Divisonal Executive: Research Devevlopment and Science Innovation at HSRC

Key requirements:

• A PhD in either social Sciences or other related fields (NQF 10)
• Fifteen (15) years of experience as a senior researcher, managing and leading senior research teams with demonstrable impactful outcomes and results
• At least ten (10) years of experience at a strategic and senior management level in an academic, research or research institution environment.
• Experience in Science, Technology and Innovation Policy.
• An academic leader with a strong publishing record (books, book chapters, journal articles), several of which must be international and first or sole-authored.
• Extensive fundraising and large-scale research project management.
• Fluency in English.
• Demonstrated experience in working in a similar regulatory environment

Additional requirements:

•  Excellent networking skills and experience in working with senior policy makers and decision makers.
• A track record of leading large-scale quantitative and/or qualitative research studies with demonstrable impact outcomes
• Experience in Monitoring, Evaluation, and Impact Assessment of Research
• Above average writing skills with a publication record of high-impact refereed journal articles, reports and briefing papers.
• Personal qualities that include intellectual and personal integrity, imagination, drive, and the ability to work well under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Leadership qualities that include humility, a commitment to excellence, strategic advisory experience, the ability to work as part of an executive team and to lead multidisciplinary teams.
• Advanced business and commercial acumen.
• Excellent computer literacy, including a knowledge of contemporary ways of communicating research outcomes.

The successful candidate will actively engage in the following:

• Strategic Planning and Leadership
• Delivery of the HSRC’s Strategic Plan and Annual Performance Plan targets as cascaded to the Division.
• Financial Management of the Division’s budget.
• Innovative Resource Mobilisation and Partnership Development
• People Management within the Division.
• Stakeholder and Customer Relationship Management
• Risk and Compliance Management.

Key and Strategic Functions and Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership to lead a team of researchers, develop and advance  a transformative research agenda, and ensure effective and efficient processes towards:
• Measuring national Research and Development (R&D) activity
• Measuring innovation and formal and informal sectors
• Establishing new evidence of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) for inclusive and sustainable development policies
• Contextualising and enhancing capabilities for STI measurement in Africa and the Global South
• Promoting STI collaboration and enhancing partnerships in South Africa, Africa and the world through data sharing, knowledge sharing and exchange with national, regional and global STI measurement and policy communities
• Contributing to and deepening analysis of STI indicators in relation to challenges of economic growth and inclusive development, through scientific publications, data-sharing, technical briefs and international benchmarking studies
• Driving science and innovation engagements to bridge the science/policy gap and promote the public understanding and appreciation of science
• Bridging the digital divide and fostering inclusion
• Lead and coordinate opportunities for grant raising to agreed-upon targets for the team, ensuring that grants are strategic and focused on public-oriented research in keeping with the HSRC’s vision
• Manage grants in accordance with contractual requirements and maintain relationships with funders

Operational and Managerial responsibilities

•  Develop and implement a strategy for the Division and ensure alignment with and support of the strategic objectives of the HSRC overall.
• Lead the establishment, review and monitoring of key performance indicators related to the Division’s strategy and business plans and identify areas for internal improvement and develop plans for implementation.
• Oversee the development and implementation of relevant research policies and practices that support the achievement of the HSRC and the Division objectives.
• Represent the Division and/or HSRC at internal and external platforms, as appropriate.
• Lead the planning and compilation of the Division’s annual budget aligned to the operational plans to support the implementation of the organisational objectives.
• Lead the overall financial performance and improvement of efficiency in meeting operational requirements within the Division.
• Ensure the compilation and submission of accurate financial data in accordance with prescribed guidelines, standards, and formats.
• Ensure that each team member is capacitated, managed, supported, mentored (if they are trainees) and motivated to ensure a high-performance team that meets strategic targets.
• Mentor and interact with members of staff at all levels within the organisation to foster growth and encourage development among the senior management team and other members of staff.