Senior Research Specialist at Human Sciences Research Council (HRSC)

 Job Advert Summary    

• Within the Africa, BRICS and the Global South Division (ABGS), the Africa Institute of South Africa (AISA) leads and coordinates the HSRC’s engagements in Africa. It, therefore, acts as a catalyst for research and implementation support across the African continent. AISA also undertakes basic, applied policy-relevant and comparative research. As a strategic unit within the ABGS Division, the Institute also seeks to build capacity and provide policy advice and implementation support to advance the HSRC’s own Africa Research Partnership and Collaboration Strategy as well as South Africa’s African Agenda, DSTI’s Africa Strategy and Decadal Plan, SADC’s Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan 2020-2030 (RISDP), the African Union’s Agenda 2063, and the key frameworks of the United Nations (SDG’s, UNSCR 1325). It collaborates with a range of national, continental, and international governments, as well as multilateral institutions, research institutes, universities, and civil society organisations in order to achieve its objectives. AISA wishes to appoint a Senior Research Specialist (SRS) within the sub-unit focusing on the theme: Good Governance, Human Rights and the Rule of Law.  

Senior Research Specialist

• 1 Position – Permanent Contract Pretoria Based
• Ref: AISA - SRS 11/25
• Applicants are invited to apply for the Senior Research Specialist (SRS) position in AISA within the Africa, BRICS and the Global South Division. While we seek to appoint an individual who has a background in humanities and social sciences, the candidate that is ideal should be able to demonstrate use of technology and the ability to create a multi-disciplinary approach to research. The role will, from time-to-time, demand working outside South Africa as per the mandate needs of AISA. We encourage female and/or people who are differently-abled and who are South African Citizens to apply.

Minimum Requirements    

• A relevant Ph.D. (NQF 10) qualification and experience in the social, natural or economic sciences with at least 5 years in a research environment.
• At least 7 publications in peer-reviewed journals i.e. accredited.
• Proven experience in conducting/implementing in-depth research in other African countries.

Additional requirements:

• Seasoned researcher in the areas of good governance, human rights, and the rule of law in Africa.
• Special interest in the areas of Agenda 2063 and SADC frameworks i.e. STI protocol, including intersectional challenges in Africa’s development
• Demonstrable ability to create ways of producing cutting-edge research outputs.
• 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 research funding proposals, 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 working on existing or new projects, engaging high-level stakeholders through evidence dissemination or consultative strategy within and outside South Africa’s borders.
• The successful incumbent will be expected to travel to countries of interest as part of the data collection for 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 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 performing 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.

Closing date: November 21, 2025