We’re thrilled to announce three open positions:
- Researcher – Policy Advice
- Researcher – Digital Transformation
- Operations, Monitoring and Evaluation Manager
The closing date for all applications is 13 January 2025, with successful candidates expected to commence their duties on 1 February 2025. The official job advertisements are available on Stellenbosch University’s recruitment microsite. Visit this link to apply or scroll down for detailed descriptions of each position.
Researcher – Policy Advice
About the role
The Policy Innovation Lab is seeking a dedicated and experienced Researcher to lead our work on optimising South Africa’s policy advice system. This role will entail a combination of project management, research, teaching, stakeholder engagement and administrative tasks.
Candidate profile
The successful applicant will lead research projects related to policy advice with government agencies, conduct and publish peer-reviewed research related to these projects, support training programs, engage experts in the private sector and civil society and support ad hoc activities within the School. They will also be expected to contribute to the core academic mission of the university, which primarily covers publishing high-quality peer-reviewed research, supervise postgraduate students and designing and contributing to the university’s teaching offering, The successful applicant will possess a combination of strong qualitative research and project management skills, with a proven ability to work with various societal stakeholders. The successful candidate will work closely with the project lead, funders, partners, other postdoctoral researcher/s and postgraduate students to ensure the successful delivery of the Lab’s core mandate. Applicants must be willing to relocate to and work on campus during regular working hours.
Duties
- Initiate and manage research projects related to policy advice systems in collaboration with government agencies, including developing research proposals, securing approvals, conducting qualitative research and analysis and publishing findings in reputable peer-reviewed journals.
- Contribute to the School’s teaching offerings in public policy and policy advice by developing and delivering training programmes, mentoring and supervising postgraduate students and providing academic guidance.
- Coordinate project activities to ensure timely and successful completion, working closely with the project lead, funders, partners, other researchers and postgraduate students.
- Assist with administrative tasks related to the Lab’s projects, including reporting requirements for funders and stakeholders and participate in ad hoc activities and initiatives within the School.
- Foster a collaborative environment within the research team by sharing knowledge and expertise with colleagues and students.
Requirements
- A PhD in political science, international relations, public policy, sociology or a related field.
- Proven experience in providing public policy advice to South African government entities.
- Have published research in recognised, peer-reviewed journals as an author or co-author.
- Exceptional qualitative research skills.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a dynamic and collaborative environment.
For detailed responsibilities and application instructions, please visit the application portal or click here.
Researcher – Digital Transformation
About the role
The Policy Innovation Lab is seeking an innovative and skilled Researcher to lead our work on supporting government-wide digital transformation initiatives. This role will entail a combination of project management, research, teaching, stakeholder engagement and administrative tasks.
Candidate profile
The successful applicant will lead research projects related to digital transformation with government agencies, conduct and publish peer-reviewed research related to these projects, support training programmes, engage experts in the private sector and civil society and support ad hoc activities within the School. They will also be expected to contribute to the core academic mission of the university, which primarily covers publishing high-quality peer-reviewed research, supervising postgraduate students and designing and contributing to the university’s teaching offering. The successful applicant will possess a combination of strong quantitative research and data science skills, with a proven ability to work with various societal stakeholders. The successful candidate will work closely with the project lead, funders, partners, other researchers and postgraduate students to ensure the successful delivery of the Lab’s core mandate. Applicants must be willing to relocate to and work on campus during regular working hours and should have a demonstrated ability to work effectively in a dynamic and collaborative environment.
Duties
- Initiate and manage research projects related to digital transformation in collaboration with government agencies, including developing research proposals, securing approvals, conducting quantitative research and data analysis and publishing findings in reputable peer-reviewed journals.
- Contribute to the School’s teaching offerings in data science and digital transformation by developing and delivering training modules, mentoring and supervising postgraduate students and providing academic guidance.
- Coordinate project activities to ensure timely and successful completion, working closely with the project lead, funders, partners, other researchers and postgraduate students.
- Assist with administrative tasks related to the Lab’s projects, including reporting requirements for funders and stakeholders and participate in ad hoc activities and initiatives within the School.
- Foster a collaborative environment within the research team by sharing knowledge and expertise with colleagues and students.
Requirements
- A PhD in data science, computer science, information technology, statistics, mathematics, applied mathematics or a related field.
- Proven experience in providing policy advice to government entities.
- Proven experience in developing digital tool prototypes for policy advice.
- Have published research in recognised, peer-reviewed journals as an author or co-author.
- Proficiency in Python.
- Exceptional quantitative research skills and proficiency in data science tools.
For more information, visit the application portal or click here.
Operations, Monitoring and Evaluation Manager
About the role
The Policy Innovation Lab is seeking a highly organised and dynamic Operations, Monitoring and Evaluation Manager to oversee the monitoring and evaluation (M&E) of all Lab projects and manage the operational aspects of the Lab. This role combines programme management, M&E, research support, stakeholder engagement and administrative tasks.
Candidate profile
The successful applicant will develop and implement M&E frameworks, ensure effective operational management of the Lab’s activities, and support research initiatives. They will also contribute to the university’s core academic mission. They will work closely with the Lab’s director, researchers, funders, partners and postgraduate students to ensure the successful delivery of the Lab’s objectives. The candidate should be willing to relocate to and work on campus during regular working hours.
Duties
- Develop and implement M&E frameworks for Lab projects.
- Track project performance and prepare regular reports.
- Identify lessons learned to inform future projects.
- Oversee day-to-day operations of the Lab.
- Coordinate project activities and manage budgets.
- Ensure compliance with university policies and funding agreements.
- Assist in project planning and execution.
- Liaise with funders, government agencies, and academic partners.
- Represent the Lab at meetings and events.
Requirements
- Postgraduate qualification in relevant field (minimum of NQF level 8)
- Proven experience in designing and implementing M&E systems and methodologies.
- Strong knowledge of M&E best practices and tools, including data collection, analysis and reporting techniques.
- At least 5 years’ of experience in monitoring and evaluation, operations, or program management in a relevant field.
- Experience in the South African university environment is strongly recommended.
- Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
- Proficiency in data analysis and reporting.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- Proficiency in project management software.
For detailed responsibilities and application instructions, click here or visit the application portal.