The Institute for Security Studies (ISS) is recruiting a Researcher for its dynamic African Futures and Innovation (AFI) Programme (2-Year Contract): Apply Now!!

August 6, 2025

4 minutes read

The Institute for Security Studies (ISS) is recruiting a Researcher for its dynamic African Futures and Innovation (AFI) Programme (2-Year Contract): Apply Now!!

The Institute for Security Studies (ISS) is recruiting a Researcher for its dynamic African Futures and Innovation (AFI) Programme (2-Year Contract): Apply Now!!. Apply Now for the Researcher Position at the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) within the African Futures and Innovation (AFI) Programme. This 2-year contract role offers a unique opportunity to shape Africa’s long-term development through data-driven research, policy foresight, and quantitative modelling. If you have a background in economics, statistics, or policy research and are passionate about sustainable development, don’t miss this chance to make a real impact.

Background & Job Description

The Institute for Security Studies (ISS), a pan-African policy research institute renowned for its commitment to human security and sustainable development, is inviting applications for a Researcher position within its African Futures and Innovation (AFI) Programme.

The AFI programme provides rigorous, forward-looking research to guide policymakers and development actors in shaping Africa’s future. This is achieved through advanced trend analysis, scenario building, and data modelling, particularly using the International Futures (IFs) forecasting system developed by the Pardee Center.

The successful candidate will be based in Pretoria and will work closely with a team of multidisciplinary researchers to deliver evidence-based insights across key sectors including health, education, governance, environment, agriculture, economics, and security.

This position is ideal for early-to-mid career professionals with a quantitative background and a passion for applying data and policy research to Africa’s long-term challenges. The position is for a 2-year contract with the possibility of renewal depending on performance.

Tasks

As a Researcher in the African Futures and Innovation programme, you will undertake the following responsibilities:

Research & Data Analysis

Conduct quantitative forecasting and scenario development using the International Futures (IFs) modelling tool.
Analyze data across sectors such as population dynamics, economic growth, education access, environmental sustainability, and conflict trends.
Translate forecasts into strategic insights to inform policy options and intervention priorities for African countries and regions.

Policy Engagement & Publications

Produce high-quality policy briefs, reports, and academic papers tailored to development stakeholders.
Present findings to government ministries, regional bodies, international development agencies, and civil society actors.
Contribute to country and regional profiles on the AFI online platform to inform public discourse and policymaking.

Collaboration & Visibility

Represent ISS at regional forums, policy roundtables, webinars, and technical workshops.
Build and sustain networks with government officials, donors, researchers, and other relevant stakeholders.
Ensure ISS’s research findings are visible, accessible, and relevant to Africa’s most pressing development challenges.

Strategic Support

Identify emerging trends and opportunities for foresight research.
Provide peer reviews and contribute to internal monitoring and evaluation systems.
Support the development of concept notes, proposals, and donor reporting.

Qualifications

Education and Certification

A Master’s degree in economics, statistics, international development, or a closely related discipline is required.
A PhD is preferred and will be a strong advantage, especially with a research focus on African development.
Demonstrated training in quantitative research methodologies, data modelling, or foresight tools is essential.

Experience

Proven experience in policy research, academic research, or development programming with a focus on Africa.
Previous work in public policy institutions, think tanks, international organisations, or government ministries is highly valued.
Experience using or familiarity with the International Futures (IFs) system or similar modelling tools (e.g., STATA, R, Python) is highly desirable.
Strong analytical writing and communication skills, with the ability to produce outputs for both technical and non-technical audiences.
Comfortable working in interdisciplinary teams and managing multiple workstreams simultaneously.

Additional Information

Preferred Competencies

Proficiency in French is a strong asset and will enhance engagement with Francophone stakeholders.
Self-motivated, with the ability to meet deadlines independently and respond quickly to evolving research priorities.
Strong interpersonal and networking skills, particularly in multicultural environments.

Contract Terms

Position Type: Full-time, 2-year contract
Location: Pretoria, South Africa (on-site work required)
Probation Period: 3 months
Salary: Competitive and aligned with experience and qualifications (exact figures not disclosed)
Renewal: Renewable based on performance and availability of funds
Inclusion & Equity: Female applicants and candidates from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.

Application Instructions

To apply for this prestigious role and help shape Africa’s long-term development strategy, please submit your application to:

Email: pretoriajobs@issafrica.org
Subject Line: Application – Researcher, AFI Programme
Deadline: 30 September 2025

Application Requirements:

A cover letter outlining your motivation and alignment with the role
A comprehensive CV with contact details of at least three referees
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted

Why You Should Apply

Joining ISS’s African Futures and Innovation programme is more than just a job – it’s a unique opportunity to:

Influence Africa’s development planning using data and foresight
Work alongside leading researchers and policymakers
Be part of a mission-driven, pan-African institution
Gain professional experience in evidence-based policy, data analysis, and scenario modelling

Call to Action

If you are driven by a desire to turn data into meaningful policy, passionate about sustainable development in Africa, and have the right academic and professional qualifications, then this role is tailor-made for you. Apply now and be part of a forward-thinking team building Africa’s future with insight and innovation.

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Disclaimer

This is a third-party job advertisement published by Research Jobs Hub. We are not affiliated with the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) or any related organization. We do not influence the recruitment process or guarantee placement.

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