Job Description

The Research Impact division (RID) plays a pivotal role in ensuring that the Human Sciences Research Council's (HSRC) work extends beyond academic outputs to create real and lasting change in society. Our mission is to support, strengthen, and institutionalise the impact of HSRC research by aligning it with South Africa's development priorities and the broader African and global context.
The Research Impact Division comprises five interconnected units, each contributing to our overarching goal of translating research into measurable impact: Impact and Evaluation; Publishing; External Capacity Development and Internship; Strategic Partnerships and Internationalisation; and Research Ethics. Together, these units ensure that the HSRC's research is not only rigorous and relevant but also transformative to shape a more inclusive, informed, and just society.
Reporting to the Divisional Executive - in the Research Impact Division, within the HSRC, seeks to appoint a suitably qualified RESEARCH DIRECTOR: IMPACT & EVALUATION to lead the design and implementation of the research impact strategy, lead relevant research projects, and contributes to the HSRC's peer review standards and results in relevant publications.
DIRECTOR: IMPACT & EVALUATION UNIT
BASE: PRETORIA
PERMANENT CONTRACT
Minimum Requirements

• A PhD in statistics, economics, social sciences and other relevant disciplines;
• 10 years of relevant research experience with demonstrated scholarly work, mentorship and supervision;
• 10 years of extensive experience in leading a team of senior research experts and has experience leading as Principal Investigator in research;
• Extensive publication record, several publications must be sole or first authored and international;
• Proven capability in working with quantitative and qualitative research data, and proven experience in rigorous impact evaluation methodologies.
• A proven track record in successful, large fundraising initiatives for research projects, as well as experience in leading teams in multi-year studies & managing large budgets & fundraising initiatives;
• Ability to create and sustain large networks to secure sponsors for specific research projects.

Additional Requirements:

• Ability to create successful research teams for the achievement of research project priorities and meeting project timelines successfully;
• Sound knowledge of various sophisticated statistical data software and data management systems
• A strong user orientation, based on a commitment to social research that makes a difference;
• High levels of computer literacy, internet, and all Microsoft packages;
• Must be able to work in a diverse and multi-cultural environment;

Duties & Responsibilities
Strategic Planning and Leadership:

• Develop and implement a strategy for the Impact and Evaluation unit and ensure alignment with the strategic objectives of the HSRC overall.
• Lead the review and monitoring of key performance indicators related to the unit's strategy and business plans, and identify areas for internal improvement and implementation.
• Oversee all initiatives across the unit to ensure its conception and implementation support the HSRC's strategic objectives.
• Oversee the development and implementation of relevant research policies and practices which enable the achievement of the HSRC objectives.
• Lead and develop a strong team environment committed to the organisation's mission, values and objectives in a manner that instils trust and credibility within the unit.
• Chair and facilitate various forums for the unit on behalf of the division and the HSRC.
• Lead and collaborate with the divisional and organisational management team to coordinate the strategic organisation of the division's research impact activities to achieve the vision of the HSRC.

Delivery of the HSRC Strategic Plan:

• Build visible national, continental and international research partnerships that result in impactful and collaborative studies, high-quality publications, evidence reviews, and policy briefs implemented at the state level.
• Ensure the completion of high-level research on approved research projects which meet peer review requirements and research impact objectives.
• Drive initiatives that contribute towards creating a culture of impact for the HSRC.
• Ensure the provision of sustainable and impactful research evidence that can be taken up by government, communities and state bodies through policy improvements.
• Contribute towards the continuous capacity and skills development of Researchers to ensure their research studies are focused on social research that makes a difference.

Financial Acumen:

• Lead the planning and compilation of the Department's annual budget aligned with the operational plans to support the implementation of the organisational objectives.
• Ensure the compilation and submission of accurate financial data by prescribed guidelines, standards, and formats.
• Lead the deployment of proper financial controls to manage the Department's budget and drive the effective implementation, management, and monitoring of financial resources.

People management:

• Provide overall leadership by managing and supporting the Department's employees through keeping them informed and engaged, providing ongoing performance feedback, coaching and guidance.
• Maintain excellent human capital performance through employee empowerment, skills development, retention and succession planning within the Department.
• Maintain an environment where employees respect and adhere to the HSRC standards of integrity and ethics by integrating these values into all processes, procedures and practices.

Stakeholder relationships

• Facilitate the establishment of smooth working relationships between the Unit and other business partners within the HSRC;
• Ensure that the HSRC is regularly represented in forums where industry information is shared to keep the organisation at the forefront of developments within the industry.
• Build and lead an effective team that works collaboratively toward achieving the organisation's goals and promoting the HSRC brand identity and values.
• Engage relevant groups of stakeholders at the highest level in making key decisions while clearly articulating the HSRC's stance on matters and ensuring preservation of the organisation's interests.