GCRO Researcher: Inclusive Economies (Wits University level AC08)

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.

• Actively contribute to the conception and delivery of research projects on inclusive economic development.
• Contribute to the development of the Inclusive Economies Research Programme in close consultation with the IERP’s Joint Steering Committee (GPG and GCRO) and the GCRO’s Management Committee.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.
• Draft 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.Support the drafting of policy proposals and/or co-production on inclusive economic development with provincial and/or local government.
• Contribute to the effective dissemination of the team’s output to stakeholders and society at large via media, social media, and dialogues.
• Undertake academic research and publish in academic journals and books.
• Build local and international profile for the programme and its outputs, for example through projection of findings into conferences and other forums, and/or through engaging in selected international comparative research projects.

We are looking for (selection criteria):

• Applicant with a Master’s degree or PhD or registered for PhD.
• A candidate substantially involved in research in inclusive economic development, regional economic development and/or related disciplines over three years.
• Applicants must have at least two peer reviewed journal articles or book chapters.
• Applicants with experience of translating research into public policy.
• A candidate with significant quantitative data/statistical analysis will be at an advantage.
• Ability to engage at a high level with a wide range of academic, research, government, and civil society stakeholders.
• Applicants must have excellent communication and presentation skills.

Generic

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.