Divisional Executive : Research Development And Science Innovation

HSRC; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 400,000 - 500,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research organization in Pretoria seeks a Divisional Executive for the RDSI Division to lead transformative research in science and innovation. The ideal candidate will have 15+ years of senior research leadership experience, a PhD in Social Sciences, and extensive experience managing large projects and teams. This role offers a contract for 5 years, focusing on maximizing societal benefits of science, technology, and innovation.

Qualifications

• 15+ years senior research leadership experience with impactful outcomes.
• 10+ years in strategic management within research institutions.
• Strong publication record, including international authorship.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic planning and deliver HSRC’s performance targets.
• Manage the division’s budget and resources.
• Develop partnerships and oversee people management.

Skills

Networking skills with policymakers

Leadership in large-scale research

Research impact assessment

High-impact publication record

Business acumen

Education

PhD in Social Sciences or related field

Job description

Job Advert Summary

RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT AND SCIENCE INNOVATION (RDSI) DIVISION

Join the HSRC and lead transformative research at the frontier of science, technology, and innovation.

The Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) undertakes policy-oriented research through its various units, institutes, and centres based in Pretoria, Cape Town, and Pietermaritzburg. Our mandate is set out in the Human Sciences Research Council Act of 2008.

The RDSI division focuses on measuring and understanding science, technology, and innovation (STI) and social dynamics. It combines expertise across the organization and includes a centre on Science in Society (SIS) and the Centre for Science, Technology, and Innovation Indicators (CeSTII).

We are seeking a dynamic individual to lead, plan, organize, and coordinate the activities of the RDSI division. The successful candidate will lead a team in building a reputation for globally recognized and locally relevant research excellence and policy engagement, focusing on maximizing societal benefits of STI. Reporting directly to the CEO, this position is based in Pretoria and oversees activities across all HSRC locations.

Divisional Executive: RDSI

Ref. No: DE RDSI: 005 / 2025

Contract Duration: 5 years, Pretoria-based

Duties & Responsibilities

The successful candidate will actively engage in:

1. Strategic planning and leadership
2. Delivering on the HSRC’s strategic and annual performance targets
3. Managing the division’s budget
4. Resource mobilization and partnership development
5. People management within the division
6. Stakeholder and customer relationship management
7. Risk and compliance management

Key and Strategic Functions

• Provide strategic leadership to develop a transformative research agenda
• Measure national R&D activity and innovation in various sectors
• Establish evidence for STI policies promoting inclusive and sustainable development
• Enhance STI measurement capabilities in Africa and the Global South
• Foster collaboration through data and knowledge sharing globally
• Contribute to analysis of STI indicators related to economic growth and development
• Promote science engagement to bridge science/policy gaps and foster public understanding
• Address digital divide and promote inclusion
• Lead grant opportunities aligned with public-oriented research goals

Operational and Managerial Responsibilities

• Develop and implement divisional strategies aligned with HSRC’s objectives
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators
• Oversee research policies and practices
• Represent the division internally and externally
• Lead budget planning and financial management
• Ensure team capacity building and motivation

Applicants must be South African citizens.

Apply online or send inquiries to Marizane Rousseau at [email address]. More information available on our website [website URL].

Closing date: 30 May 2025. Early applications are encouraged. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. The HSRC reserves the right not to fill the position. No recruitment agency applications accepted.

Minimum Requirements

• PhD in Social Sciences or related field (NQF 10)
• 15+ years senior research leadership experience with impactful outcomes
• 10+ years in strategic management within research institutions
• Experience in STI policy
• Strong publication record, including international authorship
• Extensive experience in fundraising and large research projects
• Fluency in English
• Experience in regulatory environments

Additional Requirements

• Networking skills with policymakers
• Leadership in large-scale research with demonstrable impact
• Experience in research impact assessment
• High-impact publication record
• Integrity, drive, and ability to work under pressure
• Leadership qualities including humility and strategic advisory skills
• Business acumen and computer literacy

Key Skills

Diploma, ICT, Access Control, Creative Production, Instrument Maintenance, Courier Delivery

Employment Type: Contract

Experience: 15+ years

Vacancies: 1