The Human and Social Development (HSD) research programme promotes research of the highest quality concerning the social conditions and identity markers that shape people’s life opportunities and promote social cohesion in the midst of ongoing and dynamic change, and alongside the social movements that emerge in response to these challenges.
HSD employs a multi-disciplinary group of humanities and social scientists in Cape Town, Durban and Pretoria.
The priority areas of research currently are: children and youth, families and communities, diversity and social change.
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Fieldwork Positions
Fieldwork Supervisor x 2 REF: HSD FW SUP 05/15
Fieldworkers x 30 REF: HSD FW 05/15
HSD has recently been awarded a project to conduct an Early Childhood Household Stimulation (ECHS) baseline study in four provinces of this country. This study involves administration of household questionnaires and child assessments and measurements in qualifying households in the period of May to July 2015. The Human and Social Development (HSD) research programme seeks to appoint Fieldworkers on a 6 week contract. The fieldworkers will be based in 2 locations in South Africa (namely, Limpopo and Mpumalanga).
Key Responsibilities:
Among other duties, they will participate in the following activities under supervision:
- Participation in the one week training on the administration of the household questionnaire and child assessments;
- Participation in the training on ethical considerations of the study;
- Community scanning of eligible households; Schedule appointment with households;
- Conducting field work in the identified communities;
- Ensuring high quality of data collected (Conduct qualitative checks on data);
- Work in a team;
- Work flexible hours;
- Conduct any other project activities that may be necessary for the effective and productive functioning of the team.
Key Requirements:
- Matric
- Good communication skills in English and local languages;
- Experience in conducting field work in research and the demands of accurate record-keeping;
- The ability to understand unusual and complex tasks;
- Be prepared to adapt to flexible hours and changing requirements within the research project;
- Experience of working with very young children;
- A pleasant and preferably quiet personality – prepared to listen to children patiently, observe them and be firm with them rather than instruct and issue commands;
- Ability to work well under pressure and to meet deadlines.
Preference will be given to applicants who are experienced drivers and in possession of a valid and unendorsed driver’s license; have experience in working with children in a research environment; and are willing to work after hours, over weekends and in communities.
The HSRC offers attractive, market-related packages depending on qualifications and experience. Successful candidate will be required to work a flexible 40-hour week. From time to time the incumbent may be required to work beyond these hours.
In delivering ‘social science that makes a difference’, the Research Programmes of the Human Sciences Research Council initiate and undertake policy-oriented research projects and programmes from its offices in Cape Town, Durban, Pietermaritzburg, Port Elizabeth and Pretoria. Its public-purpose mandate is set out in the Human Sciences Research Council Act of 2008.
How to apply
In your application, please include 1) a letter of motivation indicating the position applied for and your suitability for the position, 2) your current CV, 3) details of three recent referees (with telephone, fax and e-mail contact details). Please indicate the reference number of the post applied for.
Application close on 20 May 2015.
Please submit your application to: recruitment@hsrc.ac.za indicating the job reference number in the subject line.
Via – HSRC