Research Specialist - Pretoria at HSRC

Minimum Requirements

• A relevant Ph.D. qualification and experience in the social, natural or economic sciences with practical experience;
• Experience in research environment in the context of Africa region, and publications in the peer-reviewed journals i.e. accredited;
• Emerging researcher in the areas of Agenda 2063, AU protocols i.e. Lome Declaration and SADC frameworks i.e. STI protocol, including intersectional challenges in Africa’s development;
• Demonstratable ability to develop creative ways of producing and/or communicating research outputs;
• Proven experience of having conducted/implemented in-depth research in other African countries;
• Ability to contribute to the Institute’s strategic objectives e.g., debate on changing landscapes within National System of Innovation and regional economic communities (REC) in Africa;
• Experience in quantitative and qualitative research approaches and the ability to undertake advanced statistical analysis using appropriate/relevant software;

Duties & Responsibilities

• The candidate is expected to contribute to proposals, co-publish journal articles and book chapters in a scientific manner i.e. accredited and open access (where possible);
• Ability to plan deliverables to enhance the Institute’s performance profile and conduct policy relevant and engaged research;
• Collaborating with other colleagues, should be able contribute to the existing or new research projects, engage with stakeholders involved in projects; demonstrate ability to creatively disseminate research evidence or collaborate with strategic partnerships unit to deliver consultative programs within and outside South Africa’s borders; understanding of regional economic, social and political nuances is an expectation;
• The candidate is expected to travel to the countries of strategic importance and relevance as part of the data collection process for the research projects – this will be part of advancing mutual co-delivery with strategic partners where necessary, as well as delivering on public engagement with scholars, researchers, and policymakers.
• The preferred candidate should be versatile and able to fit in a fast-paced and diverse environment;
• Co-develop and/or be able to work on Artificial Intelligence research and policy gaps in Africa, use of technology and innovation to respond to climate change in Africa. The incumbent is not limited to perform in the aforementioned areas, it will be crucial to think beyond areas of specialisation;  
• It is anticipated that the appointed candidate will also endeavour to create an enabling environment for emerging researchers and identify opportunities for AISA research outcomes to be applied through collaboration on the continent.