
Good at working under pressure and meeting deadlines.
Very detail-oriented and love figuring out how things work.

If you enjoy thinking critically, analyzing information, and making sense of large amounts of data, this role will feel like home.

What Will You Actually Do?

As a Research Assistant at MKRI, your daily tasks will include:

Doing economic research and helping the team gather valuable insights.
Helping to create research proposals, review existing literature, and produce final research reports.
Assisting with door-to-door data collection, following the right steps to make sure everything is done properly.
Making sure all data is accurate and well-organized.
Helping to write up findings for official publications.

This is a hands-on job where your work will directly support major decisions and policy development in South Africa.

How to Apply

If this sounds like the right fit for you, applying is easy. Here’s what to do:

Visit the official online application portal: www.kznonline.gov.za/kznjobs
OR
Send your application to recruitment@moseskotane.com
Make sure your email has the job title and reference number: RESEARCH ASSISTANT – EL/RA-01/2025 in the subject line.
Include these documents in your email:
- A detailed CV
- Certified copy of your ID
- Certified copy of your driver’s license
- Certified copies of your qualifications (not older than 6 months)
You can also visit one of MKRI’s Designated Online Application Centres (DOACS) where helpful staff will assist you with your online application. Find the list of centres at the same website above.

Need help or have questions? Reach out to the Executive Manager: Corporate Services, Adv Mapipa, at hradmin@moseskotane.com.

If you haven’t heard back within 6 weeks after the closing date, unfortunately, your application was not successful.

A Few Final Notes

MKRI believes in equal opportunity for everyone. If you come from a group that has been previously disadvantaged, you may be given preference as part of South Africa’s Employment Equity Act.

Also, if you’re chosen after the interview, you might be asked to do a few tests and go through verification checks before being hired.

Closing Date: 16 July 2025
Don’t wait until it’s too late!