Chief Research Specialist

Job Advert Summary

In delivering ‘social science that makes a difference’ in South Africa and the region, the Research Units of the Human Sciences Research Council initiate and undertake policy-oriented research projects and programmes from its offices in Cape Town, Pietermaritzburg, and Pretoria. Its public-purpose mandate is set out in the Human Sciences Research Council Act of 2008.

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 four interconnected units, each contributing to our overarching goal of translating research into measurable impact: Impact Evaluation; HSRC Press; Strategic Partnerships and External Capacity Development; Internationalisation; and Governance, Ethics and Integrity. 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.

RID seeks to appoint a Chief Research Specialist on a permanent contract based in the HSRC’s office, Pretoria.

To be eligible for appointment as a CRS, the candidate must have a PhD and extensive knowledge of policy-relevant research experience in impact evaluation studies.

External Applicants

Chief Research Specialist (2x Positions)

Ref. No: External RID-CRS

Permanent contract

Minimum Requirements

• A relevant PhD in Humanities and Social
• At least six (6) years of research and management experience, preferably in a research institution or a university;
• Excellent writing skills in drafting reports and academic publications for wider public dissemination of research findings;
• Demonstrated experience in translating complex research and evaluation findings into high-quality, policy-oriented outputs-such as policy briefs, evidence summaries, policy recommendations and briefing notes-for policymakers, senior decision-makers and other non-technical audiences;
• At least 12 peer-reviewed publications* (books, books chapters, journal articles), of which several must be international, and several must be first or sole authored;
• Relevant quantitative and/or qualitative research experience;
• Extensive experience in securing funding for research;
• Good research project management experience and the ability and enthusiasm to lead research teams in a large multidisciplinary research division;
• Intellectual leadership in a specified area, personal integrity, imagination and drive; and
• Skills in managing, mentoring and training team members

Duties & Responsibilities

Lead the design, planning and delivery of complex research projects with a focus on social

impact, ensuring that agreed objectives, timelines, budgets and quality standards are met;

• Formulate targeted research proposals and secure funding on a sustainable basis to enable policy relevant, strategic research projects;
• Deliver high-quality results and reports to budget and deadline;
• Stimulate public debate, civil society engagement, and develop communities of practice to ensure uptake of evidence to transform educational and economic outcomes;
• Produce high-quality knowledge outputs through publishing in accredited refereed journals, books, and book chapters and with collaborators on the African continent;
• Ensure research impact through government and stakeholder engagement, policy briefs and research reviews;
• Assess how effectively research evidence is translated into organizational strategy, policy, programmes and practice, and recommend opportunities for improvement;
• Provide expert advice on research impact, monitoring, evaluation and learning across the organization;
• Communicate research findings across multiple media platforms and at academic conferences and forums; and
• Develop research skills and competencies through formal and informal training for self and

*The HSRC offers attractive, market-related packages depending on qualifications and experience.

Please register and submit your application on-line at: https://hsrc.erecruit.co/

Application Instructions:

• Candidates can make use of their mobile devices or any browser to register on the Neptune recruitment site, as well as to make applications for available vacancies; Candidates will be prompted to upload their CV’s;
• Attachments must be less than 1MB, there is an on-screen option to
• The Neptune system will only allow you to upload 1 Please ensure that all documents are merged into 1 file before uploading.

Applications should include:

• A cover letter of motivation indicating your area of expertise (clearly marked), your suitability for the position, your goals, and the position you are applying for. Please do not apply for more than one position. You will be contacted if we think you qualify for a higher or lower ranking position.
• A detailed CV which should clearly indicate your highest qualification; an indication of your quantitative and qualitative research experience; your fieldwork experience (not related to your degree) and details of your citizenship.
• The details of three recent referees with telephone number, email, and institutional
• Details of three first- or sole-authored

The HSRC will only consider applications that comply with the above requirements.

Please note that applicants may be subject to a competency assessment pertaining to this position. For further information about the HSRC or the post please consult our website www.hsrc.ac.za.

Enquiries, (NOT applications or CVs) relating to technical knowledge of the position may be directed to Dr Andrea Juan @ [email protected]

Closing date: 25 November 2026. We encourage applicants to submit prior to this date. Applicants who

have not been contacted within eight weeks should assume that their application has been unsuccessful. Only applicants who are interviewed will be advised of the outcome of their applications.

The HSRC reserves the right not to make an appointment.

APPLICATIONS FROM RECRUITMENT AGENCIES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED