HUMAN SCIENCE RESEARCH COUNCIL (HSRC)
 
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RESEARCH DIRECTOR
 
Details
Closing Date 2025/09/19
Reference Number HSR250822-
Job Type Permanent
Job Title Research Director
Business Area Public Health, Societies and Belonging - PHSB
Department Health Policy and Belonging sub-division
Number of Positions 1
Workplace Type Hybrid
Location - Town / City PMB/PTA/CPT
Location - Province Western Cape, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal
Location - Country South Africa
Minimum Education Level NQF 10 - PhD Degree or equivalent
Application Closing Date 19-Sep-2025
Job Category Education
 
Job Advert Summary
The Public Health, Societies and Belonging (PHSB) research division within the HSRC employs a multi-disciplinary group of social scientists and public health specialists who conduct numerous empirical and policy-related studies each year, three-quarters of which are donor-funded. 
PHSB is seeking to appoint a dynamic and visionary  Research Director to co-lead the Health Policy and Belonging sub-division. The position will strengthen the PHSB’s contribution to the HSRC’s 2025-2030 priorities, with a focus on intersectional, community-engaged research across health, wellbeing, health policy, identity, and belonging. The successful candidate will be expected to drive a transdisciplinary, impact-driven research agenda aligned to the HSRC’s national and continental commitments, including the DSI Decadal Plan, Africa Agenda 2063, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
 
RESEARCH DIRECTOR
PERMANENT
OFFICE BASE: PMB/PTA/CPT
REF: RDIR/PHSB/1525

Minimum Requirements
  • A PhD in Social Sciences or Humanities; such as Gender Studies, Psychology, Anthropology or Sociology or related areas; public-health or social epidemiology
  • Ten (10) years’ experience conducting, leading and managing research, team leadership preferably in a research institution or a university;
  • An established research career as evidenced by extensive publications record (journal articles, reports, book chapters, books) of which several must be international and first or sole authored;
  • Experience and strength in social sciences methods and design;
  • Evidence of successful research fund raising;
  • Evidence of existing funding and research networks at country and international levels;
  • Experience in Health Policy and Belonging y research areas;
  • Experience in the implementation of inclusive, gender-responsive, or health policy research.
  • Previous leadership in multi-partner, transdisciplinary research collaborations addressing health, gender, GBV, mental health and other societal challenges in the Global South.
  • Experience in supporting and managing the professional development activities of young researchers and PhD and Masters Researcher Trainees;
  • Large-Scale research project management.
 
Additional Requirements:
  • Personal qualities that include intellectual and personal integrity, imagination, drive, and the ability to work well under pressure and meet deadlines;
  • Ability to work independently and in a team environment;
  • Good communication and leadership skills;
  • The versatility to apply qualitative and/or quantitative methodologies to challenging subject matter across disciplinary boundaries will be advantageous;
  • Proficiency in or working experience with some of the following data software packages: STATA, Epi Info, SPSS, Nvivo, AtlasTI or other relevant statistical packages
 
Duties & Responsibilities
  • Developing the work of PHSB by providing leadership in a cluster of key areas of the Health Policy and Belonging sub-division’s research agenda;
  • Networking with major national and international users and funders of social science and humanities research to understand their research needs, and build research links;
  • Responding to calls for research funding proposals as well as initiating and formulating grant applications for major long-term problem-oriented interdisciplinary research projects;
  • Leading senior research specialist and teams in conducting high quality research, data analysis and evaluation (using qualitative and/or quantitative methodologies) that has both strategic and policy relevance;
  • Delivering high-quality outputs and reports within budget and deadline;
  • Managing and leading research teams and large-scale long-term research projects;
  • Disseminating research findings in different forums (conferences, webinars, seminars, and other relevant platforms) and publishing in accredited and refereed journals;
  • Participating in public debates as part of disseminating project outputs; and
  • Mentoring and developing the research capacity of young South African researchers and supporting colleagues to advance their research careers.
  • Ensure compliance with the PFMA and HSRC policies and procedures.

 
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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PH.D. RESEARCH TRAINEE AISA
 
Details
Closing Date 2025/09/05
Reference Number HSR250821-2
Job Type Fixed Term contract- long term
Job Title Ph.D. Research Trainee AISA
Business Area Africa, BRICS and Global South - AGBS
Department AISA
Number of Positions 2
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 05-Sep-2025
Job Category Education
 
Job Advert Summary
The Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) seeks to appoint a suitably qualified and highly motivated postgraduate student as a Doctoral (PhD) Intern in the Africa Institute of South Africa (AISA) at its Pretoria Offices. The period for the internship is 36 months during which the successful candidate is expected to advance his/her doctoral studies in either sustainable development, development studies, development economics, governance, peace and security, and science, technology innovation, with a focus on Africa. The intern is expected to develop research work that allows for collaboration with researchers within the AISA and across other Divisions of the HSRC.
Applications are invited from interested candidates who hold a Master’s Degree in Social Sciences or humanities and are in the process of registering for PhD studies, or who are in the early stages (registered and study is approved) of their PhD studies.
 
Ph.D. Research Trainee X2
Three (3) Year, Fixed-Term Contract
Ref. No: PhD 05/2022

Minimum Requirements
  • Be in possession a Master’s Degree in Social Sciences or Humanities.
  • Be registering or have registered as a PhD candidate at a recognized university.
  • An interest in research on Africa that seeks to extend and enhance the use and impact of scientific research.
  • Evidence of sound analytical, research, writing and publication abilities will be an advantage.
  • Curiosity, enthusiasm and interest in a research career that includes working in trans-, inter and multi-disciplinary research projects and teams. 
  • A sound academic record inclusive of data management and qualitative and quantitative analysis skills will be very advantageous;
  • Experience in the preparation of research reports and manuscripts for publication, whilst having peer reviewed articles in recognized journals will be advantageous;
  • 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 will be an advantage; and
  • Ability to work to strict deadlines paying the necessary attention to detail.

Duties & Responsibilities
  • Work with a research team on all aspects of conducting research, surveys and the analysis of resultant data;
  • Assist in meeting the AISA targets;
  • Make demonstrable progress towards the achievement of a Doctoral degree;
  • Develop own personal academic competencies through formal and informal training activities;
  • Write up research results for conference presentations, research reports and manuscripts for publication;
  • Commit to and participate in clear research trainee mentoring and capacity development activities.

 
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
 
 
 
 
 







MASTERS RESEARCH TRAINEE: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS & POLITICAL SCIENCES
 
Details
Closing Date 2025/09/05
Reference Number HSR250821-1
Job Type Fixed Term contract- long term
Job Title Masters Research Trainee: International Relations & Political Sciences
Business Area Africa, BRICS and Global South - AGBS
Department AISA
Number of Positions 1
Workplace Type Hybrid
Location - Town / City Pretoria
Location - Province Gauteng
Location - Country South Africa
Minimum Education Level NQF8 - Hons Degree or equivalent
Application Closing Date 05-Sep-2025
Job Category Education
 
Job Advert Summary
The Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) seeks to appoint a suitably qualified and highly motivated postgraduate student Masters Intern in the Africa Institute of South Africa (AISA) at its Pretoria Offices. The period for the internship is 24 months during which the successful candidate is expected to advance his/her Master’s degree studies in either international relations and political sciences, governance, peace and security, and science, technology innovation with a research focus on  Africa.
The masters research trainee is expected to develop research work that allows for collaboration with researchers within the AISA and across other Divisions of the HSRC.
Applications are invited from interested candidates who hold a Master’s Degree in Social Sciences and are in the process of registering for Master’s degree studies or who are in the early stages (registered and study is approved) of their studies.
 
Masters Research Trainee: International Relations & Political Sciences
Ref:  AISA IRPS – 09/2023
Pretoria
2 Year Contract
 
Minimum Requirements
  • Honours Degree or equivalent (NQF 8) degree in Political Sciences, Humanities, Social Sciences or similar field of human and social sciences, and should be registered for, or about to register for, a Masters with a registered South African University;
  • Conversant with the Governance and Artificial Intelligence research in Africa;
  • Minimum of 2 years of postgraduate experience in the relevant research role or sector;
  • Relevant experience in humanities and social sciences including relevant concepts on Africa’s Development Agenda regarding social, economic and various human security areas i.e. food and health;
  • Suitable candidate should demonstrate understanding of the state and international diplomatic protocols;
  • A good understanding of the research development and national system of innovation (NSI) and familiarity with the Agenda 2063 aspirations;
  • Understanding of the landscape of and stakeholders in the Diplomatic Core will be an added advantage;
  • Strong interpersonal and communications skills, and the ability to co-ordinate and capacitate staff;
  • Demonstrable high proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other statistical tools;  
  • Must have intellectual and personal integrity, with a well-developed work ethic and drive, and an aptitude for innovation;
  • Should be able to work under pressure, and after hours when required to meet deadlines;
  • Must be able to work proactively and independently;
  • Applicants must be South African citizens.
 
The Research Trainee Programme in the HSRC provides successful candidates with an opportunity to further develop their research expertise by working with subject experts and project specialists. The research trainee experience is intensive and requires mature individuals who are able to work independently as well as in a team.  The successful individual will be required to balance day-to-day duties and responsibilities in AISA and the HSRC with Masters related work and complete their Masters qualification within 2 years. Time is set aside for this purpose – 60/40 split.

Duties & Responsibilities
  • Conduct research in the area of political and international relations, with special focus on African Affairs;
  • Contribute to the strategic objectives of Africa focus mandate through publications and strategic engagements in and on Africa;
  • Prepare manuscripts for publication emanating from the research they are currently pursuing or that is led by the HSRC in the relevant fields;
  • Undertake qualitative and quantitative fieldwork;
  • Provide timeous and regular feedback to relevant stakeholders on African political affairs
  • Assist with the preparation of presentations, briefing notes and policy briefs.
  • Ensure accuracy, timeliness and integrity of financial information;
  • Writing up research results for workshops/conferences/presentations;
  • Developing own personal academic competencies through formal and informal training activities;
  • Support Executive Head in advancing capacity development activities;
  • Monitoring and reporting of related activities in Africa that can inform policy makers; and
  • Support implementation of developmental research matters within the Office of the Executive Head: AISA.

 
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











PROGRAMME ADMINISTRATOR
 
Details
Closing Date 2025/09/03
Reference Number HSR250820-1
Job Type Fixed Term contract- long term
Job Title Programme Administrator
Business Area External Capacity Development and Internships
Department External Capacity Development and Internships
Number of Positions 1
Workplace Type
Hybrid
Location - Town / City Cape Town
Location - Province Western Cape
Location - Country South Africa
Minimum Education Level NQF 7 - Degree or equivalent
Application Closing Date 03-Sep-2025
Job Category Administrative
 
Job Advert Summary
The Human Sciences Research Council is a statutory research council whose mandate is to inform the effective formulation and monitoring of government policy; to evaluate policy implementation; to stimulate public debate through the effective dissemination of research-based data and fact-based research results; to foster research collaboration; and to help build research capacity and infrastructure for the human sciences.  The Council conducts large-scale, policy-relevant, social-scientific research for public sector users, non-governmental organisations and international development agencies. Research activities and structures are closely aligned with South Africa’s national development priorities. 
The Research Impact Division seeks to appoint an experienced, high-functioning Programme Administrator on a 24 months contract. The Unit for which this appointment is to be made is the External Capacity Development & Internships. The role reports to the Unit Director. The Unit’s main objective is to respond to the plight of youth and graduate unemployment by implementing evidence-based interventions that address youth unemployment. It aims to bridge the gap between academic study and competent performance in the workplace by offering structured internship opportunities to unemployed graduates in the Science, Engineering and Technology (SET) disciplines as well as those in the Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS) disciplines.
 
Programme Administrator
External Capacity Development & Internships
Cape Town
Contract: 24 months/2 years
Reference - HSRC-ECDI 01/08
 
Minimum Requirements
  • A degree in either Business Administration, Communications, Project Management or Office Administration
  • A minimum of 2 years' experience as an Administrator or Programme Administrator/Coordinator.
  • Advanced computer skills and accurate typing
  • Proven senior-level administration, including diary and travel management;
  • Excellent writing skills and precise use of English grammar, spelling and punctuation and ability to write good quality minutes;
  • Well-developed interpersonal and communication skills to interface with, among others, representatives of government, funders, business partners, research staff and administrative colleagues and service providers;
  • Confident and prompt planning, scheduling and organisational abilities;
  • Sound office management, maintenance, procurement, administration and record-keeping skills;
  • Media and communication skills, including the development of newsletters, social media posts, and formatting of reports.

A Valid driver’s license will be advantageous  
 
Duties & Responsibilities
  • Organising internal and external meetings, workshops, exhibitions and conferences;
  • Preparation of correspondence on behalf of the unit, including memos, letters and emails;
  • Email management and ensuring adequate follow-ups are done;
  • To be responsible for the diary, including arranging complex travel arrangements, scheduling of recurring routine meetings, planning and preparations of events, and working in collaboration with the entire Division
  • Preparation of documents and agendas for meetings in consultation with the Director and Managers;
  • Minute taking and notes for unit meetings and meetings with the Director;
  • Management of filing systems and documents register;
  • Planning and coordination of events, including workshops, institutional visits, exhibitions, and conferences.
  • Compilation and tracking of the events calendar for the programme.
  • Sources of venues for meetings, lekgotlas and workshops with stakeholders.
  • Procurement of essentials including stationery, branding material, office refreshments, equipment and related consumables.
  • Procurement of reasonable accommodation support for interns with disabilities and the recording thereof.
  • Processing of travel claims, per diems, advances for staff and short-term payment forms.
  • Coordination of travel and accommodation logistics for the team.
  • Assisting with recruitment of staff, onboarding forms, tools of trade and personnel records filing.
  • Setting up meetings for the team, management team, including drafting of agenda, minutes and action items.
  • Assisting with the compilation of reports, including quarterly narrative reports for submission to funders.
  • Monitoring of unit scorecard and LeaPPTS targets to ensure adequate capturing and reporting.
  • Management of stationery inventory and team assets management
  • Primary liaison for all ECDI activities and events.;
  • Development of media content for newsletters, report formatting, and social media platforms, as well as the web online platform, would be an added advantage.
  • Any other general administrative and secretarial support.

 
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