Manager: Strategic Partnerships and Internationalisation

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.

The Division is looking to appoint a suitably qualified Manager: Strategic Partnerships and External Capacity Development (SPECD) within HSRC’s Pretoria office. This is a full-time, permanent appointment.

Manager: Strategic Partnerships and Internationalisation

(Ref. No. Man: Strat Partners 07/2026)

Pretoria

Minimum Requirements

• Relevant Honors (NQF 8) qualification in Humanities/Social Sciences, Business Administration/Development, Developmental Studies, International Relations or related fields.
• A Masters degree (NQF 9) is an added advantage
• 6-8 Years relevant experience working in research, university, and or training and development environment or related private or NGO sector.
• Experience leading teams and a sound understanding of the social science research process.
• Relevant experience or exposure in youth, learnerships, internships, post-schooling, or the future of work.
• High levels of computer literacy.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Responsible for the operational work of the Strategic Partnership and Internationalisation Unit.
• Provides leadership in driving key external partnerships for the HSRC and to drive internal stakeholder relations.
• Liaises with external policy makers to further drive impactful research that leads to sustainable policy improvement within state bodies, determined by the strategic objectives and the mandate of the HSRC.
• Supports all projects under the Unit including but not limited to the Science Diplomacy, Internship Project, Business Development and HSRC Tier 1 events.
• Building alliances with like-minded partners to support the hosting and mentoring of interns and establish collaborations that ensure the financial sustainability of these initiatives.
• Oversee partnership initiatives and activities
• Lead engagement planning, including identifying speakers, experts, and strategic partners.
• Co-lead the review and development strategy for the unit with the Director
• Draft and manage MoUs/MoAs and collaboration agreements, maintaining effective engagement with strategic partners.
• Proactively demonstrate a visible presence and engagement with relevant government entities, stakeholders and activities related to the organisation’s objectives in driving impactful research.
• Create reporting guidelines and criteria for partnerships.
• Develop partnership dashboards and institutional reporting tools.
• Manage the planning and compilation of the Unit’s annual budget aligned to the operational plans to support the implementation of the APP.
• Ensure that each team member is capacitated, managed, supported, mentored (if they are trainees) and motivated to ensure a high-performance team that meets strategic targets.

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 resize.
• The Neptune system will only allow you to upload 1 attachment. Please ensure that all documents are merged into 1 file before uploading.

Applications should include

• A cover letter of motivation indicating your suitability and goals for the 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 include details of your citizenship.
  • The details of three recent referees with telephone/cell number, e-mail, and institutional affiliation.
  • Details of citizenship
  • A certified ID copy

  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, to application process, can be directed to Ms Aurelia Smith at ***email_hidden*** and those relating to technical knowledge for the positions (NOT applications or CVs) may be directed to Dr Mzikazi Nduna: [email protected]

  Closing date: 24 July 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