Masters Research Trainee: International Relations & Political Sciences at HSRC

Job Advert Summary    

• The Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) seeks to appoint a suitably qualified and highly motivated postgraduate student Masters Intern in the Africa Institute of South Africa (AISA) at its Pretoria Offices. The period for the internship is 24 months during which the successful candidate is expected to advance his/her Master’s degree studies in either international relations and political sciences, governance, peace and security, and science, technology innovation with a research focus on  Africa.
• The masters research trainee is expected to develop research work that allows for collaboration with researchers within the AISA and across other Divisions of the HSRC.
• Applications are invited from interested candidates who hold a Master’s Degree in Social Sciences and are in the process of registering for Master’s degree studies or who are in the early stages (registered and study is approved) of their studies.

Minimum Requirements    

• Honours Degree or equivalent (NQF 8) degree in Political Sciences, Humanities, Social Sciences or similar field of human and social sciences, and should be registered for, or about to register for, a Masters with a registered South African University;
• Conversant with the Governance and Artificial Intelligence research in Africa;
• Minimum of 2 years of postgraduate experience in the relevant research role or sector;
• Relevant experience in humanities and social sciences including relevant concepts on Africa’s Development Agenda regarding social, economic and various human security areas i.e. food and health;
• Suitable candidate should demonstrate understanding of the state and international diplomatic protocols;
• A good understanding of the research development and national system of innovation (NSI) and familiarity with the Agenda 2063 aspirations;
• Understanding of the landscape of and stakeholders in the Diplomatic Core will be an added advantage;
• Strong interpersonal and communications skills, and the ability to co-ordinate and capacitate staff;
• Demonstrable high proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other statistical tools;  
• Must have intellectual and personal integrity, with a well-developed work ethic and drive, and an aptitude for innovation;
• Should be able to work under pressure, and after hours when required to meet deadlines;
• Must be able to work proactively and independently;
• Applicants must be South African citizens.

The Research Trainee Programme in the HSRC provides successful candidates with an opportunity to further develop their research expertise by working with subject experts and project specialists. The research trainee experience is intensive and requires mature individuals who are able to work independently as well as in a team.  The successful individual will be required to balance day-to-day duties and responsibilities in AISA and the HSRC with Masters related work and complete their Masters qualification within 2 years. Time is set aside for this purpose – 60/40 split.

Duties & Responsibilities    

• Conduct research in the area of political and international relations, with special focus on African Affairs;
• Contribute to the strategic objectives of Africa focus mandate through publications and strategic engagements in and on Africa;
• Prepare manuscripts for publication emanating from the research they are currently pursuing or that is led by the HSRC in the relevant fields;
• Undertake qualitative and quantitative fieldwork;
• Provide timeous and regular feedback to relevant stakeholders on African political affairs
• Assist with the preparation of presentations, briefing notes and policy briefs.
• Ensure accuracy, timeliness and integrity of financial information;
• Writing up research results for workshops/conferences/presentations;
• Developing own personal academic competencies through formal and informal training activities;
• Support Executive Head in advancing capacity development activities;
• Monitoring and reporting of related activities in Africa that can inform policy makers; and
• Support implementation of developmental research matters within the Office of the Executive Head: AISA.

Deadline:5th September,2025