Position Title: Research Officer, Children's Institute

Requisition ID: 890

Department: Faculty of Health Sciences

City: Cape Town

Research Officer

3-year Contract)

CHILDREN’S INSTITUTE

DEPARTMENT OF PAEDIATRICS & CHILD HEALTH

FACULTY OF HEALTH SCIENCES

The Children’s Institute (CI) is an accredited research unit located in the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Cape Town. The CI is proactively engaged in addressing the challenges facing children in South Africa through interdisciplinary and child-centred research, advocacy and education. We combine the rigour of academic enquiry and the energy of civil society activism to explore the tensions between policy, practice and children’s lived realities; and to promote the design and implementation of laws and services that enable all children to thrive. The broad thematic areas of our work are:

• Monitoring advancement of children’s rights

• Reducing poverty and inequality

• Protecting children from violence

• Enhancing health and development

• Promoting children’s voice and agency

• Securing futures for children

We seek a highly motivated and competent Research Officer to join our vibrant interdisciplinary team on a full-time, 3-year contract. The appointee will contribute to the core areas of our work and be based at the CI offices, UCT Sawkins Road campus. More about the CI can be found at https://ci.uct.ac.za/

Requirements for the job:

Masters degree in public health, health sciences, psychology, social sciences or related discipline
Fluency in at least one additional South African language
Demonstrable experience in conducting primary and secondary research
Evidence of prior research publications and presentations at scientific conferences, including as lead author, suitable to career stage
At least 3 years of non-degree related experience conducting social sciences or health research in low-resource settings, including field work with vulnerable groups.
Demonstrable knowledge and/or experience in any of the following areas: maternal and child health, early childhood development, childhood disability, children’s participation (voice and agency), social sciences, violence against women and children, health systems and policy, implementation science, public health.
Some experience in teaching and training at university, practitioner development, or community levels
Strong verbal and written communication skills
The ability to work both independently and experience working as part of multi- and/or interdisciplinary research teams
An uncompromising attitude to meeting deadlines without sacrificing quality and possess a high level of honesty and integrity in managing research data.
Experience in project management, including management of project funds and staff

The following will be advantageous:

Experience in developing research policy briefs and other similar communication materials
Experience in teaching / training and/or postgraduate supervision
Management of research grants including reporting to funders
Previous experience with international, multi-partner research collaborations

Experience in using research evidence to influence policy and practice
Driver’s licence

Responsibilities:

Carry out and lead/co-lead research projects linked to the CI’s mission and the core interdisciplinary research focus areas for the unit.
Assist in the identification of research funding opportunities, development of grant proposals and reporting to funders, with support from the CI director and senior research staff.

Quantitative and/or qualitative data collection, including fieldwork, data management and analysis
Translate research findings into journal articles, presentations, research/policy briefs, training materials, technical submissions or publications, including for the South African Child Gauge
Assist with organising and facilitating workshops and other dissemination and engagement activities
Contribute to teaching through student supervision, seminars and support with courses/ workshops/training offered by the Unit
Assist with supervision and mentorship of more junior staff, interns and students
Work with the PIs and administrators to ensure the smooth running of research tasks
Participate in CI organisational administrative and strategic processes

Travel to conduct field work or attend collaboration and dissemination meetings and/or conferences

For detailed information on this post, please view the job description on the following link: (view)

The annual remuneration package for 2024, including benefits is between R673 775 and R901 517.

To apply, click the "apply" button to create a candidate profile and to submit your application.

Please complete/attach the following to your profile before submitting your application:

Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Motivational letter that speaks to the requirements of the position
Three current referee names which must include their title and name, position details, relationship to you, their e-mail address and telephone number. (at least 2 academic referees)
At least two (2) examples of written or published work (preferably as lead author). Degree-related research dissertations/theses/reports permissible.
Certified copy of ID, or passport and work permit or permanent residence in South Africa, and a valid driver’s license
Certified copies of academic transcripts and qualification certificates

An application which does not comply with the above requirements will be regarded as incomplete.

Any enquiries around the application process to be addressed to Ms Tracy Moore at tracy.moore@uct.ac.za or 021 650 5405.

Closing date: 5 January 2025

Website: www.ci.uct.ac.za

Reference number: ID890

UCT is a designated employer and is committed to the pursuit of excellence, diversity and redress in achieving its equity targets in accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets. Preference will be given to candidates from the under-represented designated groups. Our Employment Equity Policy is available at https://uct.ac.za/media/9482.

UCT reserves the right not to appoint.