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.

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.

Closing Date    

• 2026/11/25