Job Description

Job Advert Summary

The Capacity, Growth and Innovation unit within the Human Sciences Research Council seeks to secure the services of an experienced NRF-rated consultant to offer the services to critically analyse and support prospective NRF-rating applicants at the HSRC. The objective of the consultancy is to ensure that many HSRC researchers are supported to apply and submit for NRF ratings.



The consultant must be an NRF-rated individual with extensive experience in the NRF rating applications and or process. The consultant must have an excellent command of the English language, possess the necessary qualifications, and have the necessary experience to engage with senior colleagues and junior colleagues.

Minimum Requirements

Key requirements:

Ph.D degree in the Social Sciences or the Humanities and have a track record of facilitating similar workshops.; Must be NRF rated Must have a minimum of 3 years of traceable experience with references working on similar projects. Extensive understanding of the NRF rating system

Added advantage:


C2 Rated The consultant must be available to work with the researcher from July 2025 until February 2026 or the closing date for receiving applications. The HSRC will only consider proposals that include the above requirements.

Duties and Responsibilities

The appointed service provider is expected to:


Work with HSRC senior and junior researchers with their applications for NRF ratings. + Critically analyse their applications + Inform the prospective applicants of the closing dates and any other related information
+ Monitor prospective applicants progress regarding their application
+ To use allocated hours for each candidate till submission date
+ Set up virtual meetings with prospective applicants to assist them with any challenges related to NRF readiness
+ Set up milestones to meet the submission dates.
Demonstrate, through a detailed proposal, that he or she has the necessary skills, competencies, and experience to undertake this assignment. Provide evidence of own experience, e.g. references (please include details in CV). * Be familiar with the NRF rating system and the application process.