Are you eager to contribute your expertise in futures studies, systemic innovation, and anticipatory governance to a dynamic and influential organisation? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you to join our team as a Futures and Systemic Innovation Researcher at SAIIA.
Position: Futures and Systemic Innovation Researcher (RSFP0723)
Location: Cape Town, South Africa
Contract: One-year contract
Salary: R470k-R580k p.a.
As a Futures and Systemic Innovation Researcher, you will join our SAIIA Futures Programme team and play a vital role in driving our organisation’s strategic foresight agenda. You will have the opportunity to support existing projects and contribute to the application of futures thinking and systems thinking to complex interrelated problems across various fields and disciplines. Additionally, you will work closely with the Programme Head to engage in fundraising activities to secure additional projects that align with our research focus.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Research and Analysis:
- Utilise a range of foresight methodologies, futures thinking frameworks, and systems thinking tools to analyse complex policy problems and generate innovative solutions.
- Apply creative and innovative approaches in conducting research on futures studies, strategic foresight, and systemic change.
- Identify emerging trends, weak signals, and potential disruptors that may shape the future landscape.
- Generate insights and meaning from signals and trends to inform SAIIA’s work and contribute to thought leadership.
Programme Implementation and Coordination:
- Support the design and implementation of projects and initiatives that promote anticipatory governance and systemic innovation.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to develop and implement strategic initiatives aimed at fostering creativity and innovation.
- Facilitate workshops, seminars, and foresight exercises to build capacity and foster collaboration among stakeholders.
- Support the development of innovative interventions based on research findings to address complex challenges.
Stakeholder Engagement and Communication:
- Engage with key stakeholders, policymakers, experts, and thought leaders to gather diverse perspectives and integrate them into policy proposals.
- Contribute to thought leadership through publications, conference presentations, and other communication channels.
- Translate complex research findings into accessible and engaging content for internal and external audiences.
- Contribute to the development of communication strategies that promote creative and innovative approaches to policymaking.
Capacity Building and Collaboration:
- Foster a culture of creativity and innovation within SAIIA by actively participating in brainstorming sessions, idea generation, and knowledge sharing.
- Facilitate training sessions and workshops on futures thinking, systems thinking, and innovative approaches to problem-solving.
- Collaborate with internal and external partners to exchange knowledge and best practices in futures thinking and systemic innovation to address complex adaptive systems challenges.
- Mentor and support junior staff members in developing their skills in creative and innovative thinking.
Other:
- Contribute to the continuous improvement of SAIIA’s futures research programme by staying updated on the latest developments in futures studies, complexity and systems sciences, policy innovation, and related fields.
- Support other relevant activities that promote creativity, innovation, and futures and systems thinking as needed.
QUALIFICATIONS, WORK EXPERIENCE, SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES
Education:
- Minimum of a Master’s degree in futures studies would be preferable, or a relevant field such as sustainable development, environmental studies, international development, management sciences, international relations, behavioural science, development studies, economics, or related area required.
- Completed an advanced degree within the last 3 years.
- Professional registration at the Association for Professional Futurists would be beneficial.
Work Experience:
- A minimum of two years relevant work experience is required.
- Proven content expertise relating to SAIIA Futures Programme research themes, including strategic foresight, systems change and systemic innovation, anticipatory governance applied to climate change/green economy/sustainability transitions, development, economic diplomacy, foreign policy, and governance with relevant examples of publications in futures studies, systems/complexity studies related topics.
- Experience in foresight competencies (framing, scanning, futuring, visioning, designing, adapting) and futures methods such as futures literacy, horizon scanning, systems mapping, causal layered analysis, 2×2 scenario matrix, scenario planning, futures wheel, strategic planning, Three Horizons Framework, action research, stakeholder analysis, and risk analysis.
- Experience in green economy/digital economy/just transitions/TVET/youth skills development/digital economy will be beneficial.
- Prior experience working in a public policy think tank or a research-intensive environment is advantageous.
- Experience in futures, strategic foresight, complex adaptive systems thinking, transdisciplinarity, and action research will be considered favourably.
- Experience in disciplines outside of international development will be considered favourably.
Skills:
- Experience in conducting policy research, with a strong focus on strategic foresight, futures studies, and systemic innovation.
- In-depth knowledge of foresight methodologies, futures thinking frameworks, applied complexity, and systems thinking.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to navigate complex policy landscapes and synthesise information from diverse sources.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex ideas to both technical and non-technical audiences.
- Proficiency in data analysis and visualisation tools is desirable.
- Strong communication and writing skills, including fundraising experience.
- Proficient user of Microsoft Office productivity tools (e.g., Excel, Teams, PowerPoint, Word).
- Familiarity with data and project management tools (e.g., Asana, Zoom, Teams, Google Sheets/Forms, MS SharePoint) is desirable.
- English proficiency is required, and knowledge of another language is an advantage.
To learn more about SAIIA and its research agenda, please visit our website at www.saiia.org.za
Application Process
Candidates for this position must submit a cover letter clearly stating why they believe they are the best candidate for this position and a comprehensive CV with contact details of 3 references to, recruitment@saiia.org.za. Please use the position title and reference number in the subject line: Futures and Systemic Innovation Researcher (RSFP0723).
Applications close on 14 July 2023.
Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.
Please note that only short-listed candidates will be called in for an interview.
Preference will be given to South African citizens and employment equity candidates. SAIIA reserves the right not to make an appointment.