The Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) in South Africa is a large and energetic statutory organisation that conducts policy focused research in the humanities and social sciences, mostly for government departments and public-sector users. Its interdisciplinary research programmes are engaged in one hundred and eighty (180) concurrent research projects in South Africa and other African countries. The organisation currently employs 508 staff in offices in Pretoria, Cape Town, Durban, Pietermaritzburg and Port Elizabeth.
The position of CEO of the HSRC will become vacant in August 2015, when the present incumbent’s second five-year contract comes to an end. The Council seeks to appoint a person who will lead the strategic thrusts of the organisation and, building on past achievements, will strengthen research and development in the humanities and social sciences in South Africa, as well as research partnerships with other African and BRICS countries.
Key areas of responsibility of the CEO are to:
Drive the strategic direction of the HSRC in delivering “social science that makes a difference” to the development challenges of South Africa, the African continent, as well as the BRICS countries;
Provide academic and strategic leadership to the team of Executive Directors of research programmes and support services in the production and dissemination of high-quality, policy-relevant social research;
Sustain the organization through effective planning and management of financial and other resources for optimal performance;
Account, through the Board of the HSRC, to the Minister of Science and Technology and to Parliament on the performance of the organisation;
Deliver on the Shareholder’s Compact signed between the Minister of Science and Technology and the HSRC;
Strengthen the HSRC’s relationships with its key stakeholders;
Extend the transformation of the HSRC, with particular regard to organisational development, capacity-building and representivity;
Enhance the HSRC’s research reputation nationally and internationally.
To achieve the above mandate, the successful applicant will ideally have:
The intellectual and research credentials and standing to lead the research agenda of the HSRC;
The entrepreneurial drive and managerial acumen to steer an organisation that relies on significant levels of external funding;
A track record of management at an executive level;
Well-honed interpersonal and communication skills to interact at all levels in the HSRC, Government, academic, and business circles, both locally and internationally;
Insight into and understanding of the development issues of the country and the continent, as well as knowledge of the legislative and policy developments in science and technology in South Africa.
A strategic understanding of evolving trends in global, multilateral policy research, including that of the BRICS.
Given these demanding requirements, the HSRC offers a competitive package, designed to attract a candidate of the highest calibre. Relocation costs will be covered, if applicable. The appointment will be for a contract period of five years and may be renewable for a second term at the discretion of the Board.
The HSRC is committed to furthering employment equity in its appointment practices.
Applicants must submit a letter of motivation, CV, details of three referees with contact details (telephone, fax and e-mail ) and copies of three sole or first-authored publications. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend an interview between 19-21 November 2014.
Applications should be addressed to the Secretary of Council, and sent
by post to HSRC, Private Bag X41, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa; or
by courier or delivery to Office 1411, HSRC Building, 134 Pretorius Street, Pretoria, 0002, South Africa; or
by e-mail to mrousseau@hsrc.ac.za.
Fax applications will not be accepted.
Applications should be submitted by no later than 20 October 2014
Details of the HSRC can be found on its website, at www.hsrc.ac.za
