Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung South Africa Opens Applications for Research Assistant Positions on Just Transition Project – Apply By 8 June 2026 @Ebert-Stiftung South Africa Opens Applications for Research Assistant Positions on Just Transition Project – Apply By 8 June 2026

Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung South Africa Office has announced new short-term contract opportunities for experienced Research Assistants to support a major just transition research initiative being implemented in partnership with SATRI and co-funded by the European Union.

The positions, which will run from July to December 2026, are aimed at supporting research and community engagement activities focused on labour rights, energy transition, and gender justice in South Africa. The organization is seeking two Research Assistants to work on a flexible basis across multiple provinces, including Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and KwaZulu-Natal.

Applications for the positions close on June 8, 2026.

Research Project Focuses on Just Energy Transition and Worker Voices

According to Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES), the project seeks to amplify the voices of workers and communities affected by South Africa’s energy transition while contributing to the development of gender-just policy proposals and labour-centered transition strategies.

The selected candidates will assist with fieldwork, data collection, workshop facilitation, and thematic research linked to union and worker-led transition models both locally and internationally.

The organization stated that the project represents an important effort to ensure communities and workers remain central in conversations surrounding climate change, energy reform, and economic transformation.

Key Responsibilities for Research Assistants

The successful candidates will support a range of research and stakeholder engagement activities throughout the contract period.

Responsibilities will include:

• Conducting secondary information reviews
• Compiling thematic research reports
• Participating in primary field research
• Facilitating workshops and focus group discussions
• Documenting workshop findings and outcomes
• Supporting translation of community perspectives into policy recommendations
• Assisting with gender-just labour and transition proposals

FES indicated that fieldwork will take place on a flexible schedule between July and October 2026, requiring travel to targeted provinces.

Academic Qualifications and Experience Requirements

The organization is seeking candidates with strong academic and practical research backgrounds, particularly in social and development-related fields.

Applicants are required to possess:

• An Honours degree in:
  • Social Sciences
  • Development Studies
  • Public Policy
  • Labour Studies
  • Gender Studies
  • Or related disciplines

FES noted that a Master’s degree would provide an added advantage during the selection process.

In addition, candidates should demonstrate:

• At least three years of research experience
• Strong qualitative research skills
• Experience with interviews, focus groups, and case studies
• Familiarity with labour unions, civil society, or community organizations
• Understanding of labour rights and energy transition issues
• Strong report writing and analytical abilities

Local Language Skills Considered an Advantage

The organization emphasized that strong English communication skills are mandatory for the role. However, applicants with proficiency in local South African languages such as:

• Setswana
• Sepedi
• isiZulu

will be considered highly advantageous due to the community engagement nature of the assignment.

Candidates must also demonstrate willingness to travel and work flexible hours during field activities.

Compensation and Working Arrangements

According to FES South Africa, the positions will cover approximately 132 working days over the six-month assignment period. Successful candidates will receive a competitive daily rate based on their qualifications and professional experience.

The organization clarified that applicants do not require a personal vehicle for the role.

FES Reaffirms Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung reiterated its commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity employment. The organization stated that it welcomes applications from candidates of diverse backgrounds and remains committed to creating equitable opportunities within its programmes and operations.

FES has worked across Africa for more than four decades promoting social democracy, labour rights, peacebuilding, social justice, and inclusive development through political education, research, training programmes, and policy dialogue initiatives.

Application Process and Deadline

Interested applicants are required to submit:

• A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• A short cover letter outlining:
  • Relevant experience
  • Motivation for applying
• Two traceable references

Applications should be emailed to:
Usithandile.Zikalala(at)fes.de

Applicants are also required to copy:
leratom(at)satri.org.za

The deadline for applications is June 8, 2026.

About Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung

Headquartered in Germany, Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung is an independent, private, and non-profit organization committed to advancing social democratic values globally. The organization has maintained a strong presence in Africa for over 40 years, supporting initiatives focused on social justice, labour rights, democratic governance, peace, and sustainable development.

The South Africa office operates within the broader FES Africa Strategy and collaborates with local and international partners on research, advocacy, and public policy initiatives.

VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY

For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel

Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding