FULL-TIME SENIOR RESEARCH OFFICER, Gender, Health and Justice Research Unit (GHJRU),
Division of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences.
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A. THE CONTEXT
The GHJRU undertakes interdisciplinary, progressive research in the area of women’s rights. Our
work crosses the boundaries of law, mental health, public health and the social sciences. We use
our empirical results to inform policy and the law and to advocate for social justice. Our aim is to
improve access to health and justice services for victims of gender-based violence through
research, evidence-based advocacy, teaching, training and consultancy services.
B. THE RESEARCH PROJECTS THAT THE SENIOR RESEARCH OFFICER WILL BE INVOLVED IN
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Gender-Based Violence Prevention Messages in Schools (UBS Optimus)
Conflicting Laws on Sexual and Reproductive Rights for Children (FORD)
Sexual Offences Monitoring Project Year Three (OSF)
Other projects as directed by the Director of the Unit.
C. THE POST
This is a full-time post based at the GHJRU , located with the Division of Forensic Medicine and
Toxicology, Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences.
D. ROLE OF THE INCUMBENT
The Senior Researcher will conduct research within Unit. This will include completing projects
mentioned above, and developing new projects and collaborations.
E. JOB DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE:
Senior Research Officer
AREA:
Gender, Health and Justice Research Unit
REPORTS TO:
Director, GHJRU
JOB PURPOSE:
The researcher has responsibility for the conceptualisation, management and execution of
research project(s) as directed by the Director of the GHJRU.
a) Project-Related Duties
The main purpose of this position is:
 Project and financial management of the study, including financial reporting to the donor
organisations (with the Unit’s Director).
 Supervision of data collection.
 Compilation and analysis of the data.
 Writing of research reports.
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Supervision of junior research staff and interns.
Activities relating to the development and execution of training for health care
professionals and other criminal justice role-players in the Western Cape on research
findings and relevant legislation.
Drafting of funding proposals for Unit projects, and assisting the Director with fundraising.
b) General Duties
As a Senior Researcher at the Gender, Health and Justice Research Unit, the incumbent will be
responsible for assisting the Director with:
 Conceptualising and producing research proposals.
 Designing research tools and/or instrumentation.
 Data management and collection (including fieldwork across South Africa).
 Data analysis and report writing.
 Peer reviewed publications.
 Reviewing research protocols, findings or papers.
 Translating research findings into policy or reports for public benefit if relevant.
 External training of criminal justice or public health personnel on legislative reform related
to the Unit’s areas of expertise, including the Domestic Violence Act and Sexual Offences
Act
KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS:
Specific Key Performance Indicators are set out in Annexure A.
CHARACTERISTICS OF INCUMBENT:
Desirable personal attributes and competencies
The ability to work in a team, foster co-operation between team members, build team
spirit, and manage people and co-ordinate their involvement in projects.
The ability to be innovative, to look for creative solutions to difficult problems, to seek and
propose new opportunities to enhance effectiveness.
The ability to effect appropriate leadership in the attainment of goals and objectives,
express opinions in a constructive and assertive way, sharing information and encouraging
feedback.
The ability to think analytically and independently and aggressively tackle new challenges,
breaking down complex tasks into manageable parts in a systematic way.
Qualification
Minimum PhD Degree in Relevant Discipline (Social Justice disciplines preferred)
Skills and Abilities
Excellent research and writing skills (including academic journal writing)
Excellent presentation skills
Excellent skills in developing and maintaining productive collaborations
Good understanding of capacity development within the South African context
Experience with developing research proposals, including ethics clearance processes
Experience reviewing research
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Experience with managing donor-funded projects, including financial management
Experience with project-based fundraising, including excellent grant-writing skills.
Experience with research-based advocacy activities.
Experience with student supervision would be advantageous.
Experience
3-5 Years research experience in gender-based violence, policy implementation and the law.
The following would be advantageous
Concentration/qualifications in Forensic Sciences and/or Public Policy.
Concentration/qualification in Research Methods.
Proven track record as a consultant in the field of gender-based violence and evaluation.
Afrikaans/Xhosa language skills.
Publications
At least 5 scholarly and technical publications
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Appendix A: Specific Job Duties
Senior Research Officer (GHJRU)
1) Project management
% of
time
spent
30%
2) Data compilation and analysis
30%
3) Reporting
10%
Writing financial and narrative reports to
donor organisation(s); narrative report to UCT
research ethics committee
Financial and descriptive reports
Writing skills; financial
skills
4) Supervision of junior researchers and
interns
5%
Supervising and assisting junior researcher
who helps with the data analysis and write-up
of the data
Skills development for junior researcher
5) Liaison with the relevant government
departments and stakeholders
10%
Planning of workshops for health care
workers and criminal justice personnel
6) Development of (and assistance with)
the development of funding proposal
15%
Meetings with National and Provincial
Departments of Justice, Health (or other
departments as required). National and
Provincial Gender Justice Committee to
discuss training needs; developing budgets;
and possibly police officials
Research; writing of funding proposal; liaison
with donor organisations
Qualitative and
quantitative research
skills; staff management
skills
Research skills and
medico-legal knowledge;
financial and negotiating
skills
Key Performance Areas
FHS_FMT_GHJRU_SRO_JD_March12.docx
Activities / Objectives / Tasks
Results / Outcomes
Competencies
Planning and execution of tasks as set out in
the research proposal; carrying out fieldwork
and analysis; financial administration of the
project; liaison with UCT research office and
financial officer
Data entry into database and analysis of data
Execution of specific research tasks and
activities as per the research proposal;
documentation of processes for UCT and
donor organisations
Project management skills;
research skills;
interpersonal skills;
knowledge of UCT systems
Identification of themes and challenges
Qualitative and
quantitative research skills
Funding proposal
Research skills; writing
skills
March 23, 2012
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