Vacancies
(Researcher) Senior Researcher: Global Economic Governance
Full-Time
Johannesburg
Download Job Specification
Closing date 22 May 2026 (We will review applications on a rolling basis and invite suitable candidates for interviews as applications are received)
Location Johannesburg, South Africa
Type Three-year contract
Working hours Full-time
To apply Complete this form

Queries can be sent to applications@iej.org.za, but no applications will be accepted by email.

JOB PURPOSE

The Researcher / Senior Researcher position will contribute to the Institute for Economic Justice’s (IEJ) Global Economic Governance (GEG) programme, with a focus on international financial architecture. The role combines high-level research, policy development, stakeholder engagement, and advocacy, supporting IEJ’s work to advance progressive economic transformation in South Africa, Africa, and globally. The successful candidate will engage with national, regional, and global policy processes (including the G20, African Union, and BRICS), contributing to IEJ’s efforts to advance a more just international financial architecture.

This role offers the opportunity to work at the intersection of research, policy, and advocacy on some of the most pressing issues in global economic governance, contributing to real-time policy debates and outcomes.

ABOUT YOU

  • You are a committed and analytically strong researcher with a demonstrated interest in international financial governance and economic justice.
  • You have a clear interest in economic justice and structural reform, and are comfortable taking positions in contested policy spaces.
  • You are comfortable working across research, advocacy, and stakeholder engagement, and are able to translate complex analysis into clear, accessible, and policy-relevant outputs.
  • You are collaborative, organised, and able to work independently, while contributing meaningfully to a team-oriented environment.
  • You are comfortable working in fast-paced, policy-relevant environments, including responding to emerging issues and producing high-quality outputs under tight timelines.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

Research 

  • Lead and produce high-quality, policy-relevant research outputs and publications
  • Coordinate research outputs across IEJ teams
  • Commission and oversee research from consultants
  • Develop accessible policy briefs and summary materials

Advocacy 

  • Support and implement advocacy strategies with government and civil society partners
  • Lead the development of policy proposals based on research findings
  • Engage with media (including radio and television)
  • Produce and oversee advocacy materials

Strategic contributions 

  • Contribute to the strategic direction of the GEG programme
  • Support IEJ’s broader organisational and programmatic priorities
  • Engage in high-level policy debates and forums

Mentoring

  • Mentor and support junior researchers
  • Review and strengthen research outputs from team members and consultants
  • Contribute to building internal research capacity

Project management and donor relations

  • Support project planning, implementation, and reporting
  • Contribute to budget preparation and management
  • Assist in drafting donor proposals and reports

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

Required skills and experience include:

  • PhD (for Senior Researcher) or Master’s degree (for Researcher) in Economics, Development Studies, Finance, Public Administration, Sociology, or a related field
  • Strong research experience in international financial issues, including:
    • International tax
    • Sovereign debt
    • International financial institutions
    • Payment systems
  • Demonstrated ability to produce rigorous policy-relevant research and translate complex analysis into clear, actionable outputs
  • Experience contributing to policy development, advocacy or public policy debates
  • Experience engaging with policy processes, stakeholders, or institutions at the national, regional, or international level (e.g. government, multilateral institutions, or civil society networks)
  • Experience in stakeholder engagement and project coordination
  • Strong interpersonal and networking abilities
  • Excellent writing, analytical, with the ability to communicate effectively across technical and non-technical audiences
  • High level of organisational skills, attention to detail and ability to manage competing priorities
  • Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative and team-oriented environment 
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office and statistical tools such as Stata and/or R
  • A clear commitment to progressive economic transformation in South Africa and Africa

ABOUT THE PROJECT

The Global Economic Governance (GEG) Project focuses on reforming the international financial architecture to support equitable and sustainable development. The Project engages with global processes, including the G20, the African Union, BRICS, and works with partners across government, civil society, and labour to advance progressive alternatives on issues such as debt, taxation, and financial regulation.

CONTRACT

3-year fixed-term contract, renewable based on funding.

SALARY (TCTC)

Senior Researcher: R916 321 – R1 145 401

Researcher: R687 241 – R859 051

LOCATION

The position is based in Johannesburg, with flexibility for remote work and travel as required. Shortlisted candidates may be required to complete a short written assessment or submit relevant writing samples.

The IEJ is committed to gender and racial equity and transformation and will consider this when reviewing applications.

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