Job Opportunities at HSRC

Minimum Requirements    

• A PhD (NQF Level 10) in the humanities, social sciences, or another relevant discipline.
• At least 10 years of relevant experience in research, research administration, or international engagement, with a focus on building strategic partnerships and global cooperation.
• Demonstrated experience in science diplomacy, international relations, or representing research institutions in multilateral forums.
• Proven leadership experience in developing and managing partnerships, networks, and stakeholder relationships across diverse sectors and geographies.
• A strong track record of driving research initiatives that have informed or influenced national and international policy.

Additional Requirements:

• Excellent professional and academic writing skills.
• High levels of computer literacy, internet, and proficiency in Microsoft Office and online collaboration platforms;
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, multicultural, and multidisciplinary environment.

Duties & Responsibilities    

• Execute and implement a comprehensive Strategic Partnerships, Internationalisation and Science Diplomacy strategy aligned with the HSRC’s strategic objectives.
• Coordinate the development of strategic initiatives that advance the HSRC’s leadership role in science diplomacy, including multilateral and bilateral research cooperation, capacity building, and knowledge exchange.
• Build and sustain visible national, continental, and international partnerships that result in impactful collaborative research, high-quality publications, policy dialogues, and evidence reviews that influence public policy.
• Identify and secure strategic external partners, both locally and internationally, that align with the HSRC’s mission to promote inclusive and evidence-informed development.
• Serve as the HSRC’s focal point for science diplomacy initiatives, fostering collaboration between researchers, policymakers, and international stakeholders to advance South Africa’s research and innovation diplomacy objectives.
• Facilitate engagement between the HSRC and intergovernmental partners such as the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, and UNESCO to strengthen South Africa’s global knowledge diplomacy footprint.
• Lead and nurture relationships of trust and influence across all levels of the organisation and with external partners.
• Oversee a programme of engaged science and diplomacy, connecting research outputs with societal impact and innovative solutions to South Africa’s and Africa’s challenges.
• Ensure operational excellence, financial sustainability, and compliance with the HSRC’s governance and ethical frameworks.
• Represent the HSRC in high-level national and international forums, including science diplomacy dialogues, to advance institutional visibility and strategic positioning.
• Champion a culture of integrity, collaboration, and inclusivity in all processes and partnerships.

Deadline:21st November,2025

go to method of application »

• 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.

Deadline:21st November,2025