Human Sciences Research Council

Human Sciences Research Council
Pretoria, South Africa

Position: Research Intern
Housing: Intern must find own housing with the assistance of local staff and the MCGI.
Duration: eight weeks

The Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) of South Africa was established in 1968 to support development nationally, in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and in Africa. It primarily conducts large-scale, policy-relevant, social-scientific projects for public-sector users, non-governmental organizations and international development agencies, in partnership with researchers globally, but specifically in Africa.

One of the key challenges facing all South Africans is to improve the quality of education. This is particularly critical for ensuring that the learning needs of the disadvantaged are met, and for providing pathways for families and communities out of poverty. To contribute to addressing this challenge, the HSRC established the National Education Quality Improvement Initiative (NEQI) in 2006. The primary purpose of NEQI is to support government and other key role-players (teachers, parents, learners, NGOs, donors) to enhance decision-making processes for implementing relevant and effective strategies to improve education quality at all levels of the system. It is a high-level, cross-cutting initiative of the HSRC to contribute to eradicating poverty in South Africa through enhancing informed dialogue and tackling policy challenges to improve education quality in South African schools, particularly for poor and marginalized learners.

Under the guidance of the director of NEQI, the intern will be expected to assist in conducting literature reviews, project planning, classroom observations, teacher and learner interviews, school visits, data analysis and report writing in one or more of the current areas of activity. Current projects focus on the development of an integrated, effective assessment system and a review of the impact of school improvement programs on education transformation.

Qualifications: Excellent writing, research and analysis skills; a background in education, international relations, or international development.

To apply, submit the Universal Application Form by February 27, 2009. All applicants MUST meet with Jale Okay, Director of International Experiential Learning, by February 20, 2009 for a pre-application meeting. Please call the McCulloch Center at x2072 to schedule an appointment. For additional questions, contact Jale Okay.