Opportunity: Research & Organisational Development Associate [CLOSED]
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Please note that this position is now closed for applications.
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FULL-TIME FIXED TERM OPPORTUNITY
JOB DESCRIPTION: RESEARCH & ORGANISATIONAL DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATE
TIME-PERIOD: SIX MONTHS, WITH POSSIBILITY OF RENEWAL
LOCATION: JOHANNESBURG
DATE ISSUED: 11 MARCH 2025
APPLICATION DEADLINE: 31 MARCH 2025
OPPORTUNITY STARTING DATE: APRIL/MAY 2025
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Overview
ALT Advisory seeks to appoint a Research and Organisational Development Associate based in our Johannesburg office for a fixed-term period of 6 months, with the possibility of renewal.
About ALT Advisory
ALT Advisory is a public interest advisory firm, based in Johannesburg, South Africa that focuses on public law, information rights, data privacy, emergent technology, and social innovation. We strive to develop fundamental rights and galvanise activism in the information age through effective and innovative public-interest advisory services. We service international and domestic clients and contribute a portion of our income to funding public interest projects and litigation. ALT Advisory works in association with Power & Associates Inc., a public interest law firm registered with the Legal Practice Council of South Africa, to engage in public interest litigation within our practice areas.
About the role
ALT Advisory is seeking an Associate to work across its Advisory and Impact divisions.
The ALT Advisory division conducts human rights-based research and training for a range of domestic, regional, and international clients. We specialise in several practice areas: International Law & Development, Public Law & Policy, Information Rights & Data Governance, AI & Emergent Technology, Equality & Inclusion, and Climate Justice & Sustainability. This requires an individual with a strong understanding of and interest in human rights issues in the modern age, excellent research and writing skills, and the ability to maintain strict deadlines in a client-oriented manner.
The ALT Impact division provides consulting services to non-profit organisations and social enterprises on operational elements that enable them to be more effective and impactful. This focuses primarily on strategy development, fundraising, and Learning & Impact (M&E) support. This requires an individual with strong strategic thinking skills, an understanding of the local and international funding environment for social justice, human rights, and/or social innovation work, and strong project management skills.
Key responsibilities
Research responsibilities:
- Draft high-quality research reports, toolkits, concept documents, working papers, and other deliverables in one or more of ALT Advisory’s practice areas;
- Conduct stakeholder consultation processes using a variety of tools and methods, and other qualitative and quantitative research;
- Participate in the development and implementation of advocacy strategies at the domestic, regional, and international levels; and
- Monitor, document and analyse legal, political, social, and technological policy developments in domestic and regional public and private sectors relating to human rights and technology.
Organisational Development responsibilities:
- Research funding opportunities and identify relevant funders for public interest organisations;
- Draft compelling funding proposals, concept notes, strategy documents, and other materials for non-profit and social enterprise clients;
- Support strategic planning processes and develop comprehensive organisational strategies;
- Design and implement impact evaluations and monitoring, evaluation, and learning frameworks to track and evaluate organisational impact;
- Advise funders and corporate social responsibility (CSR) stakeholders on maximising impact and strategic grantmaking approaches;
- Maintain and improve internal databases and tools that support organisational development work; and
- Assist with organisational development and staff training.
Key competencies
- Excellent research, policy analysis and writing skills.
- Strong project management, communication, and public engagement skills.
- Expertise and experience in at least one or more of ALT Advisory’s practice areas.
- Awareness of public policy and human rights developments in Africa.
- Commitment to promoting fundamental rights and supporting the work of non-profits, social enterprises, and regional and multilateral institutions seeking to advance the public interest.
- Strong understanding of organisational development principles and practices.
- Ability to work well under pressure, independently, and with others.
- Ability to work remotely and meet strict deadlines.
- Commitment to contributing to and maintaining a respectful, kind, and teamwork-oriented work environment.
- Ability to communicate fluently in English. Fluency in other languages is advantageous.
- Service-oriented, problem-solving attitude.
Required experience
- 2-4 years’ relevant work experience.
- Possession of a Bachelor’s degree in international relations, political science, law, economics, or other relevant social science.
- Experience in one of the ALT Advisory division’s practice areas.
- Experience in a management consulting/similar environment and/or in Monitoring & Evaluation.
- Experience in development, policy analysis, commissioned research, and/or training.
- Demonstrable interest in the development of information communications technologies as well as related public policy and human rights developments.
- Familiarity with and interest in the field of public law and information rights, particularly in the areas of freedom of expression, access to information, and privacy.
- Ability and willingness to travel.
Preferred experience
- Possession of a Master’s or equivalent post-graduate degree in a relevant social science.
- Work experience in domestic, regional, and international human rights and/or social justice movements, either in research, policy development, advocacy, or operational roles.
- Experience in developing and implementing monitoring and evaluation frameworks.
This is a unique opportunity to work across both technical/substantive and operational areas in the social impact sector and is well-suited to an individual who is keen to build and grow new areas of work. While strong candidates may have more experience in either research or organisational development, we are looking for individuals who demonstrate clear potential and genuine interest in developing their capabilities across both areas.
Salary and benefits
ALT Advisory seeks exceptional applicants and offers competitive compensation commensurate with experience. Our benefits include medical aid and the ability to work flexible working hours.
Compensation for this role will be calculated based on a total annual cost to company of R450,000-R540,000, including benefits, depending on experience.
Time-period
The Associate will be contracted for six months, with the possibility of renewal depending on available resources and capacity needs.
Commitment to diversity
We do not discriminate in our hiring practices and actively seek a diverse applicant pool. We encourage candidates of all abilities, ages, gender identities and expressions, national origins, races and ethnicities, religious beliefs, and sexual orientations. We welcome all kinds of diversity. ALT Advisory is an equal-opportunity employer, and we encourage applications from previously disadvantaged persons. Unfortunately, we are unable to assist with residency or visa applications and the applicant must have the right to be based and work in South Africa.
How to apply
To apply for this position, please e-mail a motivational letter detailing your suitability for this opportunity, your CV with two contactable references, and copies of your qualifications to Jessie Rashid at [email protected]. Applications close on 31 March 2025.
Please include “RESEARCH AND ORGANISATIONAL DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATE: YOUR NAME” in the subject line of the e-mail.
If you have not been contacted by 14 April 2025 please consider your application unsuccessful.
We are not in a position to engage with recruitment agencies for this position and we reserve the right not to fill this position.
We look forward to hearing from you!
