How to Become A Policy Analyst In South Africa

A policy analysts develop government policies and provide advice and briefing to Ministers and Senior Management. They do this by evaluating, researching and consulting with stakeholders, which will then inform the best advice for the government to adopt.

What does a policy analyst do?

Policy analysts identify current or impending problems, create solutions, and evaluate other proposed solutions. Once a problem is recognized, researchers might attempt to determine its causes. They may then analyze how vari- ous policy ideas and proposals could affect the problem and suggest solutions

What is the role of a policy analyst?

Policy analysts identify current or impending problems, create solutions, and evaluate other proposed solutions. Once a problem is recognized, researchers might attempt to determine its causes. They may then analyze how vari- ous policy ideas and proposals could affect the problem and suggest solutions.

What do you need to become a policy analyst?

To become a policy analyst you need a bachelor’s or master’s degree in political science or international relations. Internships are available within government offices or with lawmakers and can help you gain valuable skills, including an understanding of the law, and familiarity with the demands of the job.

What is an example of policy analysis?

Example analyses include cost- effectiveness, cost-benefit analysis, modeling of individuals’ decisions, and predicting budgetary impacts. Policy analysis can use cost variables at the provider level, patient level, and/or societal level. Suggestions for each level are included below

How to Become A Policy Analyst In South Africa

The following article discusses the career path of Policy Analyst. Learn about how to become one, education requirements, job duties, traits and qualities, national salary outlook as well as top national employers of Policy Analysts.

Policy Analyst Job Duties

Policy analysts implement, adjust, or change public policies, laws, and regulations. They often work for the government or for organizations that are involved in government lobbying. In some cases, they may be employed by for-profit organizations who wish to change certain political actions and regulations.

Sometimes, they specialize in certain topics, such as energy. However, most of them focus on general politics and how this affects daily government actions. They provide advice to government executives and legislators, making suggestions for improvement of regulations and laws. They will also develop relevant strategies to bring about their suggested change.

Policy analysts, particularly those who work for the government, must have a solid understanding of the different political factions and their interactions. They should also be able to come up with compromises so that the different political branches can find agreement.

Should they work for outside organizations, they will focus on finding those politicians who share the ideals relevant to their targeted policy change and lobby them to take action.

Other job duties of the policy analyst are:

To monitor, evaluate, and review legislation and policies in order to ascertain their impacts, flaws, and benefits

To work together with internal and external stakeholders to understand the viewpoints, concerns, and needs that exist

To gather qualitative and quantitative data and to analyze and integrate this into reports

To write reports on policies in which information is synthesized and evidence is presented on how constituents benefit from proposed changes

Where Policy Analysts Work

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 7,300 political scientists in 2016. The largest employers of these professionals are:

Federal government, excluding postal service 48%

Professional, scientific, and technical services 27%

Educational services; state, local, and private 7%

Religious, grant making, civic, professional, and similar organizations 7%

Self-employed workers 7%

How to Become a Policy Analyst

Those who want to become policy analysts should seek to obtain a political education, such as a degree in public policy or political science. Some choose more specific degree subjects that are related to politics, such as education.

Most hold a master’s degree. Often, they will take on an entry level governmental position to gain experience and to build a contact network. They then grow into the position of analyst. Hours are quite long and irregular and travel is often required.

Policy Analyst Education Requirements

A policy analyst is generally expected to hold a master’s degree, with some even having a Ph.D. To do this, they must first have completed a bachelor’s degree, usually in a field related to statistics, public policy, public administration or politics. Internships and work experience are also very important.

The most popular degrees for policy analysts are the Master of Public Administration (MPA), the Master of Public Policy (MPP), and the Master of Public Affairs. These degrees are quite broad and some students choose a concentration in a policy area that they are particularly interested in.

The master’s degree will always teach them about topics like statistics, program evaluation, policy formation, and research methods. Alternatively, a political science degree may be interesting, particularly with an applied concentration.

It is possible for graduates to take on an entry level position at bachelor’s degree level. This will enable them to gain experience and build a network. While working, they then complete their master’s degree, often with sponsorship of the government. Many also do volunteer work with political organizations.

Policy Analyst Traits & Qualities

The most effective policy analysts have the following traits to some degree or other:

Strong analytical skills

Excellent communication skills

Creativity

Great critical thinking skills

Empathy

Strong negotiating skills

Minimum Policy Analyst Education

Master’s Degree

National Policy Analyst Salary

The national average salary estimate for Policy Analyst was R 988167.46. This number is estimated from over 253,036 employees, users past and present job advertisements from Indeed.com. This equates to an hourly salary of R 514.64 and monthly of R 82344.86.

What kind of training do you need to be a policy analyst In South Africa?

To become a policy analyst you need a bachelor’s or master’s degree in political science or international relations. Internships are available within government offices or with lawmakers and can help you gain valuable skills, including an understanding of the law, and familiarity with the demands of the job.

What degree does a policy analyst need In South Africa?

Policy analysts come from many backgrounds. In general, a minimum of a master’s degree is expected of individuals entering this career field. Some employers may require job applicants to hold a doctoral degree. Policy analysts may major in a range of subject areas, including political science and philosophy.

How much do political analysts earn in South Africa?

R610,876 (ZAR)/yr.

Do policy analysts travel In South Africa?

Policy analysts work on either broad or specialized issues, depending on their agency and position. They research complex problems and recommend solutions to government officials and the public. A typical workday for this position is highly varied and can include office work, field work and frequent travel.

What is working as a policy analyst like In South Africa?

Policy analysts review and analyze political and social events, raise public awareness of issues and shape government or organizational policy. … Policy analysts may move across areas and between specialty fields throughout their career.

How much do junior data analysts earn in South Africa?

What is the salary trajectory of a Junior Data Analyst? The salary trajectory of a Junior Data Analyst ranges between locations and employers. The salary starts at ZAR 53,417 per year and goes up to ZAR 81,415 per year for the highest level of seniority.

How much do junior analysts make in South Africa?

Junior Business Analyst Salaries

Job TitleSalary
African Bank Junior Business Analyst salaries – 2 salaries reportedZAR 14,491/mo
Signature Business Solutions (South Africa) Junior Business Analyst salaries – 2 salaries reportedZAR 18,162/mo

What skills should a policy analyst have In South Africa?

Qualifications for Policy Analyst

Master’s degree in a related field preferred.

Working knowledge of the legal aspects affecting policies.

Excellent understanding of the relevant industry and market conditions.

High organizational and time-management skills.

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

What do I need to study to become a business analyst in South Africa?

Here are a few examples of places you can study a diploma or certificate in Business Analysis. Offers a 3 year National Certificate Vocational qualification in Information Technology and Computer Science – made up of three certificates obtained on NQF Levels 2, 3 and 4.

What does a data analyst earn in South Africa?

The average salary for a Data Analyst in SA is R 30 600 gross per month (R 367 200 gross per year), which is 30% higher than the South Africa’s national average salary. Salary Range: a Data Analyst can expect an average starting salary of R 15 230. The highest salaries can exceed R 64 040.