Job Description
Position: Senior Research Director
Organisation: Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) – Africa Institute of South Africa (AISA)
Location: South Africa
Application Deadline: 31 July 2025
Apply Now: https://loom.ly/iGrnCV4
The Role
The Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) is seeking to appoint a visionary and experienced Senior Research Director to lead the Africa Institute of South Africa (AISA), a strategic research programme of the HSRC.
AISA plays a critical role in shaping policy-relevant, interdisciplinary research aimed at deepening Africa’s collective ability to respond to complex development challenges such as inequality, poverty, unemployment, and marginalisation. The Senior Research Director will drive the strategic direction of AISA while ensuring research excellence, capacity building, and stakeholder engagement across the continent.
Key responsibilities include:
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Providing strategic leadership and intellectual direction to AISA’s research agenda
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Overseeing the design and delivery of high-impact, interdisciplinary research projects
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Expanding AISA’s presence and partnerships across Africa and within the global research community
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Leading and mentoring a diverse team of researchers and research managers
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Driving fundraising, proposal development, and donor engagement
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Contributing to national, continental, and global policy discussions through publications and policy briefs
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Ensuring effective project governance, ethics compliance, and reporting
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Promoting innovation, inclusion, and transformation in all research and operational activities
Requirements
To be eligible for this senior leadership role, applicants must meet the following requirements:
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✅ A Doctoral degree (PhD) in the Social Sciences, Development Studies, Political Economy, or a related field
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✅ At least 10 years’ post-doctoral experience, including senior research leadership experience
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✅ Proven record of interdisciplinary research, especially in African development, policy, or governance
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✅ Demonstrated ability to conceptualise and lead large-scale, multi-country or continental research initiatives
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✅ A strong track record of peer-reviewed publications, policy engagement, and international collaboration
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✅ Experience in managing teams, building partnerships, and attracting research funding
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✅ Deep understanding of Africa’s developmental challenges and opportunities
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✅ Excellent stakeholder engagement, strategic planning, and communication skills
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✅ A commitment to transformation, ethical research practices, and innovation
🔗 Apply Now: https://loom.ly/iGrnCV4
🕔 Closing Date: 31 July 2025
Lead impactful African research that shapes policy, drives change, and empowers the continent.
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