Junior Researcher (Wits University level AC09)

The Gauteng City-Region Observatory (GCRO) is a research centre set up as a partnership between the University of Johannesburg (UJ), the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg (Wits), the Gauteng Provincial Government, and organised local government in Gauteng (SALGA-Gauteng). The GCRO’s mission is to build the knowledge base that government, business, labour, civil society and residents all need to develop a functionally integrated, spatially coherent, economically competitive, environmentally sustainable and socially inclusive Gauteng City-Region. We undertake research ourselves and in partnership with others, collect data and use it to benchmark the region locally and internationally, and provide policy support to government, working to the highest academic standards.
The Inclusive Economies Research Programme (IERP) is a joint initiative of the Gauteng City-Region Observatory (GCRO) and the Gauteng Provincial Government (GPG). It seeks to develop and implement a research agenda that enhances the understanding of the city-region’s economy and enable effective policies and strategies for inclusive economic growth and development. The programme specifically focuses on research and policy relevant analysis on high growth sectors; the region’s economic geography; optimal future growth paths and constraints to these; and on government’s own economic interventions, all with a view to exploring options for and obstacles to greater economic inclusivity.

• Contribute to the development of a comprehensive Inclusive Economies Research Programme.
• Participate as a GCRO IERP team member to support the implementation of the programme’s defined research projects.
• Organise regular meetings with IERP stakeholders to maintain regular contact.
• Draft meeting minutes and reports on the progress of the IERP.
• Assist with drafting of terms of references and assist with the management of short term appointments (on a     consultancy basis) to supplement existing capacity and/or address urgent research needs.
• Contribute to analysis, research and quantitative and qualitative surveys on inclusive economic development.
• Work in collaboration with a range of research entities, locally and internationally, in pursuit of the programme’s     objectives.
• Participate in the effective dissemination of the team’s output to stakeholders and society.
• Undertake academic research and publish in academic journals or books.

   
We are looking for (selection criteria):

• Applicants with a Master’s qualification, or in exceptional cases an Honour’s with considerable relevant experience     and evidence of progress towards attaining a Master’s degree in Economics, Social Sciences, Urban Planning and/or     related fields.
• A candidate with some applied work experience in research in inclusive economic development, regional economic     development and/or related disciplines.
• Evidence of an appropriate mix of peer reviewed scholarly output and other research outputs.
• A candidate with qualitative and quantitative data analysis skills will be at an advantage.
• Ability to engage with a wide range of academic, research, government and civil society stakeholders.
• Applicants must have good communication and presentation skills.

 
A Junior Researcher is broadly equivalent to a university Junior Lecturer and a competitive remuneration package at the level of a Junior Lecturer is available. The successful candidate will be given a five year contract, renewable.

If you have any further queries, please address them to: The Executive Director, GCRO, Private Bag 3, Wits 2050 or e- mailed to info@gcro.ac.za.

To apply, submit a covering letter addressing the selection criteria specifically; a detailed CV with names, addresses, contact numbers and email addresses of 3 referees willing to provide references; certified copies of your academic qualifications, i.e. degrees; and an example of written/published work.

The University is committed to employment equity. Preference may be given to appointable applicants from the underrepresented designated groups in terms of the relevant employment equity plans and policies of the University. The University retains the right to verify all information provided by candidates.

Please note that correspondence will only be entered into with shortlisted candidates. The University and GCRO reserves the right not to make an appointment or to re-advertise.

Closing date for applications: close of business on 28 June 2024.