Director: Strategic Partnerships and External Capacity Development

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 Director: Strategic Partnerships and External Capacity Development (SPECD). The successful incumbent has to be a decisive leader, who engages at a strategic level. The role involves,

• Knowledge of the National System of Innovation, policies on youth and skills development.
• Appreciation of the challenges in the South African youth's access to the labour market
• Knowledge and understanding of the public and private funding landscape
• Ability to network and negotiate with partners and key stakeholders.
• Proactive with a problem-solving mindset, advanced organisational skills, the ability to multitask and with great attention to detail.
• Can foster Intergovernmental relations
• Proven experience with stakeholder management.

This is a full-time, permanent appointment, based in the HSRC’s Pretoria office.

Minimum Requirements

• A relevant Masters degree in Humanities/Social Sciences, Business Administration /Development, Developmental Studies, International Relations or related fields.
• A PhD degree is an added advantage.
• 8 Years experience in research, university, and or training and development environment.
• Experience leading teams and a sound understanding of the social science research process.
• Experience with annual business development (planning) and budgeting processes
• Proven track record in multiple project management
• Experience working with the government
• Experience working in the funding environment (SETAs/Development funders/Philanthropic agencies, etc.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Provides strategic leadership and oversight in the implementation of partnership priorities of the HSRC and facilitates business partnerships as well as the implementation of external capacity development programmes.
• Lead the planning and compilation of the Unit’s annual budget aligned to the operational plans to support the implementation of the Annual Performance Plan (APP)
• Engages relevant groups of stakeholders at the highest level in making key decisions while clearly articulating the HSRC’s stance on matters and to ensure preservation of the organisations' interests.
• Lead and support the teams in implementing a strategy for the unit and ensure alignment with the strategic objectives of the HSRC overall.
• Support the organisation-wide implementation of strategic business plans and oversee strategic partnerships and stakeholder engagements.
• Build visible national, continental and international research partnerships that result in impactful and collaborative MoU/As, that are implemented at an institutional level.
• Identify opportunities for research and external funding that could advance the HSRC’s work in addressing youth employment, skills shortages and learning opportunities post-schooling.
• Lead the drafting of quarterly reports to all funders.
• Build, lead and mentor an effective team that works collaboratively toward achieving the organisation's goals and promoting the HSRC brand identity and values.

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