Manager Strategic Partnerships and Internationalisation

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 Councils (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 Africas 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 HSRCs 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 Manager: Strategic Partnerships and External Capacity Development (SPECD) within HSRCs Pretoria office. This is a full-time permanent appointment.

Manager: Strategic Partnerships and Internationalisation

(Ref. No. Man: Strat Partners 07/2026)

Pretoria

• Responsible for the operational work of the Strategic Partnership and Internationalisation Unit.
• Provides leadership in driving key external partnerships for the HSRC and to drive internal stakeholder relations.
• Liaises with external policy makers to further drive impactful research that leads to sustainable policy improvement within state bodies determined by the strategic objectives and the mandate of the HSRC.
• Supports all projects under the Unit including but not limited to the Science Diplomacy Internship Project Business Development and HSRC Tier 1 events.
• Building alliances with like-minded partners to support the hosting and mentoring of interns and establish collaborations that ensure the financial sustainability of these initiatives.
• Oversee partnership initiatives and activities
• Lead engagement planning including identifying speakers experts and strategic partners.
• Co-lead the review and development strategy for the unit with the Director
• Draft and manage MoUs/MoAs and collaboration agreements maintaining effective engagement with strategic partners.
• Proactively demonstrate a visible presence and engagement with relevant government entities stakeholders and activities related to the organisations objectives in driving impactful research.
• Create reporting guidelines and criteria for partnerships.
• Develop partnership dashboards and institutional reporting tools.
• Manage the planning and compilation of the Units annual budget aligned to the operational plans to support the implementation of the APP.
• Ensure that each team member is capacitated managed supported mentored (if they are trainees) and motivated to ensure a high-performance team that meets strategic targets.

Please register and submit your application on-line at Instructions:

• 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 CVs;
• 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.

Applications should include:

• 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 and those relating to technical knowledge for the positions (NOT applications or CVs) may be directed to Dr Mzikazi Nduna:

  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

• Relevant Honors (NQF 8) qualification in Humanities/Social Sciences Business Administration/Development Developmental Studies International Relations or related fields.
• A Masters degree (NQF 9) is an added advantage
• 6-8 Years relevant experience working in research university and or training and development environment or related private or NGO sector.
• Experience leading teams and a sound understanding of the social science research process.
• Relevant experience or exposure in youth learnerships internships post-schooling or the future of work.
• High levels of computer literacy.