HUMAN SCIENCE RESEARCH COUNCIL (HSRC) VACANCIES

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HUMAN SCIENCE RESEARCH COUNCIL (HSRC)
 

 
 
 
SENIOR RESEARCH DIRECTOR: AISA
 
Details
Closing Date 2025/07/31
Reference Number
HSR250630-1
Job Type Permanent
Job Title SENIOR RESEARCH DIRECTOR: AISA
Business Area Africa, BRICS and Global South - AGBS
Department Africa Institute of South Africa - AISA
Number of Positions 1
Workplace Type Hybrid
Location - Town / City Pretoria
Location - Province
Western Cape, Gauteng
Location - Country South Africa

Minimum Education Level
NQF 10 - PhD Degree or equivalent

Application Closing Date
31-Jul-2025

Job Category
Education

 
Job Advert Summary
Within the Africa, BRICS, and the Global South (ABGS) Division, the Africa Institute of South Africa (AISA) drives the HSRC’s Pan-African research and partnership agenda. 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, AISA 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.
 
AISA is seeking to appoint a visionary and experienced academic leader as:
 
SENIOR RESEARCH DIRECTOR: AISA
(Ref. No. HA: AISA 07/25)
Permanent Appointment
 
Minimum Requirements

• A PhD in a relevant discipline in the social sciences, humanities, or African studies.
• At least 10 years of senior research and leadership experience, including five years at a director or professor-equivalent level.
• A strong record of scholarly publishing, with a significant number in local and international peer-reviewed journals.
• Proven success in research leadership, strategic planning, and organisational management.
• Experience in securing and managing large-scale research grants and partnerships, particularly those involving African and multilateral stakeholders.
• Demonstrated interest and expertise in African development, Pan-African policy frameworks, and knowledge diplomacy.
• Ability to lead interdisciplinary teams and deliver results in complex, fast-paced environments.
• Working knowledge of STATA, SPSS, NVivo, AtlasTI or similar packages is an advantage.
• Fluency in English and at least one other African language is highly desirable.

 
Duties & Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee AISA’s research, partnerships, and implementation support in alignment with HSRC’s 2025-2030 strategy, with a strong emphasis on regional integration, development justice, and science diplomacy.
• Conceptualise and implement innovative, interdisciplinary research programmes that contribute to the HSRC’s impact agenda and advance inclusive knowledge systems across the African continent.
• Produce high-quality research outputs, including policy briefs, working papers, and peer-reviewed publications.
• Foster and manage strategic partnerships with African governments, universities, research councils, multilateral agencies, and civil society actors.
• Mobilise research funding and steward large-scale, multi-country and multi-stakeholder projects.
• Support the generation, analysis, and use of spatial and other data relevant to Africa’s development.
• Champion knowledge translation and policy uptake, representing AISA and the HSRC in high-level forums across the continent and globally.
• Provide strategic leadership, mentorship, and performance management to a diverse and multidisciplinary research team.
• Contribute to internal governance, organisational development, and compliance with the HSRC’s operational policies and national legislation.

 
 
Policy
In delivering 'social science that makes a difference' in South Africa and the region, the Research Programmes of the Human Sciences Research Council initiate and undertake policy-oriented research projects and programmes from its offices in Cape Town, Durban, Pietermaritzburg and Pretoria. Its public-purpose mandate is set out in the Human Sciences Research Council Act No.17 of 2008.
The HSRC aims to attract and retain high-calibre skills and human resources necessary to effectively execute both its mandate to conduct research and to support the strategic intent of the organisation.
The HSRC is committed to accelerating the improvement in the proportion of South African Citizens who are black, female, or disabled towards achieving Equity goals.
The HSRC reserves the right not to make an appointment.
Application from recruitment agencies will not be accepted.
 
PLEASE APPLY HERE
 
 
 
 
 
 

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DIRECTOR: IMPACT & EVALUATION UNIT
 
Details
Closing Date 2025/07/21
Reference Number SR250707-1
Job Type Permanent
Job Title DIRECTOR: IMPACT & EVALUATION UNIT
Business Area Research Impact Division
Department Impact and Evaluation
Number of Position
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 21-Jul-2025
Job Category Education

Job Advert Summary
The Research Impact division (RID) plays a pivotal role in ensuring that the Human Sciences Research Council’s (HSRC) work extends beyond academic outputs to create real and lasting change in society. Our mission is to support, strengthen, and institutionalise the impact of HSRC research by aligning it with South Africa’s development priorities and the broader African and global context.
The Research Impact Division comprises five interconnected units, each contributing to our overarching goal of translating research into measurable impact: Impact and Evaluation; Publishing; External Capacity Development and Internship; Strategic Partnerships and Internationalisation; and Research Ethics. Together, these units ensure that the HSRC’s research is not only rigorous and relevant but also transformative to shape a more inclusive, informed, and just society.
Reporting to the Divisional Executive – in the Research Impact Division, within the HSRC, seeks to appoint a suitably qualified RESEARCH DIRECTOR: IMPACT & EVALUATION to lead the design and implementation of the research impact strategy, lead relevant research projects, and contributes to the HSRC’s peer review standards and results in relevant publications.
 
DIRECTOR: IMPACT & EVALUATION UNIT
BASE: PRETORIA
PERMANENT CONTRACT

Minimum Requirements

• A PhD in statistics, economics, social sciences and other relevant disciplines;
• 10 years of relevant research experience with demonstrated scholarly work, mentorship and supervision;
• 10 years of extensive experience in leading a team of senior research experts and has experience leading as Principal Investigator in research;
• Extensive publication record, several publications must be sole or first authored and international;
• Proven capability in working with quantitative and qualitative research data, and proven experience in rigorous impact evaluation methodologies.
• A proven track record in successful, large fundraising initiatives for research projects, as well as experience in leading teams in multi-year studies & managing large budgets & fundraising initiatives;
• Ability to create and sustain large networks to secure sponsors for specific research projects.

Additional Requirements:

• Ability to create successful research teams for the achievement of research project priorities and meeting project timelines successfully;
• Sound knowledge of various sophisticated statistical data software and data management systems
• A strong user orientation, based on a commitment to social research that makes a difference;
• High levels of computer literacy, internet, and all Microsoft packages;
• Must be able to work in a diverse and multi-cultural environment;

 
Duties & Responsibilities
Strategic Planning and Leadership:

• Develop and implement a strategy for the Impact and Evaluation unit and ensure alignment with the strategic objectives of the HSRC overall.
• Lead the review and monitoring of key performance indicators related to the unit’s strategy and business plans, and identify areas for internal improvement and implementation.
• Oversee all initiatives across the unit to ensure its conception and implementation support the HSRC's strategic objectives.
• Oversee the development and implementation of relevant research policies and practices which enable the achievement of the HSRC objectives.
• Lead and develop a strong team environment committed to the organisation’s mission, values and objectives in a manner that instils trust and credibility within the unit.
• Chair and facilitate various forums for the unit on behalf of the division and the HSRC.
• Lead and collaborate with the divisional and organisational management team to coordinate the strategic organisation of the division’s research impact activities to achieve the vision of the HSRC.

Delivery of the HSRC Strategic Plan:

• Build visible national, continental and international research partnerships that result in impactful and collaborative studies, high-quality publications, evidence reviews, and policy briefs implemented at the state level.
• Ensure the completion of high-level research on approved research projects which meet peer review requirements and research impact objectives.
• Drive initiatives that contribute towards creating a culture of impact for the HSRC.
• Ensure the provision of sustainable and impactful research evidence that can be taken up by government, communities and state bodies through policy improvements.
• Contribute towards the continuous capacity and skills development of Researchers to ensure their research studies are focused on social research that makes a difference.

Financial Acumen:

• Lead the planning and compilation of the Department’s annual budget aligned with the operational plans to support the implementation of the organisational objectives.
• Ensure the compilation and submission of accurate financial data by prescribed guidelines, standards, and formats.
• Lead the deployment of proper financial controls to manage the Department’s budget and drive the effective implementation, management, and monitoring of financial resources. 

People management:

• Provide overall leadership by managing and supporting the Department’s employees through keeping them informed and engaged, providing ongoing performance feedback, coaching and guidance.
• Maintain excellent human capital performance through employee empowerment, skills development, retention and succession planning within the Department.
• Maintain an environment where employees respect and adhere to the HSRC standards of integrity and ethics by integrating these values into all processes, procedures and practices.

Stakeholder relationships

• Facilitate the establishment of smooth working relationships between the Unit and other business partners within the HSRC;
• Ensure that the HSRC is regularly represented in forums where industry information is shared to keep the organisation at the forefront of developments within the industry.
• Build and lead an effective team that works collaboratively toward achieving the organisation’s goals and promoting the HSRC brand identity and values.
• Engage relevant groups of stakeholders at the highest level in making key decisions while clearly articulating the HSRC's stance on matters and ensuring preservation of the organisation’s interests.

 
Policy
In delivering 'social science that makes a difference' in South Africa and the region, the Research Programmes of the Human Sciences Research Council initiate and undertake policy-oriented research projects and programmes from its offices in Cape Town, Durban, Pietermaritzburg and Pretoria. Its public-purpose mandate is set out in the Human Sciences Research Council Act No.17 of 2008.
The HSRC aims to attract and retain high-calibre skills and human resources necessary to effectively execute both its mandate to conduct research and to support the strategic intent of the organisation.
The HSRC is committed to accelerating the improvement in the proportion of South African Citizens who are black, female, or disabled towards achieving Equity goals.
The HSRC reserves the right not to make an appointment.
Application from recruitment agencies will not be accepted.
 
PLEASE APPLY HERE
 
 

​SENIOR RESEARCH SPECIALIST/ MANAGER
 
Details
Closing Date 2025/07/20
Reference Number HSR250629-1
Job Type Permanent
Job Title SENIOR RESEARCH SPECIALIST/ MANAGER
Business Area Development, Capable and Ethical State - DCES
Department DCES
Number of Positions 2
Workplace Type Hybrid
Location - Town / City Pretoria/Cape Town/Sweetwaters
Location - Province KwaZulu-Natal, Western Cape, Gauteng
Location - Country South Africa
Minimum Education Level NQF 10 - PhD Degree or equivalent
Application Closing Date 20-Jul-2025
Job Category Education

Job Advert Summary
The Developmental, Capable and Ethical State (DCES) is a research division within the HSRC that employs a multi-disciplinary group of social scientists who conduct numerous empirical and policy-related studies.
The DCES division is looking to appoint suitably qualified professionals in the position of Senior Research Specialist/Manager. These positions support and assists the Divisional Executive in implementing the five-year strategic plan of the HSRC. The Developmental, Capable and Ethical State (DCES) division conducts transdisciplinary, intersectional, policy and programme-relevant research. The over-arching questions that guide the research are:

• How to strengthen democracy through transparent governance, accountable leadership and reinvigorated public participation/ civic engagement and inclusion. In this regard, research on digital tools and strategies such as participatory platforms are crucial to address the digital divide and help build citizen trust in digital public services.
• How to ensure sustainable development in an increasingly globalising, urbanising and rapidly changing world. 

Minimum Requirements

• A doctorate (PhD) in the social or economic sciences or related disciplines;
• An established research career as evidenced by publications. For SRS/M – at least seven (7) peer reviewed publications in accredited academic journals some of which to be first / sole authored coupled with several years’ experience post PhD qualification
• Excellent writing skills necessary for publication in internationally accredited peer-reviewed academic journals, and for drafting briefing papers and reports;
• Record of raising funds for research.
• An interest in one of the priority research areas of DCES will be an advantage;
• A sound grounding in research methods, especially quantitative approaches, will be a strong recommendation;
• The versatility to apply quantitative and qualitative methodologies to challenging subject matter across disciplinary boundaries will be advantageous
• Knowledge and experience in digital tools and strategies to conduct research on digital democracy and civic engagement
• Expertise in ethical leadership, public service professionalisation and good governance
• Intellectual and personal integrity, imagination and drive;
• A strong user orientation, based on a commitment to social research that makes a difference;
• 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.

 
Duties & Responsibilities

• Conducting high level scholarly research which meets the challenge of peer review, and has both strategic and policy relevance;
• Responding to requests for tenders and formulating grant applications;
• Managing research teams and large-scale long-term research projects;
• Proposal writing to secure external funds;
• Mentor fellow employees and emerging researchers;
• Deliver high-quality results and reports to meet set budgets and deadlines;
• Network with major users and funders of social science research to understand their research needs;
• Communicate research findings through modalities like policy briefs;
• Publish in refereed journals;
• Build national and international research links; and
• Manage staff and build capacity within the division.

 
Policy
In delivering 'social science that makes a difference' in South Africa and the region, the Research Programmes of the Human Sciences Research Council initiate and undertake policy-oriented research projects and programmes from its offices in Cape Town, Durban, Pietermaritzburg and Pretoria. Its public-purpose mandate is set out in the Human Sciences Research Council Act No.17 of 2008.
The HSRC aims to attract and retain high-calibre skills and human resources necessary to effectively execute both its mandate to conduct research and to support the strategic intent of the organisation.
The HSRC is committed to accelerating the improvement in the proportion of South African Citizens who are black, female, or disabled towards achieving Equity goals.
The HSRC reserves the right not to make an appointment.
Application from recruitment agencies will not be accepted.
 
PLEASE APPLY HERE

​INSTITUTIONAL MONITORING AND REPORTING PRACTITIONER
 
Details
Closing Date 2025/07/20
Reference Number HSR250629-2
Job Type Permanent
Job Title INSTITUTIONAL MONITORING AND REPORTING PRACTITIONER
Business Area Institutional Planning and Reporting
Department IPR
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 20-Jul-2025
Job Category Administrative
 
Job Advert Summary
The Chief Operating Officer (COO) Division provides a coordinated corporate support function to the HSRC, encompassing administrative processes, including People and Culture services, Information and Communication Technology, and e-Research and Knowledge Services, as part of the HSRC’s digital transformation imperatives. It further provides Corporate Communication and engagement services, Legal and Compliance services, and additionally oversees the strategic imperative of Institutional Planning and Reporting.
The Institutional Planning and Reporting Unit is seeking to appoint a suitably qualified professional to assume the responsibilities of an Institutional Planning and Reporting Practitioner. This position supports and assists the Manager: Institutional Planning and Reporting in monitoring and reporting institutional performance against the five-year strategic plan of the HSRC. 

Minimum Requirements

• Minimum of an NQF 7 qualification in Public or Business administration or Commerce. A Masters (NQF level 9) will be an added advantage.
• 3-5 years of relevant work experience in administration, report writing, extracting, verifying, and interpreting data.
• Previous experience in a planning and reporting environment will be advantageous.
• Previous experience in a public regulatory environment will be advantageous (familiar with the PFMA and National Treasury regulations).
• High level of report writing and English literacy skills.
• High level of computer literacy, especially in the MS office Suite, including MS Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and navigating electronic workflow systems.
• Excellent planning, scheduling, organisational ability and analytical skills.
• Ability to prioritise tasks and work effectively to demanding deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to interface effectively with colleagues and external clients and engage in a diverse team environment.
• Ability to work in a team as well as independently.
• High personal motivation, self-management, and attention to detail. 

 
Duties & Responsibilities

• Assist with the compilation of institutional information for quarterly, annual, and ad hoc reporting,
• High-level report writing and extracting suitable information from various sources,
• Analysis and verification of institutional performance information,
• Maintaining relationships with all units to ensure the adequate flow of information and sharing of knowledge, and understanding,
• Capture and efficiently manage procurement activities on an electronic workflow system,
• Provide a coordination function for gathering and packaging information and quarterly reports for meeting packs and other institutional reporting purposes.
• Arrange and perform administration related to meetings, including minutes of meetings,
• Maintain all relevant policy documents and guidelines on behalf of the unit,
• Ensure effective capturing of institutional information on government systems (accurately and on time),
• Participate in other initiatives and activities of the unit, including supporting general activities undertaken within this unit.

 
Policy
In delivering 'social science that makes a difference' in South Africa and the region, the Research Programmes of the Human Sciences Research Council initiate and undertake policy-oriented research projects and programmes from its offices in Cape Town, Durban, Pietermaritzburg and Pretoria. Its public-purpose mandate is set out in the Human Sciences Research Council Act No.17 of 2008.
The HSRC aims to attract and retain high-calibre skills and human resources necessary to effectively execute both its mandate to conduct research and to support the strategic intent of the organisation.
The HSRC is committed to accelerating the improvement in the proportion of South African Citizens who are black, female, or disabled towards achieving Equity goals.
The HSRC reserves the right not to make an appointment.
Application from recruitment agencies will not be accepted.
 
PLEASE APPLY HERE

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