The Institute for Economic Justice (IEJ) has opened applications for the highly impactful Researcher / Senior Researcher: Global Economic Governance position in Johannesburg, South Africa. This exciting opportunity is designed for experienced researchers and policy professionals who are passionate about economic justice, international financial reform, and progressive transformation across Africa and the world.
The position offers successful candidates the chance to work directly on some of the world’s most pressing economic governance issues, including sovereign debt, international taxation, financial regulation, payment systems, and global economic reform. Professionals selected for this role will engage with influential institutions and policy processes such as the G20, African Union (AU), BRICS, governments, civil society organizations, and global financial institutions.
This full-time role is offered under a three-year renewable contract and provides competitive salary packages for both Researcher and Senior Researcher levels.
About the Institute for Economic Justice (IEJ)
The Institute for Economic Justice (IEJ) is a South African policy and research organization focused on advancing economic justice, social equity, and progressive policy reform. Through research, advocacy, and stakeholder engagement, the organization works to transform economic systems in South Africa, across Africa, and internationally.
The IEJ collaborates with governments, labour organizations, civil society groups, and international institutions to advocate for fair and sustainable economic systems that support inclusive development.
The Global Economic Governance (GEG) programme specifically focuses on reforming the international financial architecture to promote equitable development outcomes.
Opportunity Overview
Position Title
Researcher / Senior Researcher: Global Economic Governance
Organization
Institute for Economic Justice (IEJ)
Location
Johannesburg, South Africa
Employment Type
Full-time
Contract Duration
Three-year fixed-term contract (renewable depending on funding)
Application Deadline
22 May 2026
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, meaning shortlisted candidates may be contacted before the official closing date.
Salary Structure
The position offers highly competitive salary packages depending on the level of appointment.
Senior Researcher Salary
- R916,321 – R1,145,401 annually
Researcher Salary
- R687,241 – R859,051 annually
These salary ranges reflect the high-level expertise expected from applicants and the strategic importance of the role within the organization.
About the Global Economic Governance (GEG) Project
The Global Economic Governance Project aims to reform the international financial architecture to support equitable and sustainable economic development globally.
The project works on critical issues such as:
- Sovereign debt reform
- International taxation
- Financial regulation
- Reform of international financial institutions
- Global payment systems
- Progressive economic alternatives
The project engages with major global and regional policy platforms including:
- The G20
- The African Union (AU)
- BRICS
- Governments and policymakers
- Labour organizations
- Civil society networks
- Multilateral institutions
This role places successful candidates at the center of global policy debates and economic transformation efforts.
Key Responsibilities of the Position
The selected candidate will work across research, policy development, advocacy, stakeholder engagement, and project management.
1. Research Responsibilities
Successful candidates will:
- Lead and produce high-quality policy-relevant research
- Develop publications and analytical reports
- Coordinate research outputs across IEJ teams
- Commission and supervise consultant research
- Prepare policy briefs and accessible summaries
- Translate technical economic analysis into practical policy recommendations
2. Advocacy Responsibilities
The role includes significant advocacy engagement such as:
- Supporting advocacy strategies with government and civil society partners
- Developing evidence-based policy proposals
- Participating in public policy debates
- Engaging with media platforms including television and radio
- Producing advocacy and communication materials
3. Strategic Contributions
Candidates will also:
- Contribute to the strategic direction of the GEG programme
- Participate in high-level policy forums
- Support IEJ’s wider organizational priorities
- Contribute to policy discussions at national, regional, and global levels
4. Mentorship and Capacity Building
The position includes leadership and mentorship functions:
- Mentoring junior researchers
- Reviewing and improving research outputs
- Supporting internal research capacity development
- Guiding consultants and junior staff
5. Project Management and Donor Relations
The successful candidate will help:
- Plan and implement projects
- Prepare and manage budgets
- Draft donor proposals and technical reports
- Support project monitoring and reporting activities
Required Skills and Experience
To qualify for the position, applicants must demonstrate strong academic, analytical, and policy engagement skills.
Academic Qualifications
Applicants should possess:
- A PhD for the Senior Researcher position
OR - A Master’s degree for the Researcher position
Relevant fields include:
- Economics
- Development Studies
- Finance
- Public Administration
- Sociology
- Related disciplines
Technical Expertise Required
The IEJ is seeking candidates with expertise in:
- International tax systems
- Sovereign debt governance
- International financial institutions
- Payment systems
- Global financial governance
- Economic policy analysis
Essential Professional Skills
Applicants should demonstrate:
- Strong analytical and writing abilities
- Ability to communicate technical ideas clearly
- Experience in policy engagement and advocacy
- Stakeholder management and networking skills
- Organizational and project coordination abilities
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively
- Experience managing competing priorities under tight deadlines
Software and Technical Competencies
Candidates should be proficient in:
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Statistical software such as:
- Stata
- R
What IEJ is Looking For in Candidates
According to the organization, ideal candidates are:
- Passionate about economic justice
- Comfortable working in contested policy environments
- Skilled at combining research with advocacy
- Able to engage effectively with policymakers and stakeholders
- Comfortable in fast-paced policy environments
- Interested in structural economic reform
- Committed to progressive transformation in South Africa and Africa
Work Environment and Flexibility
The role is based in Johannesburg, South Africa, but the organization offers:
- Flexibility for remote work
- Opportunities for travel
- Exposure to international policy discussions and networks
Shortlisted applicants may also be asked to:
- Complete a written assessment
- Submit writing samples
Diversity and Equity Commitment
The Institute for Economic Justice has stated its commitment to:
- Gender equity
- Racial equity
- Organizational transformation
These considerations will form part of the recruitment and selection process.
Why This Opportunity Matters
This role is ideal for professionals who want to:
- Influence global economic policy
- Work on international financial reform
- Engage with institutions such as BRICS and the G20
- Contribute to African economic transformation
- Shape real-world policy outcomes
- Build expertise in international financial governance
The position combines academic research with practical advocacy, making it particularly valuable for candidates seeking meaningful policy impact.
How to Apply
Applicants are required to complete the official application form provided by the Institute for Economic Justice.
Applications sent by email will not be accepted.
Official Application and Information Links
Applicants are encouraged to apply early because the organization reviews applications on a rolling basis.
Learn More
- For more information about this opportunity, Click here
- More global Job opportunities for youth, visit the OFY website: Click here
