Studies in Poverty and Inequality Institute (SPII) is a not for profit research and advocacy think tank based in Johannesburg. They are passionate about using knowledge and data to support human rights. They combine quantitative and qualitative research and analysis. Our partners range from community members to top policy actors, locally and globally.

Studies in Poverty and Inequality Institute (SPII) seeks to appoint Research Manager to be based in Johannesburg in South Africa.

Employment type: Employment duration – Fixed-term contract of 12 months

Reports to:Executive Director

Remuneration:R 600 000 to R 720 000 CTC

Start date: 01 November 2020

The purpose of the position is to work and manage staff across a number of our key projects, all of which are aligned to our focus on the reduction of poverty and inequality in South Africa through the realisation of the transformative socio-economic rights in the Constitution.

Responsibilities:

• Working with the Director, work with popularising socio-economic rights already undertaken by SPII.
• Responsibility for research management of all research projects and publications.
• Identifying research opportunities and partnerships.
• Joint management of training and advocacy with the Director.
• Ensuring compliance and reporting guidelines are met for all the Research projects undertaken.
• Ensuring that SPII research staff adhere to the funder/donor adhere to guidelines, budgets, policies, procedures, and business plans.
•  Develop funding proposals and other reports as requested by management.
•  Oversight on all research publications undertaken by SPII in consultation with the Director.
• Engage in networking and profile-raising of SPII by representing and participating on behalf of SPII where required; this includes but is not limited to workshops, conferences, and stakeholder meetings.
• Manage relations with stakeholders and managing media engagements where necessary.
• Responsible for managing the performance of a small to medium team and / or outside service providers.
• Providing support to development and implementation of appropriate mechanisms for monitoring and evaluating programme work and repository of all research and training work conducted by SPII.
•  Participating in strategic interventions in the sector.
• Oversight on research staff and interns.

Requirements:

•  Ph.D. in Social sciences, politics, economics, development, or related field.
•  Proven track record of own and collegiate research publications
•  Minimum of eight years’ work experience in the management of research teams in socio-economic rights-related work in South Africa.
•  Proven senior financial management experience.
• Strong competency in qualitative and quantitative research methodology.
• Experience in successful resource raising.
• Proven experience in donor/funder report writing skills.
•  Demonstrated ability to use initiative and take a proactive approach to work.
• Communication skills, confidence to speak in public, including through the media, and with stakeholders.
• Exceptional English writing skills are essential.
•  Excellent communication, interpersonal, analytical, and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated experience with Microsoft Office suite applications.
• Ability to communicate in at least one other South African language is an advantage.
•  A commitment to social justice and applied intersectional critical theory is a necessary requirement.
•  The position entails travel within SA, and possibly international, and all applicants must be willing to travel.  depending on qualifications and experience in line with SPII policies.

If interested, please email your application to: [email protected] 

To apply, submit a short CV, certified copies of certificates, two examples of research writing, and a motivational letter  with at least three contactable referees. In your motivation letter please indicate your current and required salary and notice period with your current employer. Important :Deadline for all application submissions is 11 October 2020.Late and incomplete applications will not be considered for the position.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.Details on the interview process will be shared with shortlisted candidates. SPII reserves the right to cancel the position should the needs of the SPII change or should we regard the applications not to be adequate based on its needs.