Stakeholder and Partnership Officer

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 Stakeholder and Partnership Officer within the HSRC’s Pretoria based office. This is a full-time, permanent appointment.

Stakeholder and Partnership Officer

(Ref. No. Stakeholder & Partner 07/2026)

Pretoria

Minimum Requirements

• A relevant NQF 7 degree in social sciences is preferably in Public Administration, International Relations, Development Studies or Business Administration.
• 3–5 Years’ experience working in research, university, and or training and development environment or related private or NGO sector.
• Familiarity with social sciences research landscape is essential
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• A proven track record in building and fostering successful relationships and partnerships across different sectors.
• The ability to multitask and to work well under deadline pressure with high levels of energy.
• A respect for diversity and the inclusion of varying views.
• The ability to interface with people at all levels within an organisation or institution.
• A strong user orientation, based on a commitment to social research that makes a difference.
• High levels of computer literacy and experience is required (Excel, Microsoft Word).

Duties and Responsibilities

• Responsible for supporting the development, coordination, and management of institutional partnerships.
• Facilitating the initiation, development, implementation, and monitoring of Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) Memorandum of Agreements (MoAs) and related institutional-level collaboration agreements.
• Supports strategic partnership engagements, institutional visibility, and reporting on partnership impact.
• Support partnership initiation meetings and stakeholder engagement.
• Profile institutional research capabilities and researchers to support collaboration opportunities
• Contribute to the review and development strategy for the unit

Please register and submit your application on-line at

• 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.
• • 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 ( 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: View email address on za.workus.org

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