Manager: Strategic Partnerships and Internationalisation at HSRC (Human Sciences Research Council)

• The Division is looking to appoint a suitably qualified Manager: Strategic Partnerships and External Capacity Development (SPECD) within HSRC’s Pretoria office. This is a full-time, permanent appointment.

Manager: Strategic Partnerships and Internationalisation

(Ref. No. Man: Strat Partners 07/2026)

Pretoria

Minimum Requirements    

• Relevant Honors (NQF 8) qualification in Humanities/Social Sciences, Business Administration/Development, Developmental Studies, International Relations or related fields.
• A Masters degree (NQF 9) is an added advantage
• 6-8 Years relevant experience working in research, university, and or training and development environment or related private or NGO sector.
• Experience leading teams and a sound understanding of the social science research process.
• Relevant experience or exposure in youth, learnerships, internships, post-schooling, or the future of work.
• High levels of computer literacy.

Duties & Responsibilities    

• Responsible for the operational work of the Strategic Partnership and Internationalisation Unit.
• Provides leadership in driving key external partnerships for the HSRC and to drive internal stakeholder relations.
• Liaises with external policy makers to further drive impactful research that leads to sustainable policy improvement within state bodies, determined by the strategic objectives and the mandate of the HSRC.
• Supports all projects under the Unit including but not limited to the Science Diplomacy, Internship Project, Business Development and HSRC Tier 1 events.
• Building alliances with like-minded partners to support the hosting and mentoring of interns and establish collaborations that ensure the financial sustainability of these initiatives.
• Oversee partnership initiatives and activities
• Lead engagement planning, including identifying speakers, experts, and strategic partners.
• Co-lead the review and development strategy for the unit with the Director
• Draft and manage MoUs/MoAs and collaboration agreements, maintaining effective engagement with strategic partners.
• Proactively demonstrate a visible presence and engagement with relevant government entities, stakeholders and activities related to the organisation’s objectives in driving impactful research.
• Create reporting guidelines and criteria for partnerships.
• Develop partnership dashboards and institutional reporting tools.
• Manage the planning and compilation of the Unit’s annual budget aligned to the operational plans to support the implementation of the APP.
• 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.

Deadline:24th July,2026