Research Assistant Short‑Term Contract Opportunity (July–December 2026) at Friedrich‑Ebert‑Stiftung South Africa

The Friedrich‑Ebert‑Stiftung (FES) South Africa Office has announced an important short‑term employment opportunity for two skilled Research Assistants to support a major research and community‑engagement initiative focused on the just transition. This role is co‑funded by the European Union and implemented in partnership with SATRI, forming part of FES’s long‑standing commitment to advancing social democracy, gender justice, labour rights, and equitable development across Africa.

FES, headquartered in Germany, has worked for more than 40 years to promote social democratic values such as solidarity, social justice, peace, and security throughout the African continent. Its South Africa Office contributes to this mission through political education, training programmes, public dialogues, action‑oriented research, publications, and policy consultation. The Research Assistant positions form part of this broader strategy to ensure that the voices of workers and communities are meaningfully integrated into national and international conversations on the just transition.

About the Opportunity

The Research Assistant (Short‑Term Contract: July–December 2026) will play a central role in gathering, analysing, and synthesizing information that supports worker‑ and community‑led approaches to the energy transition. The position is flexible and will require travel to Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and KwaZulu‑Natal between July and October 2026 for fieldwork and workshop participation.

This opportunity is ideal for professionals with strong qualitative research skills, experience working with labour or community organisations, and a passion for gender‑just and socially inclusive policy development.

Key Responsibilities

The Research Assistants will support a wide range of research and engagement activities. Tasks include, but are not limited to:

1. Secondary Information Reviews Conducting comprehensive reviews of existing literature, reports, and data related to the just transition, labour rights, gender justice, and community‑based energy transitions.
2. Compilation of Synthesized Thematic Reports Producing structured, well‑analysed thematic reports based on secondary information sources, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and relevance to project objectives.
3. Primary Data Collection and Facilitation Participating in fieldwork activities, including interviews, focus groups, and community workshops across Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and KZN.
4. Documentation of Workshop Outcomes Recording, organising, and synthesizing workshop discussions, findings, and recommendations.
5. Supporting the Translation of Community and Worker Voices Assisting in transforming qualitative insights into gender‑just demands and policy proposals that reflect the lived realities of workers and communities.

Required Qualifications and Experience

Applicants must demonstrate strong academic grounding, practical research experience, and familiarity with labour and community contexts. Requirements include:

• An Honours degree in Social Sciences, Development Studies, Public Policy, Labour Studies, Gender Studies, or related fields (a Master’s degree is an added advantage).
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Proficiency in local South African languages such as Setswana, Sepedi, or isiZulu is highly advantageous.
• At least 3 years of research experience, preferably using qualitative methods such as interviews, focus groups, and case studies.
• 2–3 years of experience in labour environments or working with trade unions, community organisations, or civil society groups.
• A general understanding of the energy transition, gender justice, and labour rights issues.
• Strong analytical, writing, and formal report‑compilation skills.
• Willingness to work flexible hours and travel for fieldwork (no vehicle required).

Compensation

The contract covers 132 working days between July and December 2026. A competitive daily rate will be offered based on the candidate’s experience and qualifications.

FES is an equal‑opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion.

How to Apply

Interested candidates must submit the following:

• A detailed CV including two traceable references
• A short cover letter outlining relevant experience and motivation

Application Deadline: 08 June 2026