Researcher and Writer - Cape Town/Gauteng (Fixed Term)

The successful candidate will be responsible for:

• Identifying issues and opportunities to communicate the Federal Leader’s message to the public and to the party
• With the relevant stakeholders, producing politically relevant briefing documents for the Federal Leader’s events and interactions
• With the relevant stakeholders, writing various forms of written communication, including op-eds, responses to attacks, press statements and letters to the press, as well as any other communication that may be necessary
• With the relevant stakeholders, drafting speeches, speaking notes, remarks, video scripts, debate inputs and other public addresses for the Federal Leader
• Translating DA policy, principles and political strategy into clear, persuasive and accessible written content that speaks to voters and advances the Federal Leader’s strategic priorities
• Liaising with the Policy unit on policy matters, in order to inform the Federal Leader’s political strategy and direction
• Acquiring and maintaining a detailed knowledge and understanding of DA principles, policy and strategy, as well as current political trends and debates, both internationally and domestically, in order to properly support the Federal Leader’s office with communication
• Helping to develop, refine and maintain the Federal Leader’s public voice, message and argument across speeches, written communication, media engagements and campaign platforms

Please submit your application by 22 July 2026 to be considered for this role, noting that any application that does not include the required or correct documentation, will not be considered.

Minimum requirements:

• Tertiary qualification in law, language, politics and/or economics
• Post-graduate qualification (advantageous)
• Research experience
• Public writing experience
• Basic understanding of economics and political theory
• Strong editing, proofreading and message development skills
• Computer literacy, particularly MS Office Suite and Zoom

Skills:

• Written and verbal communication
• Time management and organisation
• Administration and attention to detail
• Strong political acumen and understanding of the national landscape

Abilities:

• Turn complex policy issues into clear, persuasive and accessible arguments for a broad public audience
• Adapt tone appropriately for speeches, media statements, op-eds, letters, video scripts, internal messages and campaign communication
• Write accurately and quickly under pressure
• Distil complex information into clear language
• Manage multiple tasks with competing levels of priority
• Use initiative in high-pressure situations
• Be outcomes-orientated, not simply task-orientated
• Work independently and without supervision
• Good judgement, situational awareness, and emotional intelligence
• Work effectively and energetically around a demanding work schedule, including working irregular hours on a frequent basis

Knowledge and Commitment:

• Knowledge of the DA and a liberal philosophy
• Knowledge of Parliament and its procedures
• Knowledge of the local, provincial and national political and legislative framework and dynamics
• Commitment to the principles, policies and programme of action of the Democratic Alliance