Research Manager - Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation is a global civil society network with over 1,000 members and partners in more one than 100 countries, and a staff of 35 people from over 20 countries. Our mission is to strengthen civil society and citizen action throughout the world. We work for civil society to protect and grow the civic space where people can express and organise themselves. We speak up for civil society when it is threatened, and work to win it more recognition and influence. We research, analyse and convene to generate and share knowledge and take action to strengthen civil society. To achieve impact we communicate, campaign and advocate.

CIVICUS is seeking to recruit a Research Manager to coordinate and lead the development of CIVICUS' research activities and partnerships on civil society issues.

The specific job objectives include:

• Identify key research priorities for CIVICUS in conjunction with other departments and stakeholders
• Provide leadership and oversight for the development of CIVICUS' research work
• Design and manage innovative methods for research activities
• Ensure CIVICUS continues to remain up to date in understanding trends, innovations and key findings in civil society research
• Explore, develop and maintain relationships with key research partners, partiularly universities, to achieve and develop CIVICUS' research goals
• Contribute to positioning CIVICUS as a leading and unique knowledge resource on civil society issues
• Ensure necessary research support is provided to CIVICUS departments and projects
• Contribute to CIVICUS' internal knowledge management processes and systems.

The ideal candidate should have the following qualifications, knowledge, skills and work related experience:

Qualifications and Experience

• Masters Degree in Social Sciences, Political or Development studies, International Relations or a related field.
• 4-6 years' work experience in the management of social science research projects within a civil society context, preferably an international context
• Experience working in multi-disciplinary teams.

Knowledge

• Knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research methodologies.
• Knowledge of development and political concepts and theories as they relate to civil society.
• SPSS usage and computer literacy

Skills

• Skills and experience in qualitative and quantitative data analysis, research methodology design, research publication writing and production.
• People and team management skills.
• Communication and interpersonal skills.
• Negotiation skills.
• Public speaking, presentation and workshop facilitation skills.
• Analytical and problem solving skills.

Desirable

• PhD in Social Sciences, Political or Development studies or International Relations would be desirable.
• Previous experience of working in a multi-cultural team would be an advantage.
• Working knowledge of at least one of Arabic, French or Spanish would be an advantage.

Location: Johannesburg, South Africa.

Start date: as soon as possible

Duration: Initially a 2 year contract will be offered.

Job grade: Paterson - D Lower

MORE / LESSHOW TO APPLY

Please include a Resume (CV) with contact details of three current referees and a motivational cover letter including a statement verifying that the details within the CV are true and correct, and that the candidate agrees to the conducting of reference and background checks. CIVICUS holds reference reports in strict confidence.

Candidates should forward above documents and information to: humanresources@civicus.org by 23 November 2012.

Only short listed applicants will be contacted.