Job Description

RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT AND SCIENCE INNOVATION (RDSI) DIVISIONJoin the HSRC and Lead Transformative Research at the Frontier of Science, Technology and Innovation.In delivering xe2x80x98social 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, and Pietermaritzburg. Our public purpose mandate is set out in the Human Sciences Research Council Act of 2008.Science, technology and innovation (STI) have become increasingly important drivers of social and economic change. The Research Development and Science Innovation (RDSI) division is dedicated to measuring and understanding STI and social dynamics. It integrates expertise from across the organisation in response to this significant area of policy-related research. The new division brings together a centre focused on Science in Society (SIS), and the DSTI-mandated Centre for Science, Technology and Innovation Indicators (CeSTII).The HSRC is looking for a dynamic individual to direct, plan, organise, and coordinate the activities of the Research Development and Science Innovation Division. The individual will lead a team in building a reputation for globally recognised and locally relevant research excellence and policy engagement, focused on measuring and maximising the societal benefits of science, technology and innovation. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, this position is based in Pretoria and oversees the activities in the three HSRC locations.DIVISIONAL EXECUTIVE: RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT AND SCIENCE INNOVATION(Ref. No: DE- RDSI:005/2025)5-year contract - PRETORIA BASED
Minimum RequirementsKey requirements:

• A PhD in either Social Sciences or other related fields (NQF 10)
• Fifteen (15) years of experience as a senior researcher, managing and leading senior research teams with demonstrable impactful outcomes and results
• At least ten (10) years of experience at a strategic and senior management level in an academic, research or research institution environment.
• Experience in Science, Technology and Innovation Policy.
• An academic leader with a strong publishing record (books, book chapters, journal articles), several of which must be international and first or sole-authored.
• Extensive fundraising and large-scale research project management.
• Fluency in English.
• Demonstrated experience in working in a similar regulatory environment

Additional requirements:

• Excellent networking skills and experience in working with senior policy makers and decision makers.
• A track record of leading large-scale quantitative and/or qualitative research studies with demonstrable impact outcomes
• Experience in Monitoring, Evaluation, and Impact Assessment of Research
• Above average writing skills with a publication record of high-impact refereed journal articles, reports and briefing papers.
• Personal qualities that include intellectual and personal integrity, imagination, drive, and the ability to work well under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Leadership qualities that include humility, a commitment to excellence, strategic advisory experience, the ability to work as part of an executive team and to lead multidisciplinary teams.
• Advanced business and commercial acumen.
• Excellent computer literacy, including a knowledge of contemporary ways of communicating research outcomes.

Duties & ResponsibilitiesThe successful candidate will actively engage in the following:

• Strategic Planning and Leadership
• Delivery of the HSRCs Strategic Plan and Annual Performance Plan targets as cascaded to the Division.
• Financial Management of the Divisions budget.
• Innovative Resource Mobilisation and Partnership Development
• People Management within the Division.
• Stakeholder and Customer Relationship Management
• Risk and Compliance Management.

Key and Strategic Functions and Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership to lead a team of researchers, develop and advance a transformative research agenda, and ensure effective and efficient processes towards:
• Measuring national Research and Development (R&D) activity
• Measuring innovation and formal and informal sectors
• Establishing new evidence of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) for inclusive and sustainable development policies
• Contextualising and enhancing capabilities for STI measurement in Africa and the Global South
• Promoting STI collaboration and enhancing partnerships in South Africa, Africa and the world through data sharing, knowledge sharing and exchange with national, regional and global STI measurement and policy communities
• Contributing to and deepening analysis of STI indicators in relation to challenges of economic growth and inclusive development, through scientific publications, data-sharing, technical briefs and international benchmarking studies
• Driving science and innovation engagements to bridge the science/policy gap and promote the public understanding and appreciation of science
• Bridging the digital divide and fostering inclusion
• Lead and coordinate opportunities for grant raising to agreed-upon targets for the team, ensuring that grants are strategic and focused on public-oriented research in keeping with the HSRCs vision
• Manage grants in accordance with contractual requirements and maintain relationships with funders

Operational and Managerial responsibilities

• Develop and implement a strategy for the Division and ensure alignment with and support of the strategic objectives of the HSRC overall.
• Lead the establishment, review and monitoring of key performance indicators related to the Divisions strategy and business plans and identify areas for internal improvement and develop plans for implementation.
• Oversee the development and implementation of relevant research policies and practices that support the achievement of the HSRC and the Division objectives.
• Represent the Division and/or HSRC at internal and external platforms, as appropriate.
• Lead the planning and compilation of the Divisions annual budget aligned to the operational plans to support the implementation of the organisational objectives.
• Lead the overall financial performance and improvement of efficiency in meeting operational requirements within the Division.
• Ensure the compilation and submission of accurate financial data in accordance with prescribed guidelines, standards, and formats.
• Ensure that each team member is capacitated, managed, supported, mentored (if they are trainees) and motivated to ensure a high-performance team that meets strategic targets.
• Mentor and interact with members of staff at all levels within the organisation to foster growth and encourage development among the senior management team and other members of staff.

Applicants must be South African citizens.Please register and submit your application on-line atFor further information about the HSRC, advert or the post and not for sending applications, please e-mail Marizane Rousseau at . You can further consult our website ( ).Closing date: 30 May 2025. We encourage applicants to submit before the closing date. If you do not receive any response from us within eight weeks, please accept that your application was unsuccessful. Only candidates who are interviewed will be advised of the outcome of their application.The HSRC reserves the right not to make an appointment.APPLICATIONS FROM RECRUITMENT AGENCIES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

HSRC