Research and Communication Assistant

JOB DESCRIPTION

While job descriptions provide the framework for the key tasks within each job, a flexible and supportive staff approach is encouraged and valued.

Role: Research and Communication Assistant

Reports to: Senior Programme Advisor

Place of work: African Monitor (AM) office, Cape Town

Contract type: 12 months, fixed-term (renewal subject to funding)

Working time: 32 hours per week (0.8 FTE)

Remuneration: To be discussed with the successful candidate.

Background and Introduction

African Monitor seeks to hire a Research and Communication Assistant to support the organisation’s research, communication and knowledge-management activities under its evidence-based policymaking work.

African Monitor is implementing a project aimed at “Enhancing inclusive and participatory mechanisms for Evidence-Based Policymaking in South Africa”. The project focuses on strengthening inclusive and participatory approaches to policymaking, particularly by integrating gender equality and social inclusion (GESI) into the Socio-Economic Impact Assessment System (SEIAS), promoting the use of citizen-generated data (CGD) and fostering multi-stakeholder dialogues that inform evidence-based policy.

Job Description Summary

The Research and Communication Assistant will provide research, event and communication support to AM's programmes. The role specifically supports the delivery of gender-sensitive, multi-stakeholder approaches that strengthen the policymaking process.

Key Performance Areas1. Research and event support

· Provide research support for events and dialogues, including background research to frame discussions and issue papers on gender and development priority topics in South Africa.

· Support the convening of events, including stakeholder outreach, logistics, and the drafting of minutes and reports.

· Facilitate civil society organisation (CSO) participation in multi-stakeholder dialogues convened by AM and its partners.

· Track relevant policy processes, publications and developments, and flag those of significance to the programme.

2. Stakeholder and partnership support

· Maintain up-to-date contact databases of CSO, government and partner stakeholders.

· Support partner communication and follow-up, including invitations, confirmations and feedback.

3. Communication

· Develop communication materials, including press releases, newsletters and short briefs.

· Maintain the AM website and social media platforms, creating and curating engaging content posts, visuals and other media that communicates AM's activities and relevant national and global developments.

· Support the development of the organisation's annual report.

· Ensure that donors’ partnership and financial support are appropriately acknowledged in accordance with their protocols across all relevant project communications and outputs, including publications, social media and press releases.

· Maintain a photo, media and publication archive of AM's events and activities.

4. Reporting and administration

· Contribute to donor and programme reports by drafting activity summaries and collating supporting evidence.

· Maintain accurate records of research outputs, event documentation and communication products on the shared drive.

· Undertake other reasonable duties consistent with the level and purpose of the role, as agreed with the Senior Programme Advisor.

Key RequirementsQualifications

· An undergraduate degree in the social sciences, economics, development studies, communications or a related field. An honours degree is an advantage.

Experience

· A minimum of two years' experience in research and communication.

· Experience producing research and evidence for advocacy purposes.

· Experience supporting advocacy work by providing key information to advocacy specialists.

· Solid working knowledge of gender and development issues.

· Understanding of national, regional and global development frameworks, including the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the African Union’s Agenda 2063, and South Africa’s National Development Plan and Medium-Term Development Plan.

· Understanding of the National Policy Framework for Women’s Empowerment and Gender Equality.

Skills and Competencies

· Strong analytical and conceptual skills.

· Proven written and oral communication skills.

· Ability to assess priorities and work well under pressure.

· Ability to establish and maintain working relationships inside and outside the organisation.

Desirable

· Familiarity with South African policy processes and civil society networks.

· Working knowledge of website content management (e.g. WordPress) and social media design and scheduling tools (e.g. Canva).

Organisation and Culture

· Upholds AM's values and culture.

· Own performance is reviewed in line with AM's procedures.

· Contributes to team building.

How to Apply

· Submit a CV and a one-page motivation letter to [accounts@africanmonitor.org] by 17:00 SAST on 26 September 2026. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

· Applicants must have the right to work in South Africa.

· African Monitor is an equal opportunity employer; preference will be given to candidates from designated groups.

· Personal information submitted will be processed in line with POPIA and used only for this recruitment.

Pay: From R15 000,00 per month

Work Location: In person