The South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) is an independent, non-governmental policy research institution, focusing on South Africa and Africa’s international relations. Its goal is to contribute to the achievement of a well-governed, peaceful, economically sustainable and globally engaged Africa. It has been consistently ranked as the top think tank in Southern Africa.
SAIIA seeks to make the following appointment at its Head Office in Johannesburg:
Senior Researcher/Fellow – China Africa (SRAGDP22) Fixed Term Contract (Salary band, depending on experience: R610,000 to R810,000)
SAIIA seeks to appoint a Senior Researcher/Fellow in its Foreign Policy Programme with specialist expertise in China’s political and economic engagement with Africa in at least one of the following areas: infrastructure financing; agriculture; peace and security; or China’s global strategy (e.g., Belt and Road initiative). Substantive knowledge of an African region would also be an advantage. At least five years of senior research experience on the topic, a publication record in these themes, along with a relevant outstanding post-graduate educational qualification, preferably at PhD level are required. Excellent writing, research and time management skills are essential, as are computer skills and own transport. Mandarin language skills would be a significant advantage. This is a senior position with significant research delivery and fund-raising responsibilities.
This position would involve travel within Africa and abroad (depending on COVID travel restrictions). The appointment would be for an initial two-year period, with the possibility of extension based on securing additional funding.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Identifying and taking principal fundraising responsibility for team projects
Preparing and submitting applications to funders and sponsors for research projects
Establishing and running innovative research projects on own areas of expertise, in conjunction with other programme staff, and ensuring achievement of deliverables
Producing written research for publication by SAIIA
Commissioning work from external researchers and overseeing the publication process
Undertaking ongoing strategic engagement and networking
Ensuring events and policy dissemination of work have optimum impact
Contributing to monitoring, evaluation and programme reporting
Maintaining relations with programme funders
Experience, skills, qualifications:
At least a Masters degree in the relevant field. PhD preferred.
Proven publishing record and expertise in the above-mentioned fields
At least five years relevant experience (as per above) and well-established networks in the aforementioned research areas.
A proven track record of project fundraising – minimum of five years’ experience.
Proficiency in MS Office products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, MS Project).
Candidate should submit:
A motivational letter quoting clearly the reference number of the position that they are applying for
A comprehensive CV
Academic transcripts of qualifications
The names of three contactable references and two written references
Two examples of (preferably short) articles published in the last year.
A comprehensive publication list.
For more information on SAIIA and its research agenda please visit www.saiia.org.za. Applications, clearly quoting the reference number of the position that they are applying for and with their contact details, should be submitted to [email protected]. Please note that only short-listed candidates will be called in for an interview. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.
Preference will be given to South African citizens and employment equity candidates. SAIIA reserves the right not to make an appointment.
For more about South African Institute of International Affairs, refer to www.saiia.org.za