Director : Strategic Partner

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

Job summary

A leading research council in Pretoria is seeking a Director for Strategic Partnerships & Internationalisation. The ideal candidate will have a PhD and over 10 years of experience in research administration and international engagement. Key responsibilities include implementing strategies aligned with the HSRC's objectives and building impactful partnerships. This role requires strong leadership and excellence in driving research initiatives that influence policy.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of relevant experience in research and international engagement.
• Experience in developing strategic partnerships and global cooperation.
• Proven leadership in managing diverse partnerships.

Responsibilities

• Implement a Strategic Partnerships and Science Diplomacy strategy.
• Coordinate the development of strategic initiatives in science diplomacy.
• Build and sustain national and international partnerships.

Skills

Strategic Partnerships

Science Diplomacy

Research Administration

International Relations

Stakeholder Management

Policy Development

Education

PhD in humanities, social sciences, or relevant discipline

Job description

Role Overview

Director: Strategic Partnerships & Internationalisation – Pretoria, Permanent Contract. Reporting to the Divisional Executive.

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; 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.

Duties & 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.

Minimum Requirements

• A 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.