Research Coordinator – Africa Youth Portal and Research Project

Location: Johannesburg, South Africa
Contract: 12-Month Fixed-Term
Reports to: Head of Youth Programme
Salary: R420 000 – R480 000 per annum

About SAIIA

The South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) is an independent, non-profit public policy think tank dedicated to leveraging rigorous research and policy engagement to advance a well-governed, peaceful, economically sustainable and globally engaged Africa. For over nine decades, SAIIA has been at the forefront of shaping policy debates on Africa's international relations, governance, and economic development. Through its Youth@SAIIA programme, the Institute empowers young Africans (ages 13–25) to participate actively in shaping their communities and the continent’s future.

About the Role
The South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) is seeking a skilled Research Coordinator to manage the Africa Youth Portal and Research Project, an exciting initiative advancing youth-led research, knowledge sharing, and capacity building across Africa. You will lead research coordination, editorial oversight, and programme delivery ensuring quality outputs, meaningful youth engagement, and strong dissemination impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate and review youth-led and commissioned research outputs.
• Edit policy briefs, reports, and articles for accuracy, quality, and accessibility.
• Manage training workshops, mentoring activities, and youth engagement events.
• Support the Youth Steering Committee and maintain communications with participants and mentors.
• Oversee timelines, budgets, donor compliance, and reporting requirements.
• Collaborate with web and communications teams to publish content on the Africa Youth Portal.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Political Science, International Relations, Development Studies, Sociology, Journalism, Economics, or related field.
• Minimum 3-5 years’ experience in research or programme management within a think tank, NGO, or academic environment.
• Proven editing and publication record (policy briefs, reports, or journal articles)

Policy-Oriented Outputs, experience producing or contributing to policy briefs, working papers, and regional/continental youth policy reports.

Academic Publications, at least 1–2 peer-reviewed journal articles in relevant thematic areas.

Research Outputs, authorship of donor-commissioned studies or reports, and presentation of papers at African or global youth policy forums

Editorial Experience, proven ability to edit or co-author multi-author publications and manage online research or knowledge content.

Knowledge Dissemination, contributions to blogs, opinion pieces, and capacity-building materials such as toolkits or training manuals.

• Demonstrated experience coordinating multi-stakeholder or youth-focused projects.
• Strong organisational, communication, and mentoring skills. 

Desirable Skills

• Knowledge of African youth policy and research ecosystems.
• Experience facilitating workshops or mentorship programmes.
• Familiarity with digital publishing platforms and donor reporting. 

Core Competencies

• Excellent writing, editing, and verbal communication.
• Ability to mentor young researchers with empathy and professionalism.
• Strong intercultural and team collaboration skills.
• Detail-oriented, with a commitment to research excellence.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a comprehensive CV with a cover letter as one document, and three references when applying on the SAIIA website https://saiia.org.za/work-with-us/ by 7 November 2025.

Why Join SAIIA?
You’ll play a key role in empowering young African researchers, fostering thought leadership, and supporting innovative knowledge platforms.

Preference will be given to South African citizens and employment equity candidates.
SAIIA reserves the right not to make an appointment.

Contact information

Shannon Gard