Job Description

AISA leads and coordinates the HSRCxe2x80x99s engagements in Africa. It, therefore, acts as a catalyst for research and implementation support across the continent. AISA also undertakes basic, applied policy-relevant and comparative research. The Institute also seeks to build capacity and provide policy advice and implementation support to advance the HSRCxe2x80x99s own Africa Research Partnership and Collaboration Strategy as well as South Africaxe2x80x99s African Agenda, DSIxe2x80x99s Africa Strategy and Decadal Plan, SADCxe2x80x99s Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan 2020-2030 (RISDP), the African Unionxe2x80x99s Agenda 2063, and the key frameworks of the United Nations (SDGxe2x80x99s, UNSCR 1325). It collaborates with a range of national, continental, and international governments, as well as multilateral institutions, research institutes, universities, and civil society organisations in order to achieve its objectives. The Africa Institute of South Africa in the HSRC wishes to appoint a Senior Research Specialist (SRS).

Senior Research Specialist

1 Position xe2x80x93 Permanent Contract

Ref: AISA - SRS 01/24

Applicants are invited to apply for the senior research specialist (SRS) position in AISA. While we seek to appoint an individual who has a background in humanities and social sciences, the ideal candidate should be able to demonstrate the use of technology and the ability to create multi-disciplinary research approach. The role will from time to time demand working outside South Africa as per the mandate needs of AISA. We encourage females and people who are abled differently to apply. Although the priority will be given to a South African candidate, in the event that a preferred candidate is non-South African, it will be the candidatexe2x80x99s responsibility to secure the necessary visa or work permit in accordance with South African Government legislation and procedures.
Minimum Requirements

• A relevant Ph.D. qualification and experience in the social, natural or economic sciences with at least 5 years in pratice;

• Extensive experience in research environment in the context of Africa region, and publications in the peer-reviewed journals i.e. accredited;

• Seasoned researcher in the areas of Agenda 2063, intersectional challenges in Africaxe2x80x99s development;

• Demonstratable ability to creative ways of producing cutting-edge research outputs;

• Proven experience of having conducted/implemented in-depth research in other African countries;

• Ability to advise senior management on the strategic objectives i.e. advise on changing landscapes within National System of Innovation and regional economic communities (REC) in Africa;

• Experience in quantitative and qualitative research approaches and the ability to undertake advanced statistical analysis using appropriate/relevant software;

• The candidate is expected to contribute to proposals, publish journal articles and book chapters in a scientific manner i.e. accredited and open access (where possible);

• Ability to plan deliverables to enhance the Institutexe2x80x99s performance profile and conduct policy-relevant and engaged research;

• Collaborating with other colleagues working on the existing or new projects, and engaging high-level stakeholders through evidence dissemination or consultative strategy within and outside South Africaxe2x80x99s borders is an expectation;

• The is expected to travel to the countries of interest as part of the data collection for research projects xe2x80x93 this will be part of advancing mutual co-delivery with strategic partners where necessary, as well as delivering on public engagement with scholars, researchers, and policymakers.

• The preferred candidate should be versatile and able to fit in a fast-paced environment;

• Co-develop and/or be able to work on Artificial Intelligence research and policy gaps in Africa, use of technology and innovation to respond to climate change in Africa. The incumbent is not limited to performing in the aforementioned areas, it will be crucial to think beyond areas of specialisation;

• It is anticipated that the appointed candidate will also endeavour to create an enabling environment for emerging researchers and identify opportunities for AISA research outcomes to be applied through collaboration on the continent.

HSRC