Chief Research Specialist/Manager - Cape Town Durban or Pretoria at HSRC

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 a suitably qualified professional in the position of Chief Research Specialist. This position supports and assists the Divisional Executive and the Strategic Leads 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 two over-arching questions that guide the research interventions are:

How to strengthen democracy through transparent governance, accountable leadership and reinvigorated public participation/ civic engagement; and

How to ensure sustainable development through peace, human and social security

A developmental, capable and ethical state is not possible without ensuring peace and sustainable security within South Africa and beyond its borders. In order to work towards a more socially cohesive citizenry and safer and resilient communities, it is necessary to focus on building a “better South Africa, a better Africa and a better world.”

The Vision of DCES is for it to be a national, regional and international hub for transformative research in the interests of a just and equal society.

The Mission of DCES is for it to conduct cutting edge research in the areas of peace, human security, sustainability, democracy, governance and citizenship in an engaged manner that focuses on building a better life for all.

Minimum Requirements    

• A doctorate (PhD) in the social or economic sciences or related disciplines;
• An established research career as evidenced by publications.
• at least six years’ experience post qualification coupled with 12 or more peer-reviewed publications of which several to be international;
• 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. Applicants applying for the CRS/M position should have larger fundraising experience;
• 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
• 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
• 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

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;