PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

The purpose of this position is to generate and produce research outputs, including peer-reviewed articles, master’s dissertations, PhD theses, conference papers, and peer-reviewed chapters or books. This will be achieved through the incumbent's own research efforts and by supervising master’s and PhD students, utilizing the best available research methods and techniques ethically. The role aims to contribute to a well-functioning research entity and foster the development of competent students and staff members. Additionally, the incumbent will apply for external funding for research projects and provide expertise—through workshops, lectures, and consultations, both online and in person—to other members of the entity involved in multidisciplinary research projects across the three NWU campuses associated with the research entity.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Research:

• Apply for funding in (multidisciplinary) research projects and research grants.
• Conduct research and publish findings in respected national and international journals (IBSS/Scopus/ISI).
• Supervise Master’s and PhD students.
• Initiate and maintain national and international research networks.
• Participate in the evaluation of ethics and research proposals.
• Ensure effective research administration.
• Collaborate with colleagues within the entity where appropriate.

Research leadership:

• Assist the research director (or entity colleagues) and take proactive actions to develop entity members.
• Arrange and present workshops on research methodology based on their expertise for various targeted groups, and on current developments within their field.
• To stay up-to-date with new developments in research methodology and the related field.
• Serve on related research/ethics/integrity committees as directed by the research director.
• Assistance and mentoring with NRF applications.

Teaching and learning:

• At the research director’s discretion, assist specific schools where the incumbent has the knowledge and expertise with a post-graduate module where requested.

Community engagement:

• Work with related communities to promote inclusion and capability, where possible.

• A PhD in Economics / Risk Management / International Trade (NQF level 10). 
• An NRF rating.
• A minimum of five (5) years’ experience of working with the research administration processes.
• A minimum of five (5) years of research experience.
• At least five (5) years of experience in grant applications, with a demonstrated track record of submitted grant applications or funding proposals.
• A minimum of five (5) years of lecturing experience.

• Expert knowledge in a field of the research entity.
• At least 35 peer-reviewed accredited publications, with some published in Q1 and Q2-ranked journals (Scimago) and presented international conference papers or engaged strategic research visits.
• Demonstrable computer literacy and competence in using software programmes for qualitative/quantitative analyses (e.g., JASP, SPSS, MPLUS, R, AMOS, ATLAS.ti).
• Knowledge and experience in research administration.
• Demonstrable presentation skills (for conferences and workshops), networking skills (national and international levels), analytical skills, skills to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team, client and student orientation, and communication skills.

• An output and quality orientation.
• Flexibility and conflict management to work with diverse groups.
• Maturity and drive.
• Mentoring and development of others.