Director : Strategic Partner

Hsrc Recruitment; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research organization is seeking a Director for Strategic Partnerships & Internationalisation in Pretoria. This role focuses on developing and executing strategies that enhance the impact of research on policy and societal development. Candidates must have a PhD, extensive experience in research administration and partnerships, and proven leadership skills. The position offers a permanent contract and aims to drive insightful collaborations between research and policymakers.

Qualifications

• At least 10 years of relevant experience in research or international engagement.
• Proven leadership experience in managing partnerships and stakeholder relationships.
• Strong track record of driving research initiatives influencing policy.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a Strategic Partnerships strategy aligned with HSRC objectives.
• Coordinate strategic initiatives for science diplomacy and research cooperation.
• Build and sustain national and international partnerships for impactful research.

Skills

Science diplomacy

Building strategic partnerships

Research administration

High levels of computer literacy

Excellent professional writing skills

Education

PhD (NQF Level 10) in humanities or social sciences

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Advert Summary

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 five interconnected units, each contributing to our overarching goal of translating research into measurable impact: Impact Assessment and Evaluation, Publishing, External Capacity Development and Internship, Strategic Partnerships and Internationalisation, and Research Ethics.

Together, these units ensure that the HSRC's research is not only rigorous and relevant, but also transformative in helping to shape a more inclusive, informed, and just society.

Reporting to the Divisional Executive in the Research Impact Division, the HSRC seeks to appoint a suitably qualified Director – Strategic Partnerships & Internationalisation to develop, monitor and analyse new strategic initiatives for the HSRC's strategic partnerships strategy and to provide specialist services and solutions aimed at driving key partnerships between internal research stakeholders and external policymakers to further drive impactful research that leads to sustainable policy improvements within state bodies, as determined by strategic objectives and the mandate of the HSRC.

Position: Director – Strategic Partnerships & Internationalisation
Location: Pretoria (Based)
Contract: Permanent

Minimum Requirements

• PhD (NQF Level 10) in the humanities, social sciences, or another relevant discipline.
• At least 10 years of relevant experience in research, research administration, or international engagement, with a focus on building strategic partnerships and global cooperation.
• Demonstrated experience in science diplomacy, international relations, or representing research institutions in multilateral forums.
• Proven leadership experience in developing and managing partnerships, networks, and stakeholder relationships across diverse sectors and geographies.
• A strong track record of driving research initiatives that have informed or influenced national and international policy.

Additional Requirements

• Excellent professional and academic writing skills.
• High levels of computer literacy, internet, and proficiency in Microsoft Office and online collaboration platforms.
• Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, multicultural, and multidisciplinary environment.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Execute and implement a comprehensive Strategic Partnerships, Internationalisation and Science Diplomacy strategy aligned with the HSRC's strategic objectives.
• Coordinate the development of strategic initiatives that advance the HSRC's leadership role in science diplomacy, including multilateral and bilateral research cooperation, capacity building, and knowledge exchange.
• Build and sustain visible national, continental, and international partnerships that result in impactful collaborative research, high‑quality publications, policy dialogues, and evidence reviews that influence public policy.
• Identify and secure strategic external partners, both locally and internationally, that align with the HSRC's mission to promote inclusive and evidence‑informed development.
• Serve as the HSRC's focal point for science diplomacy initiatives, fostering collaboration between researchers, policymakers, and international stakeholders to advance South Africa's research and innovation diplomacy objectives.
• Facilitate engagement between the HSRC and intergovernmental partners such as the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, and UNESCO to strengthen South Africa's global knowledge diplomacy footprint.
• Lead and nurture relationships of trust and influence across all levels of the organisation and with external partners.
• Oversee a programme of engaged science and diplomacy, connecting research outputs with societal impact and innovative solutions to South Africa's and Africa's challenges.
• Ensure operational excellence, financial sustainability, and compliance with the HSRC's governance and ethical frameworks.
• Represent the HSRC in high‑level national and international forums, including science diplomacy dialogues, to advance institutional visibility and strategic positioning.
• Champion a culture of integrity, collaboration, and inclusivity in all processes and partnerships.