Organisation: The Equality Collective
Location: Remote (South Africa-based) with some travel required
Position Type: Full-time, permanent
Remuneration: Competitive within the non-profit sector
Application Deadline: Sunday, 17 August 2025 (midnight)
About the Equality Collective
The Equality Collective (EC) is a dynamic, community-embedded non-profit organisation based in the Mbhashe Local Municipality, part of the rural Eastern Cape’s Amathole District. EC works to build a just and caring society through innovative models that promote access to justice, collective citizen participation, and the sharing of community-led research and learning. Its current programme focus includes:
- Access to Justice
- Right to Water and Local Governance
- Early Childhood Development
The organisation operates with a deep commitment to rural justice, human rights, responsive governance, and the empowerment of communities through evidence-based advocacy and grassroots leadership.
The Opportunity
EC is seeking a highly motivated, experienced, and strategic Head of Research and Advocacy to lead and expand its research and evidence-based advocacy work. This is a senior-level role ideally suited for someone with a strong research background in the civil society or development sector, a strategic mindset, and an aptitude for working across diverse contexts.
The successful candidate will report to the Director and work collaboratively with the Head of Communications and other programme staff to integrate research into all aspects of EC’s work. This role offers the opportunity to shape a growing organisation’s research agenda and build internal capacity for learning, monitoring, and evaluation.
Key Responsibilities
Research and Advocacy Leadership
- Lead the design and implementation of research projects aligned with EC’s strategic goals.
- Identify knowledge gaps and generate timely, policy-relevant insights.
- Support the production of high-quality outputs including reports, issue briefs, and position papers.
- Guide community-driven research and provide strategic direction for data systems and social audits.
- Translate complex research into accessible formats such as advocacy toolkits, podcasts, webinars, and public articles.
Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning
- Develop and implement internal learning and impact systems.
- Ensure timely reporting and support programme teams in using data for reflection and strategy.
- Promote a culture of continuous learning through peer exchanges and reflective practices.
Stakeholder Engagement and Representation
- Build strong networks with academics, think tanks, policy experts, and civil society actors.
- Represent EC at meetings, forums, and events, locally and nationally, and where possible, internationally.
- Collaborate with the Head of Communications to amplify EC’s research findings and influence public discourse.
Team and Organisational Development
- Co-create work plans and lead the research team in alignment with EC’s values of self-leadership and accountability.
- Mentor junior staff and interns, supporting the development of research and writing capabilities.
- Contribute to a culture of innovation, systems thinking, and mutual empowerment.
- Uphold and enforce compliance with EC’s internal policies and procedures.
Resource Mobilisation
- Support grant proposal development and reporting efforts in collaboration with the Director.
Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate will bring:
- A Master’s degree in social sciences, law, development studies, or a related field.
- At least five years of relevant work experience, including managerial responsibilities and preferably within the NGO sector.
- Strong experience in both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies.
- Deep understanding of one or more thematic areas relevant to EC’s work: human rights, water access, local government, rural development, early childhood development, or public finance.
- Familiarity with the South African political and socio-economic landscape, particularly rural governance.
- Proven ability to manage multi-stakeholder research projects.
- Strong writing, analysis, and communication skills, with the ability to adapt style for varied audiences.
- Experience in developing M&E systems and learning frameworks.
- Capacity for self-management, empathy, strategic thinking, and adaptability in a start-up NGO environment.
Application Process
As part of the application process, applicants will be required to upload:
- A concise, two-page resume or summary CV
- A writing sample authored solely by the applicant
Deadline: All applications must be received by midnight, Sunday 17 August 2025. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted by end of August 2025.
Why Join the Equality Collective?
Joining EC means becoming part of a mission-driven organisation at the intersection of rural justice, research, and collective activism. EC values autonomy, collaborative leadership, and continuous personal and professional growth. If you are passionate about systemic change, data-driven advocacy, and supporting rural communities in exercising their rights, this role offers a rewarding challenge.
