About the Organisation
Amnesty International South Africa (AISA) is a national human rights entity that is part of a global human rights movement, established to address national human rights priorities as well as create the possibility for people in South Africa to join Amnesty International’s global human rights campaigns. Our mission in South Africa is to address pertinent national human rights issues through research and campaigning, and to empower South Africans to take action on issues that matter to them through AI’s international human rights movement; and to leverage South Africa’s influence regionally and globally to promote human rights domestically, bilaterally and internationally.
About the Job
As Amnesty International’s Researcher and lead expert on South Africa, you will drive the development and delivery of a comprehensive, evidence-based research strategy aligned with AISA’s strategic priorities and overall theory of change.
This role is responsible for producing timely, accurate, independent and impartial research; ensuring full compliance with Amnesty’s research and quality assurance standards; overseeing effective research management; and delivering robust analysis and credible evidence to inform reactive, ongoing and emerging areas of work.
Key Responsibilities
Lead on the development, implementation and delivery of a relevant and high-impact research strategy based on agreed priorities in South Africa.
Be proactive in gathering of information, evidence and data around human rights violations in South Africa and produce it in a format to allow it to be utilised by the campaigns, media, growth and fundraising teams.
Monitor, research, investigate and analyse human rights-related developments in order to provide timely, accurate, independent and impartial assessments and expert advice on the human rights situation that is relevant to South Africa.
Organise, take part in and lead in field and remote research, leading specifically on information-gathering, fact-finding, analysis and assessment of human rights concerns, including in response to crisis situations.
Prepare, where necessary, security assessments, political and other briefings in relation to the travel and meetings for management, research teams and internal or external stakeholders; and represent AISA in the field.
Where agreed, represent AISA with external stakeholders, including in governmental, inter-governmental and at various public forums, as well as to all forms of news media, civil society organisations and political, economic and other actors; and to communicate AISA’s concerns, positions and, where relevant, campaign strategies to external and internal stakeholders.
Develop and maintain effective constituencies of public and confidential contacts and partners in and outside the organisation - such as human rights activists, members of legal and other professions, UN agencies and governmental representatives - to optimise information gathering and verification and the development and implementation of effective strategies and plans.
Timeously write research outputs, including reports and policy briefs, and develop other research-based materials for publication and internal use and contribute to, and provide expert advice, in relation to written and other materials produced by other members of the AISA team.
Manage AISA research projects and oversee the research work carried out by partners and university chapters as appropriate.
Requirements
A Degree in Social Sciences, Law, Economics, Development, Human Rights or any other related fields.
Honours or Masters’ Degree a definite advantage
At least five years of experience in working in a similar position.
In depth knowledge of the international human rights legal framework and proven experience of undertaking research on human rights, including economic, social and cultural rights or related issues and producing research outputs.
Specialist knowledge of South Africa and an in-depth understanding of the nature of key human rights concerns, as well as historical, political, social, legal, economic, cultural, ethnic, racial and gender issues in them.
Experience of conducting qualitative research including experience of interviewing and dealing in an appropriate manner with witnesses and survivors of human rights violations, as well as with senior government officials, policy makers, and law enforcement officials.
Familiarity with interdisciplinary research methods, including quantitative methods and use of participatory approaches, methodologies and tools when working with rights holders, partners, AISA staff/activists and others is an advantage.
Ability to analyse large sets of data and information and draw relevant conclusions related to human rights concerns according to international law and standards.
Ability to exercise good political judgment, thorough analysis and diplomacy to develop effective strategies to impact on human rights in South Africa and globally.
An ability to understand and express ideas in English in a fluent, clear and concise way, both orally and in writing is essential [and, where applicable, other relevant languages is advantageous].
Proven experience of writing research materials for a variety of audiences, together with an understanding of the importance of tailoring materials for various target audiences including through digital channels, including for example substantial reports, policy briefs, government correspondence, presentations at national and international conferences and media and action materials.
Ability to work to tight deadlines, with experience of managing conflicting demands, meeting deadlines and adjusting priorities.
A commitment to adherence with Amnesty’s quality assurance processes.
To apply
In order to apply, email your application by Monday 09th March 2026 to melissa@actionappointments.co.za - send your completed AA bio form, letter of motivation and updated CV (all in MS Word format).
