Within the Africa, BRICS, and the Global South (ABGS) Division, the Africa Institute of South Africa (AISA) drives the HSRC's Pan-African research and partnership agenda. AISA serves as a catalyst for policy-relevant, interdisciplinary, and impactful research that deepens Africa's collective capacity to address development challenges, including inequality, poverty, unemployment, and marginalisation. In doing so, AISA supports the implementation of the HSRC's 2025-2030 Strategic Plan and South Africa's African Agenda, in alignment with the DSI's Africa Strategy, SADC's RISDP 2020-2030, Agenda 2063, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
AISA is seeking to appoint a visionary and experienced academic leader as:
SENIOR RESEARCH DIRECTOR: AISA
(Ref. No. HA: AISA 07/25)
Permanent Appointment
###
Minimum Requirements
A PhD in a relevant discipline in the social sciences, humanities, or African studies.
At least 10 years of senior research and leadership experience, including five years at a director or professor-equivalent level.
A strong record of scholarly publishing, with a significant number in local and international peer-reviewed journals.
Proven success in research leadership, strategic planning, and organisational management.
Experience in securing and managing large-scale research grants and partnerships, particularly those involving African and multilateral stakeholders.
Demonstrated interest and expertise in African development, Pan-African policy frameworks, and knowledge diplomacy.
Ability to lead interdisciplinary teams and deliver results in complex, fast-paced environments.
Working knowledge of STATA, SPSS, NVivo, AtlasTI or similar packages is an advantage.
Fluency in English and at least one other African language is highly desirable.
###
Duties and Responsibilities
Lead and oversee AISA's research, partnerships, and implementation support in alignment with HSRC's 2025-2030 strategy, with a strong emphasis on regional integration, development justice, and science diplomacy.
Conceptualise and implement innovative, interdisciplinary research programmes that contribute to the HSRC's impact agenda and advance inclusive knowledge systems across the African continent.
Produce high-quality research outputs, including policy briefs, working papers, and peer-reviewed publications.
Foster and manage strategic partnerships with African governments, universities, research councils, multilateral agencies, and civil society actors.
Mobilise research funding and steward large-scale, multi-country and multi-stakeholder projects.
Support the generation, analysis, and use of spatial and other data relevant to Africa's development.
Champion knowledge translation and policy uptake, representing AISA and the HSRC in high-level forums across the continent and globally.
Provide strategic leadership, mentorship, and performance management to a diverse and multidisciplinary research team.
* Contribute to internal governance, organisational development, and compliance with the HSRC's operational policies and national legislation.
Beware of fraud agents! do not pay money to get a job
MNCJobs.co.za will not be responsible for any payment made to a third-party. All Terms of Use are applicable.