POSTGRADUATE RESEARCHER
Location: Remote with travel across the Eastern Cape (preferably based in Eastern Cape)
Duration: Part-time, 3 months
Renumeration: Research grant (R40 000)
Languages: English and isiXhosa required
Driver’s license: Required
Qualifications: Master’s or PhD in Anthropology, Sociology, Politics, Development Studies, or any other related field
INSPIRE is recruiting a part-time Researcher to support the Land Matters Project, which investigates issues of land ownership, governance, and community experiences in relation to Independent Power Producers (IPPs) in South Africa. This research contributes to broader efforts to promote equity, justice, and transparency in the renewable energy sector.
The position is ideal for a postgraduate student or early-career researcher passionate about land justice, community agency, and critical development studies. As a support role within INSPIRE’s research team, the researcher will help develop IPP case studies, engage with communities and stakeholders, and contribute to written outputs that inform practice, policy, and learning.
Key Themes of Research for Land Matters
• Ownership, dispossession, and the politics of land
• Consent, resistance, and power asymmetries in IPP processes
• Governance of land in relation to renewable energy and conservation
• Governance structures affecting land access, use, and benefit-sharing
• Community perspectives, historical grievances, and aspirations
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct background research and literature reviews on relevant IPP case studies and land governance in South Africa.
- Collect and collate historic documentation and stakeholder engagement records related to community land matters (ex post documentation).
- Assist in the development of case study frameworks and timelines for data collection and fieldwork.
- Conduct and transcribe interviews, focus groups, and community dialogues (in English and isiXhosa).
- Analyse qualitative data using thematic coding and assist in preparing internal summaries and external research outputs.
- Prepare documentation for internal learning (e.g., project memos, workshop reflections, team learning reports).
- Support the delivery of briefings and presentations for stakeholder engagements and internal INSPIRE learning sessions.
Qualifications and Skills
- Currently pursuing or recently completed a Master’s or PhD in a relevant social science discipline.
- Demonstrated qualitative research skills, including interviews, thematic analysis, and synthesis.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills in both English and isiXhosa.
- Ability to work independently, travel for fieldwork, and manage competing tasks in a fast-paced environment.
- Interest in land justice, community participation, and governance of renewable energy or extractive industries.
- Proficiency in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and familiarity with collaborative tools (e.g., Google Drive, Trello).
Application Process
To apply for this position, please submit the following documents before the 15 June 2025 to anda@inspire-excellence.net:
1. Updated resume/CV highlighting relevant education, skills, and experience.
2. Cover letter expressing your interest in the research intern position and why you believe you are a suitable candidate.
3. A writing sample of your work.
Note: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.
Women, Black South Africans, and individuals from historically excluded groups are strongly encouraged to apply.
