Research Director

**Job Advert Summary**:
In delivering ‘social science that makes a difference’ the Research Divisions, Units, Institutes and Centres of the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) undertake policy-oriented research from its offices in Pretoria, Cape Town, Durban, and Pietermaritzburg. Our public purpose mandate is set out in the Human Sciences Research Council Act of 2008.

The Inclusive Economic Development (IED) division undertakes research to transform educational outcomes and increase economic participation. It recognises that education and the economy have long been linked and conducts research to understand educational performance and improve learning outcomes, and to interrogate social, spatial and structural obstacles to economic participation.

**Research Director: Impact and Research Development - 1 Position**
**Ref: IED RD: IMPACT**

**Permanent**

**Office Base: Pretoria, Durban, Cape Town**

**Minimum Requirements**:

- A PhD in social sciences, humanities, education or the field of economics;
- At least ten (10) years relevant experience, 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 education or economics with an acknowledged track record of producing impactful research outputs;
- Able to lead other 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.

**Duties and 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; and
- Provide oversight for the division’s capacity building strategy and its articulation with central HSRC capacity development offerings.

**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.
- Three peer reviewed publications.
- A certified ID copy.

Please note that applicants may be required to complete a written presentation pertaining to this position.

**Application Instructions**:

- Attachments must be less than 1MB, there is an on-screen option to resize.
- _The HSRC is committed to accelerating the improvement in the proportion of its staff complement who are SA Citizens, black, female or disabled._

**The HSRC reserves the right not to make an appointment.**

**APPLICATIONS FROM RECRUITMENT AGENCIES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED