The IEJ is a progressive economics think tank based in Johannesburg South Africa. The IEJ’s core objective is to provide policy makers and progressive social forces in South Africa with access to rigorous economic analysis, and well thought through policy options, as a basis for advancing systemic change. Interventions proposed by the IEJ must advance social justice, promote equitable economic development that realises socio-economic rights, and ensure a thriving, democratic, environmentally sustainable, and inclusive economy that places the needs of the majority at the centre.
The Institute for Economic Justice (IEJ) seeks a Researcher / Senior Researcher in the Global Economic Governance project to be based in
The IEJ is defining a new area of work – currently referred to as Global Economic Governance – that builds on previously undertaken activities.
The project addresses asymmetries in the global economic system – and the global financial architecture in particular – that disadvantage South Africa, Africa and Global South countries.
The macroeconomic issues depriving the Global South of the resources they need are interconnected. They are a product of a global financial system that subordinates the demands of the Global South to the interests of rich countries and private capital. This systematically excludes, marginalises, and oppresses the agency and expertise of those bearing the heaviest burden of an unjust system. Transforming this architecture, with leadership from traditionally excluded groups, is essential to ensuring a green, rights-based, and inclusive future.
The project tackles intersecting inequalities by disrupting this status quo: it contests the prioritisation of private interests; addresses the needs of marginalised groups; and co-creates human rights-based alternatives that centre care and environmental sustainability.
Example of topics include: the impact of IFI loans and the role of private finance in economic development.
The Researcher / Senior Researcher will be leading the Global Economic Governance project. They will also work in other projects within the IEJ.
Typical work of the Researcher / Senior Researcher includes:
Primary and secondary research of both a quantitative and qualitative nature;
Write, review, and publish relevant project outputs;
Participate in daily implementation of the projects;
Build partnerships, develop policy proposals, and undertake advocacy in relation to the findings of the research;
Plan and report on project activities; and
Implement existing and contribute to conceptualising new research;
In addition, the Researcher / Senior Researcher will:
Be actively involved in IEJ’s policy debates and publications; and
Contribute towards IEJ general and organisational tasks as required.
Requirements
Minimum qualifications / experience required:
Masters’ Degree (Researcher) or PhD (Senior Researcher) in economics and/or any social science field (politics, political economy, and sociology preferable), with specialisations in international development, financialisation, global governance, macroeconomics or similar subfields.
At least 3-5 years (Researcher) or 5-10 years (Senior Researcher) of research experience;
Previous academic or non-academic publications; and
Experience working with a wide range of partners.
The candidates should have the following attributes:
Strong writing and analytical skills;
Good interpersonal, networking and communication skills;
Be committed to progressive economic transformation in South Africa and Africa;
English language fluency with strong research ability; and
Advanced understanding of the national and international context of the research.
The IEJ is committed to gender and racial equity and transformation and will consider this when reviewing applications.
Contract details
The contract will be a full-time three-year contract beginning as early in 2022 as possible. The first year is probationary after which, performance and funding dependent, the Researcher / Senior Researcher may be confirmed for the further two years. The position will be based in Johannesburg. Remuneration will be at market rates and based on work experience.
Applications should be made via: https://forms.gle/8abSWLLyi6XxcPGh8 For queries contact [email protected], no applications will be accepted by email nor replied to.
For more about South African Institute of International Affairs, refer to www.iej.org.za