HUMAN SCIENCE RESEARCH COUNCIL (HSRC) VACANCIES

HUMAN SCIENCE RESEARCH COUNCIL (HSRC)

SENIOR RESEARCH SPECIALIST AND RESEARCH SPECIALIST

Details

Closing Date

2026/11/26

Reference Number

HSR261106-2

Job Type

Permanent

Job Title

Senior Research Specialist and Research Specialist

Business Area

Africa, BRICS and Global South - AGBS

Department

DCES with ABGS

Number of Positions

4

Workplace Type

Hybrid

Location - Town / City

Cape Town, Pretoria

Location - Province

Western Cape, Gauteng

Location - Country

South Africa

Minimum Education Level

NQF 10 - PhD Degree or equivalent

Application Closing Date

26-Nov-2026

Job Category

Other

Job Advert Summary

The HSRC’s Developmental, Capable and Ethical State (DCES) division aims to be a national, regional and international hub for transformative research in the interest of a just and equal society. The DCES focuses on conducting innovative research in climate change and disaster risk management, environmental sustainability, democracy, governance, and citizenship, adopting an engaged approach to build a better life for all. It leads research, implementation, and advocacy support in the service of the public good and South Africa’s national priorities to strengthen social cohesion; create safe communities; build a capable, ethical and developmental state; and work towards a better Africa and world.

The HSRC seeks to appoint Senior Research Specialist (SRS) and Research Specialist (RS). The position will conduct research as part of the Africa, BRICS and Global South research pillar of the DCES division, with two research centres, Africa Institute of South Africa (AISA) and South African BRICS+ Research Institute (SAB+RI). The research pillar is a hub for Africa-centred and Global South knowledge production, policy engagement, and implementation support. Furthermore, it seeks to build capacity and provide policy advice and implementation support to advance South Africa’s position on societal development, including innovation and technology, and to contribute to aspects of Africa’s Developmental Agenda.

The Objectives of the Africa, BRICS and Global South research pillar are to:

• Initiate, undertake and foster strategic research and applied research in human sciences focusing on developmental challenges and opportunities facing the African continent.
• Gather, analyse and publish data relevant to developmental challenges in Africa by means of projects linked to public sector-oriented collaborative projects.
• Provide leadership and harness African agency to transform African societies into dynamic, peaceful, and prosperous spaces.
• Build capacity and train African young scholars, policy makers, and practitioners to produce and share research-based knowledge about Africa’s development challenges.

Minimum Requirements

• A relevant Ph.D. qualification and experience in the social and economic sciences with practical experience;
• Experience in a research environment in the context of Africa region, and publications in accredited and peer-reviewed journals;
• A strong record of published research, with a minimum of 7 peer-reviewed articles for SRS. in both local and international journals – several of which should be first-authored;
• Contribute towards financial sustainability by contributing to the development of research funding proposals and grant applications.
• Demonstrate understanding of Agenda 2063, African Union protocols i.e. Lome Declaration, and SADC frameworks, i.e., Science Technology and Innovation (STI) protocol, including intersectional challenges in Africa’s development;
• Demonstrable ability to develop creative ways of producing and/or communicating research outputs;
• Experience in quantitative and qualitative research approaches and the ability to undertake advanced statistical and qualitative analysis using appropriate/relevant software;

Duties & Responsibilities

• Identify key research areas in support of national, African, BRICS and Global South development agendas;
• Learn to formulate targeted research proposals and secure funding on a sustainable basis to enable policy-relevant, strategic research projects;
• Contribute to implementation and management of high-quality, large-scale, long-term research studies with a focus on social impact;
• Deliver high-quality results and reports to budget and deadline;
• Stimulate public debate, civil society engagement, and develop communities of practice to ensure uptake of evidence for the transformation of Africa and the Global South;
• Produce high-quality knowledge outputs through publishing in accredited refereed journals, books, and book chapters and with collaborators on the African continent;
• Ensure research impact through government and stakeholder engagement, production of policy briefs and research reviews;
• Communicate research findings across multiple media platforms and at academic conferences and forums; and
• Develop research skills and competencies through formal and informal training for self and others.

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.

CLICK TO APPLY

CHIEF RESEARCH SPECIALIST

Details

Closing Date

2026/11/25

Reference Number

HSR261106-1

Job Type

Permanent

Job Title

Chief Research Specialist

Business Area

Research Impact Division

Department

RID

Number of Positions

2

Workplace Type

On-site

Location - Town / City

Pretoria

Location - Province

Gauteng

Location - Country

South Africa

Minimum Education Level

NQF 10 - PhD Degree or equivalent

Application Closing Date

25-Nov-2026

Job Category

Other

Job Advert Summary

In delivering ‘social science that makes a difference’ in South Africa and the region, the Research Units of the Human Sciences Research Council initiate and undertake policy-oriented research projects and programmes from its offices in Cape Town, Pietermaritzburg, and Pretoria. Its public-purpose mandate is set out in the Human Sciences Research Council Act of 2008.

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 four interconnected units, each contributing to our overarching goal of translating research into measurable impact: Impact Evaluation; HSRC Press; Strategic Partnerships and External Capacity Development; Internationalisation; and Governance, Ethics and Integrity. 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.

RID seeks to appoint a Chief Research Specialist on a permanent contract based in the HSRC’s office, Pretoria.

To be eligible for appointment as a CRS, the candidate must have a PhD and extensive knowledge of policy-relevant research experience in impact evaluation studies.

External Applicants

Chief Research Specialist (2x Positions)

Ref. No: External RID-CRS

Permanent contract

Minimum Requirements

• A relevant PhD in Humanities and Social
• At least six (6) years of research and management experience, preferably in a research institution or a university;
• Excellent writing skills in drafting reports and academic publications for wider public dissemination of research findings;
• Demonstrated experience in translating complex research and evaluation findings into high-quality, policy-oriented outputs—such as policy briefs, evidence summaries, policy recommendations and briefing notes—for policymakers, senior decision-makers and other non-technical audiences;
• At least 12 peer-reviewed publications* (books, books chapters, journal articles), of which several must be international, and several must be first or sole authored;
• Relevant quantitative and/or qualitative research experience;
• Extensive experience in securing funding for research;
• Good research project management experience and the ability and enthusiasm to lead research teams in a large multidisciplinary research division;
• Intellectual leadership in a specified area, personal integrity, imagination and drive; and
• Skills in managing, mentoring and training team members

Duties & Responsibilities

Lead the design, planning and delivery of complex research projects with a focus on social

impact, ensuring that agreed objectives, timelines, budgets and quality standards are met;

• Formulate targeted research proposals and secure funding on a sustainable basis to enable policy relevant, strategic research projects;
• Deliver high-quality results and reports to budget and deadline;
• Stimulate public debate, civil society engagement, and develop communities of practice to ensure uptake of evidence to transform educational and economic outcomes;
• Produce high-quality knowledge outputs through publishing in accredited refereed journals, books, and book chapters and with collaborators on the African continent;
• Ensure research impact through government and stakeholder engagement, policy briefs and research reviews;
• Assess how effectively research evidence is translated into organizational strategy, policy, programmes and practice, and recommend opportunities for improvement;
• Provide expert advice on research impact, monitoring, evaluation and learning across the organization;
• Communicate research findings across multiple media platforms and at academic conferences and forums; and
• Develop research skills and competencies through formal and informal training for self and

*The HSRC offers attractive, market-related packages depending on qualifications and experience.

Please register and submit your application on-line at: https://hsrc.erecruit.co/

Application Instructions:

• Candidates can make use of their mobile devices or any browser to register on the Neptune recruitment site, as well as to make applications for available vacancies; Candidates will be prompted to upload their CV’s;
• Attachments must be less than 1MB, there is an on-screen option to
• The Neptune system will only allow you to upload 1 Please ensure that all documents are merged into 1 file before uploading.

Applications should include:

1. A cover letter of motivation indicating your area of expertise (clearly marked), your suitability for the position, your goals, and the position you are applying for. Please do not apply for more than one position. You will be contacted if we think you qualify for a higher or lower ranking position.
2. A detailed CV which should clearly indicate your highest qualification; an indication of your quantitative and qualitative research experience; your fieldwork experience (not related to your degree) and details of your citizenship.
3. The details of three recent referees with telephone number, email, and institutional
4. Details of three first- or sole-authored

The HSRC will only consider applications that comply with the above requirements.

Please note that applicants may be subject to a competency assessment pertaining to this position. For further information about the HSRC or the post please consult our website www.hsrc.ac.za.

Enquiries, (NOT applications or CVs) relating to technical knowledge of the position may be directed to Dr Andrea Juan @ ajuan@hsrc.ac.za

Closing date: 25 November 2026. We encourage applicants to submit prior to this date. Applicants who have not been contacted within eight weeks should assume that their application has been unsuccessful. Only applicants who are interviewed will be advised of the outcome of their applications.

The HSRC reserves the right not to make an appointment.

APPLICATIONS FROM RECRUITMENT AGENCIES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED

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.

CLICK TO APPLY

PRODUCTION AND SALES COORDINATOR (DIGITAL & PRINT).

Details

Closing Date

2026/11/16

Reference Number

HSR261103-1

Job Type

Permanent

Job Title

Production and Sales Coordinator (Digital & Print).

Business Area

Publishing

Department

HSRC Press

Number of Positions

1

Workplace Type

On-site

Location - Town / City

Pretoria

Location - Province

Gauteng

Location - Country

South Africa

Minimum Education Level

NQF 7 - Degree or equivalent

Application Closing Date

16-Nov-2026

Job Category

Publishing

Job Advert Summary

In delivering ‘social science that makes a difference’ in South Africa and the region, the Research Units of the Human Sciences Research Council initiate and undertake policy-oriented research projects and programmes from its offices in Cape Town, Pietermaritzburg, and Pretoria. Its public-purpose mandate is set out in the Human Sciences Research Council Act of 2008.

HSRC Press, the publishing division of the Human Sciences Research Council, is a small but prolific and innovative publishing house of social science and humanities scholarship and outstanding non-fiction from and about Africa and the global south.

HSRC Press houses three book imprints, AISA, HSRC Press and Best Red, is a small but prolific and innovative publisher of social science and humanities scholarship. Focused on publishing exceptional scholarly books, the Press has a global footprint in sales, distribution and dissemination.

The HSRC Press has a vacancy for a Digital Production and Sales Coordinator, with extensive digital expertise.  This position requires an individual to coordinate some of the production and sales outputs of both print and digital publications to the highest possible standards, within the budgetary and time frameworks relevant to each publication.

The incumbent will be expected to maintain the excellent production quality of the products and services, whether in print or digital format, and to ensure sales work related to these production activities is effectively coordinated. This position will be based in the HSRC, Pretoria office.

PRODUCTION & SALES COORDINATOR (Digital & Print)

(Ref. No. Dig Pro &Sales Co-ord-10/2026)

Pretoria

Minimum Requirements

• A degree NQF 7 in print and digital media production or information science with a specialisation in publishing studies
• A minimum of 5 years’ production knowledge and experience in book publishing and print and digital management
• Proven track record of working with Onix or similar systems
• Project management expertise
• A background in design or experience in working with digital products and services, or sales is an added advantage

Duties & Responsibilities

• Coordination of sales information to and from agents
• Financial control of production and sales work within budgetary and policy frameworks
• Coordination of certain distribution and dissemination outputs
• Administration of production work of new books and services, including establishing metadata and related digital work, to promote and sell new book
• Coordination of production design work and relevant production platforms for new books and overall publishing services.

Applications should include:

1) A cover letter of motivation.

2) A detailed CV which should clearly indicate your highest qualification

3) The details of three recent referees with telephone number, email, and institutional affiliation

Please register and submit your application on-line at https://hsrc.erecruit.co/ 

Application Instructions:

• Candidates can make use of their mobile devices or any browser to register on the Neptune recruitment site, as well as to make applications for available vacancies; Candidates will be prompted to upload their CV’s;
• Attachments must be less than 1MB, there is an on-screen option to resize.

For further information about the HSRC or the post please consult our website (www.hsrc.ac.za).  Enquiries relating to technical knowledge for the positions (NOT applications or CVs) may be directed to Ms Roshan Cader rcader@hsrc.ac.za

Closing date: 16 November 2026. We encourage applicants to submit prior to this date. Applicants who have not been contacted within eight weeks should assume that their application has been unsuccessful. Only applicants who are interviewed will be advised of the outcome of their applications.

The HSRC reserves the right not to make an appointment.

APPLICATIONS FROM RECRUITMENT AGENCIES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED

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.

CLICK TO APPLY