Position Details
- Location: Pretoria, South Africa
- Reports to: Manager: Political Risk Advisory and Research
- Contract Term: 1 year (6-month probation)
About Frontline Africa Advisory
Frontline Africa Advisory is a high-impact public affairs firm supporting clients operating in heavily regulated sectors, including:
- Telecommunications
- FMCG
- Health
Unlike academic or think-tank environments, our research exists to:
- Shape regulatory outcomes
- Protect client interests
- Enable evidence-based advocacy
Every analysis produced directly informs:
- Lobbying strategies
- Policy engagement
- Strategic decision-making for clients with complex regulatory exposure
Position Overview
We are seeking a Public Policy Researcher to join our Research function. The successful candidate will translate complex political, policy, and geopolitical developments into targeted, actionable intelligence.
This role requires:
- Precision and discipline
- Strong analytical judgement
- A clear focus on commercially relevant outcomes
You will play a central role in:
- Tracking domestic and international policy developments impacting clients’ regulatory and commercial environments
- Producing high-quality briefs, analyses, and stakeholder mappings to inform advocacy and lobbying
- Monitoring African and global geopolitical trends to anticipate regulatory risk and identify opportunities
- Supporting strategic client engagement through actionable intelligence highlighting threats, opportunities, and policy implications
Key Responsibilities
- Track and analyse the implementation of South African policy, planning, and regulatory instruments, including:
- National Development Plan (Vision 2030)
- Medium-Term Development Plan (2024–2029)
- National Policy Development Framework
- Socio-Economic Impact Assessment System (SEIAS)
- Budget Reviews
- Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS)
- Parliamentary Calendar and Programme
- Analyse domestic legislation, regulations, policy proposals, and government plans affecting regulated industries
- Track African and global political, economic, and regulatory developments relevant to client sectors and advocacy priorities
- Translate complex political, policy, and geopolitical developments into concise, commercially grounded intelligence for advocacy and lobbying
- Draft high-quality op-eds, thought leadership pieces, and public-facing policy commentary aligned with client advocacy strategies and approved narratives
- Maintain a deep, working understanding of clients’:
- Business models
- Industries
- Regulatory exposure
- Competitive landscapes
- Strategic priorities
- Provide evidence-based insights to support lobbying, stakeholder engagement, and targeted strategic interventions
- Develop and maintain effective relationships with key stakeholders across:
- Government
- Industry
- Civil society
- Policy-influencing platforms
Requirements
- Bachelor of Arts Honours degree in:
- Political Science
- International Relations
- Public Policy
- Economics
- or a related field
- Master’s degree preferred
- 2–5 years’ experience in:
- Policy analysis
- Political risk
- Regulatory research
- Related advisory roles
- Strong understanding of:
- South African government architecture
- Policy cycles
- Regulatory frameworks
- Proven ability to synthesise complex political and regulatory information into actionable intelligence
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with high attention to detail
- Strategic thinking, commercial awareness, and ability to work under tight deadlines
Key Competencies
- Analytical rigour: Ability to critically assess political, regulatory, and economic developments
- Strategic orientation: Translate research into advocacy and commercial outcomes
- Client-centric mindset: Deep understanding of client business risks and policy priorities
- Initiative and proactivity: Identify opportunities and risks before they materialise
- Discretion and professionalism: Handle sensitive information with integrity
What We Offer
- Market-related remuneration based on experience and demonstrated analytical capability
- A dynamic and intellectually stimulating environment
- Exposure to senior stakeholders across government and industry
- Opportunity to influence policy outcomes for high-profile clients
- Mentorship and professional development within a leading advisory team
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit:
- A comprehensive CV
- A cover letter outlining relevant experience and suitability
Applications should be sent to: info@frontlineafrica.co.za
Closing Date: Friday, 6 February 2026