Chief Research Officer: Data Advovacy at University of Cape Town

Requirements for the job:

• PhD in a discipline of relevance to urban data.
• A minimum of five years relevant work experience in research or policy work related to urban data.
• Extensive knowledge of the collection and analysis of quantitative urban data, especially national censuses and national household surveys, and understanding of and ability to communicate stories about the impact data usage has on the public sector.
• Good knowledge of urban issues in Africa.
• Evidence of academic writing ability.
• A strong understanding of qualitative and quantitative research methods, and the ability to work with, and understand, complex datasets.
• Excellent verbal, written and presentation skills.
• Extensive familiarity with government stakeholders in Africa, and ability to develop, manage, and thrive in relationships with public sector executives and senior staffers.
• Familiarity with presenting complex quantitative and qualitative research and analytical findings.
• Computer literacy: experience with Microsoft Office, G Suite, and project management applications.

The following would be advantageous:

• Knowledge of how to create data visualizations in, for example, RStudio or Tableau.
• Skills in website development/maintenance and the use of data management / analysis and statistical software (such as GIS and SPSS).
• Fluency in French.

CHIEF RESEARCH OFFICER: DATA ADVOCACY

• (16-month contract)
• African Centre for Cities (ACC)
• School of Architecture, Planning and Geomatics
• Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment
• HR

Work Location:

• This position will be based at the University of Cape Town in Cape Town, with some international travel as required.

Closing date: 28 January 2026