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Vacancy | Advocacy Coordinator and Research in the State Reform programme

By August 7, 2024August 13th, 2024No Comments
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ADVOCACY COORDINATOR & RESEARCHER

in PARI’s State Reform Programme

Closing date for applications: 31 August 2024

The Public Affairs Research Institute (PARI) is seeking to appoint a suitable candidate as an Advocacy Coordinator & Researcher in its State Reform Programme.

PARI is an African research institute based in Johannesburg, founded in May 2010. We are affiliated to the University of Johannesburg and the University of the Witwatersrand and aim to provide original social science research, advocacy and implementation support on challenges related to effective government, governance and state society relations. We do this by collaborating with civil society organisations, state and academic institutions.

To achieve its objectives, PARI hosts five thematic programmes – (1) Compact (on publication participation), (2) Energy Transition, (3) Land Governance and Administration, (4) Local Government, and (5) State Reform. These programmes are supported by an Academic Engagement programme, a Communications Unit and an Operations Hub.

PARI seeks to recruit a suitably qualified and experienced candidate as an Advocacy Coordinator and Researcher (full time) for its State Reform Programme. The State Reform Programme within PARI aims to reduce the influence of corruption and patronage on the public administration so that it better serves its democratic mandate. More information about the Programme can be found here.

The successful candidate will support achievement of the State Reform Programme’s strategic objectives and, ideally, should reflect a commitment to PARI’s vision, mission, and values.

The State Reform Programme:

  • provides evidence-based recommendations for reforms and the strengthening of key regulatory and administrative institutions;
  • focuses on reform to the public procurement and appointment systems, and wider professionalisation of the public administration;
  • aims to ensure that questions of institutional reform are appropriately embedded in anti-corruption efforts;
  • advocates for reforms through research and its dissemination, submissions on legislation, participation in government task teams and collaboration with civil society partners to build momentum for change; and
  • contributes to scholarly and wider public discussion on topics such as state capture, public procurement and development, anti-corruption and politics, state capacity, and more.

  

Responsibilities

The Advocacy Coordinator and Researcher will report to the Programme Lead and will:

  • undertake strategic engagement with stakeholders by initiating senior meetings, participation in sector events and collaborations, and building relationships amongst stakeholders in civil society, government, and the research community;
  • coordinate programme related events, including conferences, workshops and webinars, by conceptualising and planning events and maximising stakeholder participation. (Administrative support for events is provided by the Programme Administrator);
  • contribute to strategic communication by writing opinion pieces and occasionally engaging with media;
  • track and analyse changes in policy, legislation, and other developments in the sector;
  • conduct research relevant to the programme.
  • develop (and contribute to the development of) content for the programme, by preparing policy briefs, submissions to government or parliament, and research reports. This includes ‘translating’ complex research/technical material for various public ‘audiences’;
  • participate in the wider PARI research community (seminars, reading groups, etc.);
  • support and mentor interns (usually one intern, at most, in any period).
  • attend and participate in staff meetings, organisational reviews and planning sessions, as well as other meetings that relate to the work of PARI.

Requirements

  • A minimum of an Honours degree or, preferably, a Master’s degree in the social sciences, planning, development studies, journalism or law (regarding the latter, candidates must have an interest in the sociology of law and/or its intersections with the disciplines of social science and public administration), or related fields.
  • Previous work experience in the non-commercial research sector, civil society or public sector.
  • A verifiable track record that demonstrates independent authoring of written outputs, and excellent writing and analytical skills.
  • A track record of having coordinated projects, events, and stakeholder engagements.
  • Curiosity about public bureaucracies and the socio-political context in which they are embedded.
  • Knowledge of the legislative environment that regulates democratic institutions and the public administration (at a high level), and of the policy making environment in South Africa.
  • Able to understand diverse perspectives and the sensitivity of political context, including tone and messaging. i.e. to support relationship building across the state-and-civil society sectors.
  • Proven research skills – especially in qualitative methods.
  • Good presentation skills and previous experience with public speaking (or the willingness to develop public speaking skills).
  • Comfortable with working across a fairly wide range of tasks – from periods of quiet desktop work to periods of substantial stakeholder engagement, and from intellectual engagement to necessary administrative tasks.

Minimum requirements for the post advertised include:

  • A minimum of an Honours degree, preferably a Master’s degree.
  • Fluency in spoken and written English.
  • The ability to communicate ideas and understand and/or translate technical language.
  • Demonstrable facility with the MS Office suite and social media platforms.

Remuneration and conditions of service

  • The post as advertised is a full-time position.
  • Remuneration is market related and will be based on qualifications and experience in relation to PARI’s salary scales.
  • Work will be based in Johannesburg; some hybrid (home office) work will be allowed.
  • Applicants must be willing and able to undertake occasional travel (local, provincial and international).

Application process

  • Please submit your CV and a Letter of Motivation that explains why you are attracted to this position, to PARI’s HR Manager, Joan Cameron, by email to joanc@pari.org.za, no later than 31 August 2024.
  • Your CV should clearly distinguish between periods of work as an employee and work as a consultant/freelancer.
  • Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed in person; will undertake a writing exercise as part of the application process; and may be asked to provide a writing sample prior to the interview.
  • Candidates who are short listed for an interview should ensure they have read the full description of the State Reform Programme prior to being interviewed.
  • Late applications will be disqualified and we reserve the right not to make an appointment.
  • Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Closing date for applications: 31 August 2024

PARI is committed to diversity, inclusion, equity, and transformation. We offer a competitive salary package and preference will be given to historically disadvantaged applicants.

For more information about the work that PARI undertakes, please visit www.pari.org.za

 

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