Human Sciences Research Council

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  1. Project Researcher/ PhD Trainee
  2. Research Specialist
  3. Project Director
  4. DIRECTOR: e-Research Knowledge Centre
  5. Executive Head: Africa Institute of South Africa

Project Researcher/ PhD Trainee

Closing Date2024/04/01
Reference NumberHSR240319-4
Job TypeFixed Term contract- long term
Job TitleProject Researcher/ PhD Trainee
Business AreaPublic Health, Societies and Belonging – PHSB
DepartmentCCBR
Number of Positions1
Workplace TypeOn-site
Location – Town / CityPietermaritzburg
Location – ProvinceKwaZulu-Natal
Location – CountrySouth Africa
Minimum Education LevelNQF 9 – Masters Degree or equivalent
Application Closing Date01-Apr-2024
Job CategoryScientific
Job Advert SummaryThe CCBR is looking for a suitably qualified persons to take on the responsibilities of a researcher at the level of a PhD trainee for research projects implemented at the Sweetwaters office. The successful candidates will be assigned to work in projects focused on behaviour change and behavioural insights. The person should have a strong interest in human behaviour change, psychological theory, decision making and human-centred design. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to conduct their doctoral studies aligned to their assigned project if not already completing their studies. The Researcher (PhD trainee) will report to the Behavioural Science Project Lead and work closely with project teams and site support staff to successfully implement their role. This position is offered on a 24 month contract. 
Minimum RequirementsMinimum requirements:A strong interest in Behavioural Science including Human Behaviour Change, Decision-making research, and Human centred design.Applicants must be in possession of a Master’s degree in a field of human and social sciences, and should be registered for, about to register for, or be completing their PhD with a registered South African University;Sound knowledge of data management and qualitative and quantitative analysis skills will be very advantageous;A sound academic record;A valid driver’s licenceExperience in the preparation of research reports and manuscripts for publication, whilst having peer reviewed articles in recognized journals will be advantageous;Experience in communicating research findings at conferences;Fluency in English and isiZulu is preferred. Curiosity, enthusiasm and interest in a research career that includes working with statistics and data analysis;Ability to work independently and in a team environment, good communication and leadership skills are required;Proficiency in or working experience with some or all of the following programmes: Atlas T, NVIVO, MS Access, Excel, Word, SPSS, STATA;Ability to work accurately, independently and in a team Ability to work to strict deadlines and attention to detail Applicants will be required to take a practical skills assessment test as part of the interview process.   
Duties & ResponsibilitiesKey responsibilities:  Working as required on all aspects of the CCBR which includes research projects, dissemination of results at various fora, and stakeholder engagements;Writing reports, fact sheets and policy briefs as required;Making demonstrable progress towards the achievement of a Doctoral degree;Producing peer reviewed research articles that appear in accredited journals;Writing up research results for workshops/conferences/presentations;Assisting with the writing of grant applicationsDeveloping own personal academic competencies through formal and informal training activities;Compilation of all specific duties and deliverables assigned in an individual performance-based contract.

Research Specialist

Closing Date2024/03/31
Reference NumberHSR240319-2
Job TypePermanent
Job TitleResearch Specialist
Business AreaAfrica Institute of South Africa – AISA
DepartmentAISA
Number of Positions1
Workplace TypeHybrid
Location – Town / CityPretoria
Location – ProvinceGauteng
Location – CountrySouth Africa
Minimum Education LevelNQF 10 – PhD Degree or equivalent
Application Closing Date31-Mar-2024
Job CategoryEducation
Job Advert Summary AISA leads and coordinates the HSRC’s engagements in Africa. It, therefore, acts as a catalyst for research and implementation support across the continent.  AISA also undertakes basic, applied policy-relevant and comparative research. The Institute also seeks to build capacity and provide policy advice and implementation support to advance the HSRC’s own Africa Research Partnership and Collaboration Strategy as well as South Africa’s African Agenda, DSI’s Africa Strategy and Decadal Plan, SADC’s Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan 2020-2030 (RISDP), the African Union’s Agenda 2063, and the key frameworks of the United Nations (SDG’s, UNSCR 1325). It collaborates with a range of national, continental, and international governments, as well as multilateral institutions, research institutes, universities, and civil society organisations in order to achieve its objectives. The Africa Institute of South Africa in the HSRC wishes to appoint a Research Specialist (RS).Research Specialist1 Position – Permanent ContractRef: AISA – RS 03/24Applicants are invited to apply for the Research specialist (RS) position in AISA. While we seek to appoint an individual who has a background in humanities and social sciences, or relevant scientific research experience. The candidate that is ideal should be able to demonstrate use of technology and ability to create multi-disciplinary approach to research. The role will from time-to-time demand working outside South Africa as per the mandate needs of AISA. We encourage female and people who are abled differently to apply. Although the priority will be given to a South African candidate, in an event that a preferred candidate is non South African, it will be the candidate’s responsibility to secure the necessary visa or work permit in accordance with South African Government legislation and procedures.
Minimum RequirementsA relevant Ph.D. qualification and experience in the social, natural or economic sciences with practical experience;Experience in research environment in the context of Africa region, and publications in the peer-reviewed journals i.e. accredited;Emerging researcher in the areas of Agenda 2063, AU protocols i.e. Lome Declaration and SADC frameworks i.e. STI protocol, including intersectional challenges in Africa’s development;Demonstratable ability to develop creative ways of producing and/or communicating research outputs;Proven experience of having conducted/implemented in-depth research in other African countries;Ability to contribute to the Institute’s strategic objectives e.g., debate on changing landscapes within National System of Innovation and regional economic communities (REC) in Africa;Experience in quantitative and qualitative research approaches and the ability to undertake advanced statistical analysis using appropriate/relevant software;
Duties & ResponsibilitiesThe candidate is expected to contribute to proposals, co-publish journal articles and book chapters in a scientific manner i.e. accredited and open access (where possible);Ability to plan deliverables to enhance the Institute’s performance profile and conduct policy relevant and engaged research;Collaborating with other colleagues, should be able contribute to the existing or new research projects, engage with stakeholders involved in projects; demonstrate ability to creatively disseminate research evidence or collaborate with strategic partnerships unit to deliver consultative programs within and outside South Africa’s borders; understanding of regional economic, social and political nuances is an expectation;The candidate is expected to travel to the countries of strategic importance and relevance as part of the data collection process for the research projects – this will be part of advancing mutual co-delivery with strategic partners where necessary, as well as delivering on public engagement with scholars, researchers, and policymakers.The preferred candidate should be versatile and able to fit in a fast-paced and diverse environment;Co-develop and/or be able to work on Artificial Intelligence research and policy gaps in Africa, use of technology and innovation to respond to climate change in Africa. The incumbent is not limited to perform in the aforementioned areas, it will be crucial to think beyond areas of specialisation;  It is anticipated that the appointed candidate will also endeavour to create an enabling environment for emerging researchers and identify opportunities for AISA research outcomes to be applied through collaboration on the continent.

Project Director

Closing Date2024/03/28
Reference NumberHSR240314-1
Job TypeFixed Term contract- long term
Job TitleProject Director
Business AreaPublic Health, Societies and Belonging – PHSB
DepartmentCCBR
Number of Positions1
Workplace TypeOn-site
Location – Town / CityPietermaritzburg
Location – ProvinceKwaZulu-Natal
Location – CountrySouth Africa
Minimum Education LevelNQF 9 – Masters Degree or equivalent
Application Closing Date28-Mar-2024
Job CategoryScientific
Job Advert SummaryThe CCBR is looking for a suitably qualified person to take on project director responsibilities at the Sweetwaters office. The successful candidate will oversee several projects at the site, focused on the HIV prevention cascade. Potential candidates should have strong analytical skills including good understanding of research methods, advanced data analysis skills, understanding of rigorous impact evaluation methods, systematic reviews, meta-analysis and statistical/mathematical modelling and good planning and analytical thinking.The successful candidate will report to the senior management team and study principal investigators, cross project units, project team and site support staff to successfully implement their role. This position is offered on a 24 month contract.
Minimum RequirementsMinimum requirements:Masters degree, in any one of the following areas (or similar):MBChBPublic HealthStatistics/biostatisticsSocial ScienceAdditionally applicants must hold a relevant PhD degree, or demonstrate progress towards a PhD in a relevant field as above.Previous project management experience with clinical trials or intervention projectsA sound conceptual grounding in research methods;Candidates must have an interest in practices and research that seeks to find implementable solutions that emerge from the scientific literature;Good planning and organisational skills, including the ability to working well under pressure;Good communication skills (verbal as well as report writing);Excellent writing skills necessary for publication in internationally accredited peer-reviewed academic journals, and for drafting briefing papers and reports;Intellectual and personal integrity, imagination and drive;The ability and enthusiasm to engage as a team player in large scale multidisciplinary research projects, to manage research teams, and to mentor and train team members.Preference will be given to candidates who have:An established research career as evidenced by publications.Proposal writing to secure external funds;A valid and unendorsed driver’s licenseExperience working in urban, peri-urban and rural communities, and willingness to work after hours and over weekends and in rural communitiesBilingual (English and isiZulu) 
Duties & Responsibilities Key responsibilities:Support the HIV research agenda of the CCBR and the HSRC;Manage research teams and large scale long term research projects;Mentor fellow employees and emerging researchers;Deliver high-quality results and reports to meet set budgets and deadlines;Network with government and other scientists;;Conduct high level scholarly research which meets the challenge of peer review, and has both strategic and policy relevance;Communicate research findings through modalities like policy briefs;Build national and international research links; andManage staff and build capacity within the division.

DIRECTOR: e-Research Knowledge Centre

Closing Date2024/04/19
Reference NumberHSR240319-3
Job TypePermanent
Job TitleDIRECTOR: e-Research Knowledge Centre
Business Areae Research Knowledge Centre – eRKC
DepartmenteResearch Knowledge Centre (eRKC)
Number of Positions01
Workplace TypeHybrid
Location – Town / CityPretoria
Location – ProvinceGauteng
Location – CountrySouth Africa
Minimum Education LevelNQF 9 – Masters Degree or equivalent
Application Closing Date19-Apr-2024
Job CategoryEducation
Job Advert SummaryThe role of the HSRC is to conduct applied social science and humanities research for the public good in South Africa. The Office of the Deputy Chief Executive Officer for Research (ODCEO: R) provides leadership and strategic oversight for research divisions, centres and units in the HSRC. These include the Africa Institute of South Africa (AISA), Centre for Science, Technology and Innovation Indicators (CeSTII), Equitable Education and Economies (EEE), Public Health, Societies & Belonging (PHSB), and Developmental, Capable & Ethical State (DCES). The DCEO: R also has direct responsibility for HSRC Publishing and the e-Research Knowledge Centre (e-RKC).The e-Research Knowledge Centre delivers customer-orientated Information Services by getting to the essence of their customer’s needs and bringing them the highest qualitative, value-added strategic information in the format of their choice. It also provides Data Management and Curation services as well as Geo-Spatial expertise. The e-RKC also strives to act as the information services hub for social sciences in the HSRC, as well as on a national and international level.The unit seeks to appoint a Director: e-Research Knowledge Centre on a permanent contract who will be based in the Pretoria office. The successful candidate will report to the Deputy CEO for Research. 
Minimum RequirementsA minimum of a Masters degree in a related field, a PhD is preferable;15 years’ experience in the information field, 5 of which must be in a managerial capacity;Experience in working with electronic information;Knowledge of information-related legislation that governs the public sector;Understanding of electronic systems and the research environment;Experience in project administration;Experience in the management of staff, finances, infrastructure and performance;Credibility to interface with management, researchers and support staff;Strong written and verbal communication skills, with a high level of proficiency in English;Analytical problem-solving skills;Demonstrable initiative, integrity and maturity;The ability to function independently and under pressure;A commitment to excellence, attention to detail and meticulous and accurate execution of tasks; andMust be able to work in a diverse and multicultural environment.
Duties & ResponsibilitiesStrategic management and leadership of e-RKC;Contribute to the implementation of an e-Research knowledge-enabling strategy’Provide leadership and develop a strong team environment committed to the organisation’s mission, values and objectives in a manner that instils trust and credibility;Oversee the development and implementation of policies which enables business objectives;Formulate knowledge management and information strategies, policies and systems;Provide cutting-edge knowledge resource services including: desk research; library services; virtual communities of practice; electronic resources services; research outputs database management and quality control;Coordinate delivery of efficient and effective knowledge services according to best practices that meet the needs of the organisation;Manage the knowledge base to provide an effective platform for research dissemination;Manage and maintain databases by assisting in the development of systems (from a business perspective);Improve data quality to ensure legal compliance and good information governance; andMaintain the records management system, archiving policy, and administration process in the promotion of the Access to Information Act 2000.

Executive Head: Africa Institute of South Africa

Closing Date2024/04/19
Reference NumberHSR240319-1
Job TypeFixed Term contract- long term
Job TitleExecutive Head: Africa Institute of South Africa
Business AreaAfrica Institute of South Africa – AISA
DepartmentAISA
Number of Positions1
Workplace TypeHybrid
Location – Town / CityPretoria
Location – ProvinceGauteng
Location – CountrySouth Africa
Minimum Education LevelNQF 10 – PhD Degree or equivalent
Application Closing Date19-Apr-2024
Job CategoryEducation
Job Advert SummaryThe Africa Institute of South Africa (AISA) leads and coordinates the HSRC’s Africa research agenda, programs, and engagements. It acts as a catalyst for research and implementation support across the continent.  AISA undertakes basic, applied policy-relevant and comparative research, and seeks to build capacity and provide policy advice and implementation support to advance South Africa’s African Agenda, Agenda 2063, and the Sustainable Development Goals. It collaborates with a range of national, continental, and international governments, as well as multilateral institutions, research institutes, universities, and civil society to achieve its objectives.The HSRC’s mandate requires a broad focus on, and contribution to, eradicating poverty, reducing inequality and unemployment, and facilitating a peaceful future for a prosperous Africa. The United Nations (UN), the African Union (AU) and the South African government have developed policy frameworks towards these goals. Such frameworks require monitoring, adaption, and implementation to be successful. AISA seeks to provide a deeper understanding of and thought leadership on a range of issues that can inform policy and practice, as well as narrow the persisting gaps and disjuncture between developed frameworks, policies, and their implementation. AISA, in conjunction with the rest of the HSRC, seeks to do this through evidenced-based research, convening forums, providing strategic and policy advice to governments and intergovernmental organisations, forming partnerships, and engaging in implementation support for civil society and governments.Executive Head: Africa Institute of South Africa(Ref. No. EH: AISA 03/24)5-yearcontract appointmentAISA wishes to appoint a suitable candidate to fully establish AISA’s role in the HSRC as the carrier of the HSRC’s Africa focus, and to guide AISA towards fulfilling a leading role on the Continent. The incumbent will work closely with the Chief Executive Officer to develop and implement a strategy, structure, and programme of work in furtherance of its mandate.
Minimum RequirementsA Ph.D. degree in either the social sciences and humanities, or a related field in a relevant subject pertinent to the study of Africa.A strong publication record, including books, book chapters and scientific journal articles, several of which must be in international peer-reviewed journals. Conference presentations, opinion pieces and populist writings will not count towards this requirement.Fifteen years of collective experience in senior research leadership, people management, stakeholder relations and business management, of which five years should be on the Director or equivalent level, e., at the Associate professor or Professor level.Fluency in written and spoken English.Additional requirementsProven ability to mobilise sustainable sources of external funding.Good networking skills and experience in working with seniorResearch interests and experience in working on the study ofA sound grounding and competencies in quantitative and/or qualitative researchProven record of leading multidisciplinary research teams and managing budgets.Proven record of implementing strategic reforms and institutional transformation imperatives.Ability to work well under pressure and deliver to tight deadlines.Beneficial commendations that will be an added advantage to the application include:Fluency in more than one of the major languages spoken on theEstablished networks on the Continent. 
Duties & ResponsibilitiesPromote knowledge and understanding of Africa through research;Perform strategic analysis of the implementation plans for the effective pursuit of the stated African agenda;Produce and disseminate information on African affairs and give effective policy advice and implementation support to the South African government’s focus areas in relation to other African governments and intergovernmental organisations;Provide institutional coordination and strategic direction on the African research agenda;Convene policy dialogues on contemporary questions affecting Africa and its people;Facilitate training and mentorship for emerging scholars;Foster collaboration with leading social scientists and humanities scholars, policymakers, and practitioners on the Continent, including the establishment and maintenance of strategic partnership arrangements;Provide leadership to the AISA team, including sourcing and allocating resources to ensure successful implementation of and performance on the AISA mandate.The Executive Head of AISA will drive the strategy, role and structural arrangements, within a clearly articulated organising principle for AISA.  The successful candidate is expected to provide strategic support to the overall management and organisational (i.e. corporate) decision-making process as a member of the HSRC Executive Committee to ensure that the HSRC meets its mandate. The successful incumbent will be an accomplished academic with intellectual and personal integrity, with a mission to serve the Institute and build it to realise its full potential. The role requires hands-on management and leadership of exceptional quality to assert AISA’s role and potential impact internally and externally.

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All the best with your applications.

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