Junior Fiscal Policy Researcher
Full-Time
Johannesburg, South Africa
Download Job Specification (https://iej.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Junior-Researcher_-Fiscal-policy.docx.pdf)
Closing date: 6 November 2026
Location: Johannesburg, South Africa
Type: Three-year contract
Working hours: Full-time
To apply: Complete this form (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeIgSIslC35Qk07OMOPUIq0LGYLCiODf_sIJSzJdySiabMfxA/viewform)
Queries can be sent to applications@iej.org.za, but no applications will be accepted by email.
JOB PURPOSE
The Junior Researcher will undertake research and advocacy to advance the realisation of rights through the mobilisation of resources for fiscal justice in South Africa and Africa.
Working within the Resourcing for Rights Realisation (RRR) team, the Junior Researcher will contribute to policy-focused research, produce research outputs and support the development of evidence-based policy alternatives. The role will focus particularly on fiscal policy, taxation, public expenditure, progressive revenue mobilisation and IEJ’s work on South Africa’s state of the national address (SONA), national budget, and Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS).
The role will also involve engaging with partners and stakeholders to advance research findings and policy alternatives, while contributing to the broader RRR team’s work on budget justice, macroeconomic policy, and climate finance where these intersect with fiscal policy.
Examples of key publications from this workstream can be found here (https://iej.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Coordinated-macroeconomic-policy-for-an-uncertain-world-A-preview-of-the-2026-MTBPS.pdf), here (https://iej.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Navigating-wealth-taxes-Working-Paper-1.pdf), and here (https://iej.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/IEJ-_-Fiscal-Framework-and-Revenue-Proposals-Submission-_-2026-BUDGET.pdf).
ABOUT YOU
You are someone who:
* Has strong political and social awareness or consciousness.
* Is committed to and understands 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.
* Has strong verbal and written communication skills.
* Is proficient using Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace.
MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES
Fiscal policy research
* Conduct and contribute to high-quality, policy-focused research outputs and publications, taking responsibility for agreed research outputs.
* Undertake rigorous research on relevant fiscal policy themes, including taxation, public expenditure and progressive domestic revenue mobilisation.
* Contribute to research concept notes, working papers, policy briefs and submissions on tax, expenditure, domestic revenue mobilisation and budget proposals.
* Collect, analyse and interpret economic and fiscal data to inform research findings and policy recommendations.
* Support the commissioning, coordination and review of research outputs produced by consultants.
* Participate in and organise research forums, workshops, and knowledge-sharing platforms.
* Review, comment on, and contribute to research outputs across IEJ.
Fiscal justice advocacy and public engagement
* Contribute to IEJ’s research and advocacy activities on South Africa’s national budget and MTBPS, including pre- and post-budget analysis, statements and parliamentary submissions, taking responsibility for agreed advocacy outputs with appropriate guidance and support.
* Plan and organise advocacy activities informed by research findings, and contribute to the development and implementation of advocacy strategies in collaboration with RRR, IEJ teams, and partners.
* Develop accessible summaries and advocacy materials, including opinion pieces, policy briefs, and other communications based on research and policy work.
* Contribute to advocacy efforts towards budget justice and social security for all, including participation in the Budget Justice Coalition’s (BJC) fiscal policy work.
* Engage with policymakers, government, labour, and civil society partners on fiscal policy matters, and contribute to relevant policy discussions.
* Participate in media engagements and represent IEJ in relevant forums with appropriate support and guidance.
Process and stakeholder relationship management
* Contribute to building and maintaining partnerships within the fiscal policy space, both locally and internationally, including relationships with IEJ’s strategic partners.
* Support the preparation and coordination of submissions to institutions such as government, Parliament, NEDLAC, UN bodies and the African Union (AU).
* Coordinate and/or participate in relevant tax and fiscal policy working forums.
* Contribute to donor reporting and funding processes where required.
* Support the development of proposals for funding opportunities.
Team contribution and development
* Take responsibility for assigned research and advocacy outputs, including planning work, meeting deadlines, and communicating progress.
* Support the Senior Researcher and other team members on cross-cutting work.
* Contribute to project planning, budgeting, implementation, and reporting processes.
* Collaborate across IEJ teams to support budget advocacy and related initiatives.
* Develop greater independence in fiscal policy research, budget analysis, policy writing and stakeholder engagement through practical experience, feedback and technical support.
SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
* A completed Master’s degree in Economics, Development, Social Sciences, or related fields (e.g., Sociology, Political Science, or Public Policy). Candidates currently completing a Masters degree may be considered where they demonstrate relevant research and policy experience.
* A minimum of one year’s relevant research experience, with strong qualitative and quantitative research skills, including the ability to analyse and interpret economic and fiscal data. Experience in economic modelling is essential.
* Experience working with various stakeholders across civil society, public policy, government, or research environments.
* Strong writing and analytical skills, with the ability to produce high-quality, policy-relevant outputs.
* Strong verbal and presentation skills, with media experience as an added bonus.
* Understanding of the policy debates in the fiscal and macroeconomic policy and economic justice spaces, 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 RRR 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; 4. International Financial Institutions (IFIs); and 5. 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 R435 253 – R572 701, 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 Wednesdays. This may change in the future.
The IEJ is committed to gender and racial equity and transformation and will consider this when reviewing applications.
Closing date 6 November 2026
HOW TO APPLY:
Complete the application form at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeIgSIslC35Qk07OMOPUIq0LGYLCiODf_sIJSzJdySiabMfxA/viewform. Queries can be sent to applications@iej.org.za, but no applications will be accepted by email.