Work for the IJR

VACANCY: SENIOR PROJECT LEADER – SA RECONCILIATION BAROMETER

The Institute for Justice and Reconciliation (IJR) was founded in the wake of the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission and promotes fair, democratic, and inclusive societies in post-conflict states across Africa.

The South African Reconciliation Barometer (SARB) is a national survey-based public opinion project, located in the IJR’s Research and Policy Unit in Cape Town. Since its launch in 2003, the Barometer has measured citizen attitudes towards national reconciliation, social cohesion, economic transformation, and democratic governance in South Africa.

The IJR seeks to recruit an experienced Project Leader to implement this flagship project and raise its profile in South Africa and internationally.

Job Description

• Develop an annual plan for the design and implementation of the RB
• Review and update the survey to keep track of current events, without compromising its longitudinal validity
• Author the annual RB Survey Report, and ensure that it is widely distributed in policy circles in South Africa and beyond.
• Insert survey findings in public debates through engagement with policy stakeholders, participation in public forums, hosting of events, and interaction with conventional- and social media.
• Build and nurture key stakeholder relationships
• Lead research on the feasibility of the survey tool in other countries where the IJR has a presence
• Contribute to the PA Unit’s strategy development, and assist with project fundraising.
• Take responsibility for project budgeting, monitoring and evaluation.
• Develop a public engagement strategy that will raise the project’s profile

Requirements

• An innovative self-starter with a Masters degree in International Relations, Political Studies, Economics, Development Studies or related social science disciplines;
• At least 5 years working experience is desirable, but will be evaluated alongside the relevance of the candidate’s qualifications;
• Proven ability and extensive experience in the analysis of public opinion data with statistical packages, such as SPSS, is essential.
• An ability to see the ‘bigger picture’ and connect the dots between such findings and broader policy debates.
• Excellent insight into South Africa’s socio-political environment, and above average understanding of these dynamics elsewhere on the African continent.
• A flair for effective communication, which includes excellent writing and editorial skills, active social media skills, interaction with the media, and public speaking.
• A proven network of contacts relevant to project objectives.
• Experience in the administration of budgets, fundraising, communication with donors, and monitoring and evaluation.
• Applicants must be eligible to work in South Africa at the time of their application.

IJR offers a competitive all inclusive salary package and a dynamic working environment, which prioritises the professional development and wellbeing of its employees. The Institute reserves the right to make an appointment at a lower level in instances where candidates do not meet the experience criteria.

Commencement date: 1 January 2020

Application process

• Submit your cover letter, a CV with two contactable references and salary expectations, as well as one writing sample, in one PDF file to Ms Elisha Elisha Kotze (ekotze@ijr.org.za) under the e-mail subject heading SARB Project Leader.
• The deadline for applications is close of business 24 October 2019.
• Shortlisted candidates will participate in an initial interview and final candidates will be asked to complete a practical assessment.
• If you have not heard from us within 1 week of the closing date, please assume that your application has been unsuccessful.