Junior Researcher post (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 GCRO seeks to recruit a highly motivated individual who will work as a Junior Researcher for the Executive Director (ED) and report directly to the ED. The incumbent will perform both executive support and research functions in the ED’s office. The position blends managerial support and research functions enabling the incumbent to gain vital exposure to the strategic and operational management of a research entity as well as attaining appreciable experience in their own research interests. The work will enable the incumbent’s engagement with a wide range of academic, research, government and civil society stakeholders and international partners.

• Assist the ED in fulfilment of his research functions through coordination of research collaborators and/or direct involvement in research;
• Work under supervision on GCRO research projects in conjunction with senior staff aimed at publication in accredited and non-accredited scholarly publications;
• Support the ED on government requests for data, research and policy development;
• Provide executive logistical and administrative support to the ED on his strategic and operational functions;
• Assist the ED in his engagement with academic, research, government and civil society stakeholders and international partners;

The GCRO is a small and energetic team that is looking for an individual with a positive attitude.

The key requirements for this post are:

• 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 urban planning, development studies, social sciences, economics, demographics, urban geography, political studies, public management, or cognate discipline;
• Evidence of research potential through some published work is not essential but is highly recommended;
• Administrative skills are essential for this position;
• Attention to detail and numeracy literacy is required;
• Capacity to work independently, be deadline driven and communicate well (written and verbal);
• Computer literacy is essential (MS Word, Excel, Internet, e-mail);
• Ability to work under pressure and deliver a professional service;
•  High level of competence and organisation skills;
• Ability to work productively and positively in teams.

A Junior Researcher is broadly equivalent to a university Junior Lecturer and a competitive remuneration package at that level is available. The successful candidate will be awarded a five year contract.

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If you have any further queries, please address them to: Executive Director, GCRO, Private Bag 3, Wits 2050 or e-mail 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; and certified copies of your academic qualifications, i.e. degrees/diplomas.

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.