Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) Vacancies

To apply, click on the link at the end of the posts and all the best with your applications

SENIOR SYSTEMS DEVELOPER

Closing Date
2026/01/26
Reference Number
HSR260112-1
Job Type Permanent
Job Title SENIOR SYSTEMS DEVELOPER
Business Area Information and Communication Technology -ICT
Department Office of the Chief Operating Officer – OCOO
Number of Positions 1
Workplace Type Hybrid
Location – Town / City Pretoria
Location – Province Gauteng
Location – Country South Africa
Minimum Education Level NQF 7 – Degree or equivalent
Application Closing Date 26-Jan-2026
Job Category IT
Job Advert Summary
The Senior Systems Developer is a critical, hands-on role responsible for the design,development, and operational stability of mission-critical systems and data pipelines. This role goes beyond coding to encompass architectural contribution, enforcing modern DevOps practices, ensuring platform resilience, and mentoring junior team members. The ideal candidate will thrive in a cloud-native environment and champion security and performance by design.

Minimum Requirements

• Proficient in C# (including .NET Core / .NET 6/7) and PHP development.
• Strong experience with web application development (HTML, CSS, JavaScript, jQuery, or modern frameworks)
• Experience with MySQL, SQL Server, or other relational databases.
• Solid understanding of OOP, MVC, and software design patterns.
• Experience with RESTful APIs, Web Services, and integration between systems.
• Familiarity with version control systems (e.g., Git).
• Experience in deploying and maintaining applications in Windows and/or Linux environments.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to troubleshoot complex issues.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related field (or equivalent work experience).
• 5 years of professional experience in software development, with demonstrated expertise in C# and PHP.

Behavioral Competencies

• Ownership: Takes full accountability for the delivery and operational state of assigned systems.
• Mentorship: Proven ability to elevate the technical skill set of team members through code review and paired programming.
• Problem-Solving: Excellent analytical skills with a focus on solving complex architectural challenges under pressure.
• Communication: Ability to articulate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders (e.g., researchers, business administrators).

Duties & Responsibilities

• Design, develop, test, and deploy software applications using C# (.NET) and PHP.
• Collaborate with business stakeholders and the technical team to gather and refine requirements.
• Lead the architecture and implementation of scalable, maintainable, and highperformance software solutions.
• Maintain and enhance existing systems, troubleshooting and resolving technical issues.
• Write clean, well-documented, and reusable code following industry best practices.
• Implement and enforce coding standards, testing strategies, and version control practices.
• Mentor and guide junior developers to enhance team capability and knowledge sharing.
• Participate in code reviews, design sessions, and technical decision-making.
• Stay up-to-date with emerging technologies and recommend improvements to existing systems.
• Own the entire software development lifecycle (SDLC) for assigned system components, from initial requirement gathering through deployment and monitoring.
• Contribute significantly to the overall system architecture, ensuring solutions align with enterprise standards for security, data governance, and scalability.
• Champion and implement DevOps methodologies to automate build, testing, and deployment processes using pipelines (e.g., GitLab).
• Secure Software Development Lifecycle (SSDLC)
  -Mandatory Security Testing: Integrate and enforce static (SAST) and dynamic (DAST) application security testing into the Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) pipeline.
  -Vulnerability Remediation: Ensure timely prioritisation, fixing, and retesting of vulnerabilities found in the code base and third-party libraries (Dependency Scanning).
  -Secure Code Review: Lead and perform peer reviews specifically focused on identifying common security flaws (e.g., OWASP Top 10) before merging code.
• Cloud/Infrastructure Security (SecDevOps)
  -Infrastructure as Code (IaC) Security: Securely design and deploy infrastructure by eliminating hardcoded secrets and enforcing least-privilege principles.
  -Secrets Management: Implement and manage robust solutions for handling API keys, credentials, and sensitive configuration data, ensuring they are never stored in source code.
  -Logging and Monitoring: Ensure all deployed systems generate appropriate, tamper-proof logs for security auditing and integrate them with the organisation’s Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) platform.
• Data and Access Control
  -Data Protection by Design: Implement proper data classification and ensure sensitive research data is encrypted both in transit (using the highest version of TLS) and at rest (using strong encryption standards like AES-256).
  -Least Privilege Access: Design systems and access controls based on the principle of least privilege (only granting the minimum access necessary for the service or user to function).
  -Authentication and Authorisation: Enforce Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for all administrative access and design robust, context-aware authorisation mechanisms within the applications.
• Compliance and Training
  -Regulatory Compliance: Ensure all system designs and data handling processes comply with relevant research regulations (e.g., GDPR or specific funding agency requirements).
  -Threat Modeling: Lead threat modeling exercises for new features or projects to proactively identify and mitigate security risks early in the design phase.
  -Security Mentorship: Mentor and train junior developers on secure coding practices, promoting a strong organisational security culture.

Click here to apply

SENIOR RESEARCH MANAGER

Closing Date
2026/01/26
Reference Number
HSR260108-1
Job Type Permanent
Job Title SENIOR RESEARCH MANAGER
Business Area Africa, BRICS and Global South – AGBS
Department BRICS
Number of Positions 1
Workplace Type Hybrid
Location – Town / City Pretoria
Location – Province Gauteng
Location – Country South Africa
Minimum Education Level NQF 9 – Masters Degree or equivalent
Application Closing Date 26-Jan-2026
Job Category Education
Job Advert Summary
The HSRC invites applications for a Senior Research Manager to support and coordinate research programmes focused on BRICS, Africa and the Global South. The role provides programme-level leadership, supporting research conceptualisation, implementation, and partnership development, while ensuring delivery quality and alignment with institutional priorities. The Senior Research Manager will work closely with research executives, senior scholars and external partners to strengthen South-South collaboration, contribute to high-impact research outputs and position the HSRC as a trusted knowledge partner in regional and global policy processes.

Within Africa, BRICS, and the Global South (ABGS) Division, the BRICS Centre and the Africa Institute of South Africa (AISA) drive the HSRC’s global and pan-African research and partnership agenda. Guided by the BRICS Long-Term Research Agenda, the BRICS Centre focuses on strategic priorities such as eradicating poverty, addressing inequality, promoting sustainable urbanisation, and leveraging science and technology for development. AISA serves as a catalyst for policy-relevant, interdisciplinary, and impactful research that deepens Africa’s collective capacity to address development challenges, including inequality, poverty, unemployment, and marginalisation. In doing so, the ABGS division supports the implementation of the HSRC’s 2025-2030 Strategic Plan and South Africa’s African Agenda, in alignment with the DSI’s Africa Strategy, SADC’s RISDP 2020-2030, Agenda 2063, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

SENIOR RESEARCH MANAGER

(Ref. No. ARM: ABGS 01/26)

Permanent Appointment

Pretoria Based

Minimum Requirements
A relevant Master’s degree in Social Sciences or a related field.
At least six (6) years of experience in research management within a research policy or development environment, including evidence of scholarly publications record.
Demonstrated experience in managing and coordinating research programmes.
Proven success in managing internal and externally funded research initiatives.
Experience working with multidisciplinary teams and institutional partners.
Sound understanding of research governance, ethics and compliance frameworks
Strong coordination, planning, and reporting skills.
Excellent written, verbal, and stakeholder engagement skills.

Added Advantage

Experience working in Africa, BRICS, or Global South research contexts.
Exposure to international research partnerships, science diplomacy, or development policy processes.
Track record of supporting research impact and policy engagement.
Duties & Responsibilities
Provide programme-level coordination and management for research initiatives focused on BRICS Africa and the Global South
Support the design, planning, and implementation of multidisciplinary research programmes and projects
Coordinate delivery timelines, milestones, and outputs in collaboration with research leads
Contribute to proposal development, funding coordination, and sustainability of the research portfolio
Manage internal and external funding requirements, including reporting and compliance
Support research governance processes, including ethics, quality assurance and institutional approvals
Build and maintain strategic partnerships with research institutions, policy actors and multilateral platforms across Africa and the Global South
Contribute to research, impact policy engagement, dissemination and knowledge translation activities
Represent the programme in internal coordination platforms and selected external engagements

Click here to apply

EXECUTIVE COORDINATOR: OFFICE OF THE CEO

Closing Date
2026/01/23
Reference Number
HSR260106-2
Job Type Permanent
Job Title EXECUTIVE COORDINATOR: OFFICE OF THE CEO
Business Area Office of the CEO
Department Office of the CEO
Number of Positions 1
Workplace Type Hybrid
Location – Town / City Pretoria
Location – Province Gauteng
Location – Country South Africa
Minimum Education Level NQF 7 – Degree or equivalent
Application Closing Date 23-Jan-2026
Job Category Administrative
Job Advert Summary
The Office of the CEO within the HSRC is seeking to appoint a suitably qualified Executive Coordinator based at the HSRC’s Pretoria office.

The candidate will be responsible for delivering comprehensive, high-level executive support to the CEO, ensuring the seamless operation of the CEO’s office. This includes providing exceptional personal and professional assistance, coordinating strategic and operational activities. The incumbent will play a pivotal role in enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the CEO’s office by managing administrative functions, facilitating stakeholder engagements, and ensuring alignment with the HSRC’s strategic and organisational priorities.

Minimum Requirements
Minimum Requirements:

A relevant degree in Social Sciences, including Administration, Communications, or related fields or any relevant qualification at NQF level 7 as recognised by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
A minimum of five (5) years’ proven experience as a high-level Executive Assistant, Administrator, or Coordinator.
High levels of proficiency in English, with excellent written and verbal skills.
Excellent interpersonal, networking, and communication skills
Proven proficiency in the use of computer software applications, notably the MS Office suite, electronic mail, diary management and internet.
The ability to function independently and under pressure.
High level of integrity and professionalism to liaise with top-level stakeholders and perform duties in a sensitive and confidential manner.
Excellent time management and prioritisation skills.
A commitment to excellence, attention to detail and meticulous and accurate execution of tasks.
Must be able to work in a diverse and multi-cultural environment.

Duties & Responsibilities
Key Responsibilities:

Provide high-level executive support to the CEO and the Office of the CEO (OCEO).
Coordinate and proactively maintain the CEO’s calendar, ensuring optimal prioritisation of commitments in collaboration with the CEO’s Office Manager.
Arrange and coordinate all travel requirements for the CEO and OCEO staff, including itineraries, logistics, and approvals.
Initiate and manage procurement requests for the Office of the CEO in line with internal processes and compliance requirements.
Manage logistical arrangements for meetings, events, travel, and accommodation.
Engage and liaise confidently with a wide range of stakeholders, especially senior executives, on behalf of the CEO.
Maintain and monitor a dynamic action list, ensuring timely follow-up on tasks delegated by the CEO.
Liaise with Supply Chain Management (SCM) on financial, procurement, and compliance matters.
Screen incoming communications in collaboration with the CEO’s Office Manager to determine priority and required action.
Draft, prepare, and edit correspondence, reports, spreadsheets, and other documents for the CEO’s review and approval.
Establish, organise, and maintain robust filing and records management systems.
Assist in the coordination between the CEO, Divisional Executives, and teams across research and shared services functions.

Click here to apply

FINANCE MANAGER: OFFICE OF THE CEO

Closing Date
2026/01/23
Reference Number
HSR260106-1
Job Type Permanent
Job Title FINANCE MANAGER: OFFICE OF THE CEO
Business Area Office of the CEO
Department Office of the CEO
Number of Positions 1
Workplace Type Hybrid
Location – Town / City Pretoria
Location – Province Gauteng
Location – Country South Africa
Minimum Education Level NQF 7 – Degree or equivalent
Application Closing Date 23-Jan-2026
Job Category Finance
Job Advert Summary
The Office of the CEO at the HSRC is seeking to appoint a suitably qualified Finance Manager based at the HSRC’s Pretoria office.

The candidate will be responsible for leading, managing, and overseeing the full spectrum of financial activities within the Office of the CEO, ensuring alignment with the HSRC’s strategic objectives, governance requirements, and organisational mandate. This includes the development, implementation, and maintenance of robust financial systems, processes, and controls; effective budgeting and forecasting; expenditure monitoring; financial reporting; and ensuring compliance with statutory, regulatory, and internal policies. The incumbent will play a key role in supporting strategic decision-making by providing accurate financial insights, managing financial risks, and promoting sound financial stewardship across the Office of the CEO.

Minimum Requirements
Minimum Requirements:

A relevant degree in Finance or Accounting, or related fields or any relevant qualification at NQF level 7 as recognised by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
A minimum of eight (8) years’ proven experience in financial management, cost and management accounting.
A sound understanding of the financial regulatory system in the public sector.
Experience in managing or coordinating internal and external audit processes.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, and the ability to coordinate and capacitate staff.
Demonstrable high proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other accounting tools.
Must have intellectual and personal integrity, with a well-developed work ethic and drive, and an aptitude for innovation and attention to detail.
Should be able to work under pressure, and after hours when required. Must be able to work proactively and independently.
Duties & Responsibilities
Key Responsibilities:

Manage the financial processes (policies, controls, systems, flows and tasks) within the office of the CEO, so that it is efficient, effective and compliant with the PFMA and HSRC policies and procedures.
Assist with the development of budgets and forecasts of expenditure in the office of the CEO.
Prepare relevant financial reports for the office of the CEO, in keeping with policies and procedures, as well as audit requirements.
Manage the financial evaluation, financial analysis, risk assessment, and financing of CEO funded projects and new opportunities during all phases of project development, i.e., from inception to financial closure.
Ensure the accuracy, timeliness and integrity of all financial information provided and reported upon to relevant stakeholders.
Manage the relevant month-end and year-end processes and deadlines on behalf of the CEO’s office (accruals and journals, etc.).

Click here to apply

Grant Writing Consultant

Closing Date
2026/01/31
Reference Number
HSR260105-1
Job Type Freelancer
Job Title Grant Writing Consultant
Business Area Office of the Chief Operating Officer – OCOO
Department Capacity, Growth and Innovation Unit (CGI)
Number of Positions 1
Workplace Type Hybrid
Location – Town / City Pretoria
Location – Province Gauteng
Location – Country South Africa
Minimum Education Level NQF 10 – PhD Degree or equivalent
Application Closing Date 31-Jan-2026
Job Category Other
Job Advert Summary
The Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) conducts applied social science and humanities research in service of the public good in South Africa. The Capacity, Growth and Innovation (CGI) Unit within the HSRC seeks to appoint an experienced Grant Writing Consultant.

The purpose of this consultancy is to support HSRC researchers in the development of high-quality, competitive grant proposals. The consultant will be required to design and facilitate grant writing workshops and provide expert guidance to both senior and emerging researchers.

The ideal candidate must have demonstrable experience in grant writing and the facilitation of grant writing workshops, possess an excellent command of the English language, and hold relevant qualifications. The consultant must also have the ability to engage effectively with researchers at varying levels of seniority.

The grant writing programme aims to strengthen researchers’ proposal development skills, improve the quality and impact of grant submissions, and enhance the HSRC’s research funding success and influence across relevant fields.

Minimum Requirements
The candidate must demonstrate experience in grant writing.
A proven track record of successful grant applications to national and/or international funders is essential.
Proposals should reflect knowledge of the funding landscape relevant to the social sciences and humanities.
Minimum qualifications is NQF Level 10
A detailed CV is required, highlighting experience in conducting grant writing workshops and a success rate following these workshops.
The CV must include contactable references.
Duties & Responsibilities
The appointed service provider will primarily support both Senior and Junior researchers in enhancing their skills in grant proposal writing. The training aims to achieve the following objectives:

Encourage and assist researchers in developing high-quality research grant proposals.
Identify and comprehend donor requirements and funding opportunities.
Conceptualize and design competitive grant proposals, including formulating strong problem statements, clear objectives, suitable methodologies, and an effective impact framework.
Prepare realistic budgets and work plans that align with the goals of the proposals.
Enhance success rates for both local and international grant applications.
Provide practical training to researchers seeking external grant funding, as well as guidance on budgeting principles.

This virtual workshop is scheduled to last three days. Our goals for the participants include gaining a solid understanding of the grant writing process, learning how to create project budgets, employing strategies to increase external funding, and effectively managing project and operational budgets to build strong relationships with potential donors.

Click here to apply

Subscription and ILL Consultant

Closing Date
2026/01/18
Reference Number
HSR251125-1
Job Type Permanent
Job Title Subscription and ILL Consultant
Business Area e-Resource Knowledge Unit – eRKU
Department eRKU
Number of Positions 01
Workplace Type Hybrid
Location – Town / City Pretoria
Location – Province Gauteng
Location – Country South Africa
Minimum Education Level NQF 7 – Degree or equivalent
Application Closing Date 18-Jan-2026
Job Category Education
Job Advert Summary
The unit seeks to appoint a suitably qualified and experienced candidate as a Subscription and Inter-Library Loans (ILL) Consultant. The successful candidate will be based in the Pretoria Office in a permanent position. The Subscription and ILL Consultant will be part of the Information Services Team responsible for the management of existing and new subscriptions of information resources, as well as rendering Inter-library Loan services. He/she will ensure that the information resources are utilised optimally through constant evaluation process. The incumbent will further provide scholarly support towards researchers in terms of their publishing efforts on Open Access routes. The successful candidate will report to the Manager: Information Services.

The successful candidate should be deeply knowledgeable about licensing models, scholarly research and financial management. He or she should be a good team player, be self-disciplined, proactive, and have strong negotiation skills.

Minimum Requirements
Bibl degree or an equivalent LIS qualification
5-years’ experience in e-resources management
Sound knowledge of licensing models, and Digital Rights Management
Knowledge of databases and library management systems
Extensive knowledge of Open Access publishing practices
Strong knowledge of Read or Publish initiatives
Negotiation skills
Knowledge of the PFMA and Treasury Regulations
Good financial management
Knowledge of interlibrary loans or resource sharing systems/platforms, as well as processes and procedures
Advanced computer literacy/proficiency across MS Office suite
Ability to work without supervision
Duties & Responsibilities
Manage the subscriptions of new and existing electronic information resources.
Procurement of resources (all formats) and promote the use thereof.
Evaluate the use of all electronic information resources.
Maintain uninterrupted access to information e-resources.
Financial management of all information resources.
Provide administrative support in terms of the payment of Article Processing Charges (APCs) for publishing in open access journals.
Coordinate and promote the use of Transformative Agreements.
Contract management of the subscribed information resources.
Manage inter-library loans services

Click here to apply

We wish you all the best with your applications