HSRC is Hiring a Permanent Stakeholder and Partnership Officer in South Africa: Apply by 24 July 2026 @Unknown

The Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) is recruiting a Stakeholder and Partnership Officer for its Research Impact Division in Pretoria, South Africa.

This permanent, full-time position is ideal for professionals with experience in stakeholder engagement, partnership development, research administration, or development cooperation who are passionate about ensuring research creates meaningful social impact.

If you have a background in the social sciences and enjoy building collaborations between research institutions, government, civil society, universities, and development partners, this could be an excellent opportunity to contribute to one of South Africa’s leading public research institutions.

About the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC)

The Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) is South Africa’s premier public research institution dedicated to producing policy-relevant social science research. Established under the Human Sciences Research Council Act of 2008, the organization conducts evidence-based research that informs government policy, supports sustainable development, and addresses social challenges across South Africa and the broader African region.

Operating from offices in Pretoria, Cape Town, and Pietermaritzburg, the HSRC partners with governments, universities, international organizations, civil society, and the private sector to generate research that influences public policy and improves lives.

About the Research Impact Division

The successful candidate will join the HSRC’s Research Impact Division (RID), which focuses on ensuring that research extends beyond academic publications to achieve measurable impact in society.

The division works across several strategic areas, including:

• Impact evaluation
• Strategic partnerships
• External capacity development
• Internationalisation
• Governance, ethics, and integrity
• HSRC Press

Together, these units help translate high-quality research into practical solutions that support national development priorities and strengthen research collaboration across Africa and internationally.

Position Overview

Job Title: Stakeholder and Partnership Officer

Reference Number: HSR260707-1

Employment Type: Permanent

Work Schedule: Full-time

Workplace: Hybrid

Location: Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa

Application Deadline: 24 July 2026

The Stakeholder and Partnership Officer will support the development, coordination, and management of institutional partnerships while helping strengthen the HSRC’s national and international collaborations.

Key Responsibilities

The successful candidate will play an important role in expanding the HSRC’s strategic partnerships and institutional engagement activities.

Responsibilities include:

• Supporting the development and management of institutional partnerships
• Coordinating Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) and Memoranda of Agreement (MoAs)
• Facilitating partnership initiation and stakeholder engagement meetings
• Monitoring collaboration agreements and partnership outcomes
• Supporting strategic partnership activities across sectors
• Promoting institutional visibility and research collaboration
• Profiling researchers and institutional expertise to identify partnership opportunities
• Preparing partnership reports and monitoring impact
• Contributing to strategic planning and review processes within the unit
• Supporting initiatives that strengthen collaboration with universities, government departments, research organizations, NGOs, and international partners

Who Should Apply?

This opportunity is suitable for professionals who enjoy working with people, building networks, and supporting research collaboration.

Ideal candidates should be comfortable coordinating multiple stakeholders while managing institutional partnerships in a dynamic research environment.

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants should possess:

• A relevant NQF Level 7 qualification (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent)

Preferred fields include:

• Public Administration
• International Relations
• Development Studies
• Business Administration
• Other relevant social science disciplines

Experience Required

Candidates should have:

• Between 3 and 5 years of professional experience
• Experience in a research institution, university, training organization, NGO, or related private-sector environment
• Familiarity with the social science research landscape

Desired Skills

The HSRC is seeking applicants who demonstrate:

• Excellent communication skills
• Strong relationship-building abilities
• Experience developing partnerships across multiple sectors
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills
• Ability to manage several projects simultaneously
• Strong organizational skills
• High energy and ability to work under deadlines
• Respect for diversity and inclusive collaboration
• Confidence engaging with senior stakeholders
• Strong computer skills, particularly Microsoft Word and Excel
• Commitment to research that creates positive social change

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Why This Position Matters

Research has the greatest value when it informs policy, shapes public debate, and improves people’s lives.

In this role, you’ll help ensure that the HSRC’s research reaches decision-makers, academic institutions, development organizations, and strategic partners who can turn evidence into action. Your work will directly contribute to expanding research collaboration and strengthening the impact of social science across South Africa and beyond.

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit a single merged document containing:

• A cover letter explaining your suitability and career goals
• A detailed curriculum vitae (CV)
• Details of your highest qualification
• Information on your quantitative and qualitative research experience
• Details of any fieldwork experience (outside degree requirements)
• Citizenship details
• Contact information for three recent referees, including telephone numbers, email addresses, and institutional affiliations
• A certified copy of your South African ID or relevant identification document

Applicants should note that the recruitment system accepts only one attachment, so all documents must be combined into a single file before uploading.

Recruitment Process

Shortlisted candidates may be required to complete a competency assessment relevant to the position.

Only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted. Applicants who do not receive feedback within eight weeks after the closing date should consider their application unsuccessful.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

This position offers more than traditional stakeholder engagement. It provides the opportunity to work at the intersection of research, public policy, and development while helping expand collaborations that influence national decision-making and social progress.

For professionals interested in research management, partnership development, international cooperation, or public policy, the Stakeholder and Partnership Officer role offers meaningful career growth within one of Africa’s leading social science research institutions.

Application Deadline

24 July 2026

If you have experience building partnerships, coordinating institutional collaborations, and supporting research that drives social impact, this permanent opportunity at the Human Sciences Research Council could be the next significant step in your career.

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the  organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official  organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.

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