Opportunity – researcher

OPPORTUNITY AT SECTION27

Researcher

SECTION27 is a non-profit organisation that uses public interest law and advocacy to protect, promote and advance human rights and social justice. If you are passionate about human rights, self-motivated and would like to be part of a dynamic team working to challenge inequality and positively influence society, joining SECTION27 could be the opportunity you have been looking for.

Our activities include litigation, research, and advocacy to advance and promote the rule of law. We focus on protecting everyone’s right of access to health care services, basic education, and sufficient food, as guaranteed by the Constitution.

SECTION27 seeks to appoint a Researcher, based in Johannesburg.

JOB SPECIFICATION

Qualification

Candidates must possess a strong mix of the following:

• An honours or post-graduate degree in any field will be considered so long as it’s relevance to the position can be demonstrated.
• Studies in the fields of economics, development studies, accounting, finance, law, statistics, public health, or education studies will be advantageous.

Experience

• At least 2 years’ experience in a research related position
• Evidence of written publications outside of formal studies

Knowledge and Skills

• Advanced secondary research skills
• Evidence of ability to produce quality research reports
• Data analysis
• Statistics skills including the use of programmes such as Microsoft Excel
• Good time management and analytical skills
• Good communication and interpersonal skills

Languages

• Fluency in spoken and written English
• Proficiency in one or more indigenous South African languages

Personal attributes

• The ability to take initiative and work independently or in a team
• Self-motivated and a passion for social justice
• Good interpersonal, networking and communication skills

Duties and Responsibilities

Working closely with a Senior Researcher, the responsibilities of the Researcher will include:

• Conducting research on health care and basic education in South Africa, nationally and at provincial level, with a particular focus on the funding of these sectors
• Analyse and undertake advocacy on government budgeting and spending. Key issues include:
  • fiscal policy and its role in advancing equality and socio-economic rights
  • gender responsive budgeting
  • budgeting and spending on public health
  • budgeting and spending on basic education
  • financing National Health Insurance
  • transparency and public participation reforms to the national and provincial budget process
• Develop and contribute to reports, submissions to Parliament and the Executive, internal memos, legal papers, and popular publications
• Lobbying and advocacy of key stakeholders such as Parliament and government departments
• Produce press statements and opinion pieces for the media
• Participate in mainstream and social media advocacy
• Assist with the organisation of events such as in-person workshops and online webinars
• Support SECTION27’s participation in various campaigns and coalitions such as the Budget Justice Coalition and the Imali Yethu Coalition for Open Budgets
• Budget literacy trainings for colleagues, partner organisations and the public

Please forward your curriculum vitae accompanied by a motivation as to why you are interested in and suitable for the position to applications@section27.org.za by 19 November 2021. Late applications will not be considered, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.