Executive Manager: BRICS and Research

The NIHSS invites applications from suitably qualified candidates for the position of Executive Manager: BRICS and Research. Established on 5 December 2013, the NIHSS is an independent statutorybody under the Higher Education Act (Act 101 of 1997). Its mandate is to advance and coordinate scholarship, research and ethical practice in the humanities and social sciences (HSS). The NIHSS was created to develop the institutional framework for an envisioned higher-education institute in HSS and to enhance and support the humanities and social sciences in South Africa and beyond, advising government and civil society on HSS-related matters. In line with its vision to contribute significantly to dynamism of the Humanities and Social Sciences, the NIHSS drives innovation in HSS research and education through Catalytic Projects that deal with the gap between theory and practice, and are geared to strengthen South Africa as an intellectual citizen within global knowledge systems. Executive Manager: BRICS and Research (Ref: NIHSS/EMBR/2026) • Salary: R 1 282 731,26 per annum, CTC (SMS Level 15) Job Purpose • Provide strategic leadership, direction, administration and management of the academic functioning in the BRICS and Research portfolio of The National Institute for the Humanities and Social Sciences. This ultimately includes defining South African intellectual stature in international scholarly communities and in terms of science impact on society. Key Responsibilities: • 1. Responsible for the management of the research programme and scholarly networks of the Academic Programme of the NIHSS: This will, inter alia, entail the following: • Provide strategic direction and management of the academic functions of the Academic Programme: with special focus on research, scholarly conversations, and scholarly outputs • Collaborate with the various academic portfolios to achieve the vision of the Institute. • Provide oversight and leadership over the activities of the Programme Coordinators. • Participate in and coordinate high level engagements emanating from the functioning and activities of each of the Programme Coordinators. • Work closely with the Finance department regarding the portfolio budget and payments of project leaders. • Cooperate with auditing services as required. • Work closely with the Human Resources department to ensure good working relations in the portfolio. • Initiate dialogues/ roundtables/ seminars with stakeholders. • Establish annual lectures and public debates in critical areas of the H&SS. • Establish centres of excellence through humanities hubs. • Develop concept documents/ notes for the various activities of the Programme. • Represent the Institute at project leaders’ events sponsored by the Institute. • Coordinate co- hosting of seminars/ conferences with project leaders and other stakeholders. • Monitor and evaluate the performance of the Academic Programme: Research. • Chair or facilitate Operational Meetings to strengthen the Programme. • Serve on the Management Committee and contribute to the development and execution of strategic decisions. • Develop relationships with other agencies and academia to ensure institutional visibility. • Where the Institute funds a research course, issue calls for proposals/ applications. • Chair panel evaluation meetings to review proposals and applications. • Participate in the adjudicating processes of the Institute • Write & submit monthly & quarterly reports. • Develop key messages for the CEO with regards to performance of the Programme. • Assist the CEO with initiatives in recognition of the H&SS in SA. • Execute any other task as directed by the CEO. 2. Maintain currency in own research and or teaching area. This will, inter alia, entail the following: • Develop own independent research programme that should be evidenced by publications and presentations. • Host seminars and conferences. • Publish in peer reviewed accredited journals. • Maintain own professional registration. 3. Act as a dynamic broker between the worlds of knowledge and policy action on behalf of South Africa (through entities such as the South African BRICS Think Tank): • Ensure successful delivery of all Key Performance Indicators pertaining to a chosen international research agenda (NIHSS works closely with the BRICS mandate currently) • Monitor existing BRICS cluster projects. • Ensure the publication of the BRICS publication • Distill the scholarship derived from the BRICS Think Tank on behalf of South Africa • Coordinate enabling support to SABTT forums. Minimum Educational and Experience Requirements: • PhD in HSS field• A good scholarship profile in a specific discipline or area of HSS – as shown through publications • 5 years experience in University research and administration or similar environment • Experience in Academic/ International cooperation initiatives – where processing research is part of core business • Managing research teams • Desirable • PhD in HSS field and at Senior Lecturer level• Approximately 8 year’s extensive management experience in University environment • Exposure to the Applied Research field • Public Service knowledge. • Knowledge • Private Sector or Public Sector experience • Higher Education policies, processes and procedures • Demonstrated understanding of the complexity of the fields in the HSS areas• International Relations• Interaction in international/local forums • Significant exposure to African educational affairs• Protocol procedures, and processes involved in concluding agreements. Skills • Strong analytical skills • Strong leadership skills • Diplomacy • Budgetary skills• Management• Teamwork• Well- developed organisation and planning skills• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing• Report writing• Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously• Political sensitivity• Project Management• Problem solving skills• Excellent interpersonal skills • Driving skills • People Management • Ability to work under pressure • Attention to detail • Initiative • High level of professionalism and sound judgment. Reporting Lines The Executive Manager BRICS and Research will be reporting to the CEO Appointment Terms Permanent (on-site) The successful candidate will be required to enter into a performance agreement, and all appointments are subject to security vetting, qualification verification and other screening procedures. Head Office in Parktown, Johannesburg (Gauteng). Application Process Submit a single PDF file containing a cover letter (motivating suitability for the role), detailed CV and certified copies of qualifications and ID to [email protected], with the subject line “Executive Manager: BRICS & Research” (Ref:NIHSS/EMBR/2026)”. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. Shortlisted candidates will be required to submit certified documents and will undergo security clearance. Closing Date: 07 August 2026 Enquiries: Petros Mashaba at 011 480 2336 NIHSS is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to the principles of employment equity and transformation. Preference will be given to suitably qualified candidates from designated groups (including women and people with disabilities) in accordance with NIHSS’s Employment Equity Plan and national equity targets. Correspondence will be limited to shortlisted candidates. If you have not heard from us within eight weeks of the closing date, please accept that your application was unsuccessful. The NIHSS reserves the right to proceed with any appointment.