Sexual Violence Research Initiative (SVRI)
Introducing the SVRI
The Sexual Violence Research Initiative (SVRI) is the largest global network for advancing research on violence against women (VAW), violence against children (VAC) and other forms of violence driven by gender inequality. The SVRI brings together a diverse group of actors aiming to achieve a world free of violence against women and violence against children through innovative responses and prevention programmes informed by evidence, with a focus on low and middle-income countries (LMIC).
The SVRI is seeking a dynamic and experienced Research Director to guide SVRIs work on research and capacity building on violence against women and child sexual violence and other forms of violence driven by gender inequality in low- and middle-income countries. The Research Director will play a central role in helping the SVRI to strengthen research on VAW and VAC in LMICs, by driving the organization’s research capacity strengthening efforts, advocating for research efforts to be guided by existing research gaps and priorities, fostering and strengthening research collaborations in line with feminist principles, supporting and strengthening the SVRI team in relation to research and evidence building, and ensuring the dissemination of critical research findings globally through strategic communications. This role requires a strategic thinker with strong leadership skills, a deep understanding of research methodologies, and a commitment to decolonisation and localisation through advancing knowledge in the field of violence prevention and response in low- and middle-income countries. The position reports to SVRIs Executive Director.
Key Responsibilities:
- Research Strategy and Advocacy: Develop and implement a comprehensive research and evidence building strategy – beyond SVRIs grant making efforts – focused on strengthening and indigenising research capacity on VAW and CSV in LMICs. Advocate for research efforts to address existing gaps and priorities in the field, with a particular emphasis on research done in partnership, led by researchers in LMICs, embedded in feminist principles and that addresses intersectionality. In doing so the Research Director will work closely with SVRIs Grants and Global Advocacy Directors and SVRIs Executive Director.
- Research Capacity Strengthening: Lead SVRI’s efforts to strengthen research capacity among partners and stakeholders working on VAW and CSV in LMICs. Provide technical assistance, training, and mentorship to build the skills and knowledge necessary for impactful research. As needed, support the SVRI Grant Director in providing capacity strengthening, technical assistance and support to SVRI Research Grant partners. Manage, expand and strengthen SVRI’s Online Training Platform.
- Collaboration and Partnership Building: Cultivate and maintain strategic partnerships with researchers, institutions, NGOs, governments, policy makers and other stakeholders to enhance collaboration and knowledge-sharing. Foster research collaborations grounded in feminist principles and inclusive of diverse perspectives.
- Team Support and Strengthening: Support and strengthen the SVRI team on research, evidence-building, and knowledge dissemination activities related to VAW and CSV. Provide guidance, mentorship, and resources to empower team members to excel in their roles.
- Knowledge Dissemination: Ensure the global dissemination of critical research findings on VAW and CSV through strategic communication channels, including publications, conferences, webinars, and social media. Translate research findings into actionable recommendations for policy, practice, and programming. Engage in and lead critical conversations on evidence building on VAW and CSV in LMICs.
- Monitoring and Evaluation: Develop and implement systems for monitoring and evaluating the impact of SVRI’s research priority setting, dissemination and capacity strengthening activities as well as guiding SVRI Forum programme priorities and needs. Collect and analyze data to measure progress and inform strategic decision-making.
- Fundraising
Qualifications and experience:
- Advanced degree (Ph.D. or equivalent) in a relevant field such as public health, social sciences, gender studies, or related disciplines.
- Minimum of 10 years of experience in research leadership roles, preferably with a focus on VAW, CSV, or related areas in LMICs.
- Expert knowledge of VAW and/or CSV and a proven track record of conducting and publishing high-quality research on VAW and / or CSV in peer-reviewed journals and how to translate these findings for non-academic audiences.
- Strong understanding of research methodologies, including quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods approaches, with a commitment to feminist research principles.
- Demonstrated skills and experience in research capacity building along with solid understanding of theories, methods and approaches.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
- Strategic thinking, problem-solving abilities, and a commitment to advancing gender equality and social justice.
- Experience with fundraising and expertise as evidenced by previous experience of mobilising resources.
- Expert knowledge of English.
- Desirable: Expert knowledge of French or Spanish.
Salary Range
Depending on experience and expertise, annual earning will range between $80,000.00 and $90,000.00. If based in South Africa, the successful applicant will be paid in South African Rands.
Location
This position can be remote, with required travel to in-person meetings to fulfil the duties of the position as listed above. Office space is available in Pretoria and Cape Town should the candidate prefer to work onsite.
How to Apply
We appreciate the interest shown by previous applicants; however, we kindly ask that those who applied during the initial round do not reapply. Please note only shortlisted candidates will be contacte
