Research Director (I-RD) at Human Sciences Research Council (HRSC)

Job Advert Summary    
HSC seeks to appoint a suitable candidate in a permanent capacity  with the required skills, experience and capabilities as an Impact and Research Development Director. This position invites thoughtful, creative and energetic candidates to work with and capacitate researchers to fulfil their potential, ensure HSC research portfolio is relevant and sustainable, and is taken up by civil society and government policy-makers and stakeholders. This position supports the Division Executive and Strategic Leads in implementing the five-year strategic plan of the HSRC, and includes research in the incumbent’s areas of expertise.

Minimum Requirements    
Key Requirements for the Position

• A PhD in social sciences, humanities and any relevant area;
• At least ten (10) years relevant experience (with evidence of expertise in the areas of research impact, communication, stakeholder management and business development), preferably in a research institution or a university;
• At least 20 peer reviewed publications (books, books chapters, journal articles) of which several must be international, and several first or sole authored;
• A recognised scholar in a niche area of research in any of the HSC focus within Health and Wellbeing and Identity and Belonging with an acknowledged track record of producing impactful research outputs;
• Able to lead others in producing impactful research, evidence-informed policy making, evidence synthesis and science communication;
• Proven capability in working with a variety of research methodologies, and of methodological innovation;
• Ability to network and raise large grants for research projects and a willingness to help others do the same;
• High levels of computer literacy; and
• Experience in project management and people leadership is essential.

Applications should include – in ONE collated document:

• A cover letter of motivation indicating your suitability and goals for this position.
• A detailed CV which should clearly indicate your highest qualification and details of your citizenship.
• The details of three recent referees with contact number, e-mail and institutional affiliation.
• Three peer reviewed publications.
• A certified ID copy.

Duties & Responsibilities    
Key Responsibilities

• Lead, develop and implement the division’s overarching strategy for research impact, science communication, strategic partnerships and capacity development;
• Ensure research impact through high level engagements with government, civil society and the academic community using multiple modalities of science communication;
• Develop and maintain relationships and communication with internal and external stakeholders in relation to research impact;
• Provide guidance and support to the alignment of project proposals and research dissemination to meet the divisions strategic impact goals;
• Provide high level leadership to research business development staff to ensure sustainable funding streams and relevant partnerships;
• Provide technical support to the Division Executive and Strategic Leads in the development of high-quality research proposals; and  
• Provide oversight for the division’s capacity building strategy and its articulation with central HSRC capacity development offerings.

Closing Date: 30th, June 2022.