Researcher : Digital Transformation and Inclusion at University of Western Cape

Role Clarification & Key Performance Areas

The University of the Western Cape (UWC) is a vibrant, diverse and dynamic University rooted in the African continent with an increasing global reach. UWC actively responds in critical and creative ways to the development needs of the country within an ever-changing and challenging global context.

The UWC CoLab for e-Inclusion and Social Innovation, located in the Institutional Planning unit, plays a thought leadership role in terms of an increasingly digitized society. The CoLab forms part of national network of 8 universities in collaboration with national government and industry partners to contribute towards the national digital skills agenda, focusing on practical interventions, research and advocacy.

An exciting opportunity exists in the CoLab, for suitably qualified candidate(s) to engage in innovative research initiatives related to the dynamics of a digitally transforming society and the implications for individual, institutional and societal inclusion and well-being.

The primary purpose of these positions is to engage in evidence based research in order to contribute towards policy and strategy development, identify and support interventions, and to support the advocacy role of the CoLab and the University.

The Researchers will report to the Director: CoLab for e-Inclusion and Social Innovation and will be responsible for the following:

• Conceptualise and plan research initiatives in collaboration with CoLab partners/funders
• Design and execute research within budget and timelines
• Assessment instrument and methodology development as member of the transdisciplinary digital inclusion research network
• Perform Monitoring and Evaluation studies to assess intervention impact
• Mentor and/or supervise postgraduate students on this topic
• Contribute towards proposal writing and stakeholder engagements for funding opportunities
• Contribute towards the strategic research partnership with VUB, UGent and other relevant international institutions to enhance the north-south knowledge on the topic.
• Write research concept notes, research findings and reports
• Disseminate research findings internally and externally through relevant spaces i.e. webinars, seminars, participation in relevant government and industry bodies, contribution towards national and provincial digital skills think-tanks, fora and initiatives.
• Publish research findings through relevant spaces i.e. accredited journals, books, articles

Minimum Requirements

Minimum Requirements (Qualification and Experience)

• A PhD degree in social sciences (e.g Information Systems, Psychology, Sociology) (NQF level 10)
• A minimum of 4-5 years of research experience in the field of digital transformation, digital inclusion and digital skills, preferably in a transdisciplinary and applied research context.
• Experience in qualitative and quantitative research methodology
• Experience in designing assessment scales and application of e-research tools (Qualtrics, ATLAS.ti, etc.)
• Experience with stakeholder engagement, workshop facilitation and community engagements
• Experience in performing M&E projects for funded digital inclusion initiatives
• Have a publication record (comprising peer reviewed and/or accredited journals, books or book chapters on reputable presses)

The undermentioned would be an added advantage

• Knowledge of joint PhD complexities
• Knowledge of the national digital inclusion/transformation and digital skills role-players, discourse and policies
• Insight into requirements of global digital competitiveness and the digital inclusion/exclusion implications for vulnerable groups and unintended outcomes.
• A proven track record of good people skills
• Appreciation for the ethical implications of advanced technologies

Required competencies (skills, knowledge, and behavioural attributes):

• Proven research expertise
• Demonstrated ability to handle multiple projects
• Strong analytical skills
• Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication
• Ability to deliver on research outcomes and facilitate relationships in multi-disciplinary and multi-institutional projects
• Demonstrated ability to perform M&E studies for funders
• Ability to work independently but also as part of a team