Job vacancy: Research Director,  Research ICT Africa

Location: Cape Town, South Africa (hybrid)

Do you want to be at the pulse of digital policy in Africa? Do you want to contribute to an organisation that conducts innovative research as an evidence base for policymakers to ensure digital inclusion and contribute to sustainable development? Do you want to leverage your expertise to lead research programmes with a pioneering African think tank? 

Research ICT Africa (RIA) is seeking a Research Director to lead our research strategy and oversee research teams working to deliver evidence that informs policy actions to redress digital inequality and enable data justice in Africa. We require a candidate who will excel in leading teams to the timely delivery of research targets, taking our research to policy action, representing us in public forums and effectively communicating our mission and achievements to diverse stakeholders. Your ability to engage with donors, foster meaningful relationships, and secure funding will be instrumental in sustaining our research endeavours while providing intellectual leadership within the organisation. If you’re a dynamic leader with a proven track record of success, fueled by a passion for advancing knowledge and driving positive change, we invite you to join us in shaping the forefront of discovery and influence for digital governance, policy and regulation.

Organisation Profile

Research ICT Africa (RIA) conducts research on digital policy and regulation, emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), and global digital and data governance. Our mission is to facilitate evidence-based policymaking for improved access, use and application of digital and data-driven technologies for sustainable development in Africa and the Global South.

Key Responsibilities

You will direct and lead RIA’s research agenda, research teams and strategies for growing and sustaining research impact, while ensuring that research complies with relevant laws and the highest ethical and quality standards.  You will contribute your expertise and insights to inform strategic management at the organisational level and participate in developing, implementing and evaluating RIA’s organisational strategic plan.

Main Duties

• Work with the Executive Director to develop and lead the organisation’s overall research strategy and agenda, including programmatic priorities. 

• Identify emerging trends and critical policy issues in the African digital landscape and translate them into research priorities that shape positive digital outcomes for Africa.

• Guide the design and conceptualisation of key research projects and provide quality control and oversight of research outputs.

• Review and approve research proposals and publications.

• Mobilise researchers to conduct high-impact public interest research and technical assistance projects for evidence-based digital policy and regulation.

• Work with the Communications head to design and implement policy engagement and communications strategies for disseminating research findings to diverse national and international audiences.

• Work with the Operations Director to ensure that all research project management, project reporting, project governance and management reporting is attended to on time and to the satisfaction of the Operations Director and Executive Director.

• Secure competitive external funding for large-scale multi-year research projects in research areas commensurate with those of RIA.

• Manage research budgets at the organisational level.

• Cultivate strong relationships with policymakers, academics, civil society organisations, and the private sector. 

• Represent RIA on high-level panels and boards and at global policy and academic conferences and events.

Qualification and Experience

• Strong academic background (PhD required), with experience leading and publishing research (i.e. intellectual leadership)

• At least five years in a research leadership role at an entity of comparable scale, function, and/or complexity (non-profit, public, private, or tertiary sector)

• At least ten years of experience overseeing research data analyses

• Strong research skills and research management experience

• Experience leading large research projects

• Strong foundations in digital and data policy and public interest research

• Knowledge and experience in development and policy work using quantitative and qualitative research methods

• Record of winning funding proposals and bids

• Record of publication in digital and data policy-related areas

• Demonstrable research-to-policy influence (working in or with governments and multilateral agencies) 

• Professional experience in the Global South

• Keen understanding of the African digital and data landscape

• Established networks within African policy and research communities

• Proven working relations with international development/donor agencies/governments

• Practical policy or regulatory experience — advantage

• Excellent public communication and speaking skills

• Strong writing skills

Attributes

• Well-regarded and respected amongst peers, policymakers, and donors

• Visionary and strategic thinker

• Passionate about contributing to Africa’s digital transformation

• Professional maturity and generosity as a mentor to other researchers

• Strong intellectual curiosity and rigour

• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills

• Ability to work as part of a distributed team and manage multiple priorities and tight deadlines

• Exposure to different cultures and nationalities

• Diversity and conflict management experience

• Highly organised and detail oriented

• Results-oriented and able to work under pressure

• Strong ethical standards and integrity

How to apply 

To apply for the position of Research Director, please submit the following documents as a single PDF file:

1. Motivation letter outlining your suitability for the role

2. Curriculum Vitae (CV) including three contactable references

3. List of publications

Submit your application to:  info@researchictafrica.net with the subject line: Application: Research Director

Closing date for applications: 30 May 2025

Start date: As soon as possible.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. We particularly encourage applications from women and black Africans as we support positive discrimination on the grounds of race and gender to redress historical imbalances of the past and to achieve equity in the processes of recruitment. Non-South African applicants need valid work authorisation for employment in South Africa.

RIA offers a competitive remuneration package depending on the level of experience.