Director: Strategic Partnerships and External Capacity Development at HSRC (Human Sciences Research Council)

The Division is looking to appoint a suitably qualified Director: Strategic Partnerships and External Capacity Development (SPECD). The successful incumbent has to be a decisive leader, who engages at a strategic level. The role involves,

• Knowledge of the National System of Innovation, policies on youth and skills development.
• Appreciation of the challenges in the South African youth's access to the labour market
• Knowledge and understanding of the public and private funding landscape
• Ability to network and negotiate with partners and key stakeholders.
• Proactive with a problem-solving mindset, advanced organisational skills, the ability to multitask and with great attention to detail.
• Can foster Intergovernmental relations
• Proven experience with stakeholder management.
• This is a full-time, permanent appointment, based in the HSRC’s Pretoria office.

Minimum Requirements    

• A relevant Masters degree in Humanities/Social Sciences, Business Administration /Development, Developmental Studies, International Relations or related fields.
• A PhD degree is an added advantage.
• 8 Years experience in research, university, and or training and development environment.
• Experience leading teams and a sound understanding of the social science research process.
• Experience with annual business development (planning) and budgeting processes
• Proven track record in multiple project management
• Experience working with the government
• Experience working in the funding environment (SETAs/Development funders/Philanthropic agencies, etc

Duties & Responsibilities    

• Provides strategic leadership and oversight in the implementation of partnership priorities of the HSRC and facilitates business partnerships as well as the implementation of external capacity development programmes.
• Lead the planning and compilation of the Unit’s annual budget aligned to the operational plans to support the implementation of the Annual Performance Plan (APP)
• Engages relevant groups of stakeholders at the highest level in making key decisions while clearly articulating the HSRC’s stance on matters and to ensure preservation of the organisations' interests.
• Lead and support the teams in implementing a strategy for the unit and ensure alignment with the strategic objectives of the HSRC overall.
• Support the organisation-wide implementation of strategic business plans and oversee strategic partnerships and stakeholder engagements.
• Build visible national, continental and international research partnerships that result in impactful and collaborative MoU/As, that are implemented at an institutional level.
• Identify opportunities for research and external funding that could advance the HSRC’s work in addressing youth employment, skills shortages and learning opportunities post-schooling.
• Lead the drafting of quarterly reports to all funders.
• Build, lead and mentor an effective team that works collaboratively toward achieving the organisation's goals and promoting the HSRC brand identity and values.

Deadline:24th July,2026