The Research Assistant Short‑Term Contract Opportunity at Friedrich‑Ebert‑Stiftung South Africa is a unique chance for young professionals to contribute to a major research and community-engagement initiative focused on the just transition, with a deadline of June 08, 2026. This opportunity is ideal for individuals who are passionate about social democracy, gender justice, labour rights, and equitable development across Africa. By applying for this position, candidates will have the chance to work with a renowned organization and gain valuable experience in research and community engagement.
About the Opportunity
The Friedrich‑Ebert‑Stiftung (FES) South Africa Office has announced this short-term employment opportunity for two skilled Research Assistants to support a major research and community-engagement initiative focused on the just transition, which is co-funded by the European Union and implemented in partnership with SATRI. FES, headquartered in Germany, has worked for more than 40 years to promote social democratic values such as solidarity, social justice, peace, and security throughout the African continent. The organization’s South Africa Office contributes to this mission through political education, training programmes, public dialogues, action-oriented research, publications, and policy consultation, making this opportunity a significant chance for Africans to be part of a broader strategy to advance social democracy and equitable development.
The Research Assistant positions form part of this broader strategy to ensure that the voices of workers and communities are meaningfully integrated into national and international conversations on the just transition. This initiative is crucial for Africans as it focuses on the just transition, which is a critical issue for the continent, given the need to balance economic development with environmental sustainability and social justice. By supporting worker- and community-led approaches to the energy transition, the Research Assistants will play a central role in gathering, analysing, and synthesizing information that supports the just transition, making this opportunity a valuable chance for young professionals to contribute to a critical issue affecting the continent.
The FES’s long-standing commitment to advancing social democracy, gender justice, labour rights, and equitable development across Africa makes this opportunity a unique chance for Africans to be part of a renowned organization that has been working tirelessly to promote social democratic values throughout the continent. The organization’s partnership with SATRI and co-funding from the European Union demonstrate the significance of this initiative and the importance of collaboration in advancing social democracy and equitable development. By working with FES, the Research Assistants will have the chance to be part of a team that is dedicated to promoting social justice, peace, and security throughout the African continent.
Who Can Apply
The Research Assistant Short‑Term Contract Opportunity at Friedrich‑Ebert‑Stiftung South Africa is open to professional and skilled individuals who are passionate about social democracy, gender justice, labour rights, and equitable development across Africa.
- Applicants must have a strong academic background in a relevant field, such as social sciences, economics, or environmental studies, with a focus on research and analysis.
- Candidates must have excellent research and analytical skills, with the ability to gather, analyse, and synthesize information that supports worker- and community-led approaches to the energy transition.
- Applicants must have experience in community engagement and participation, with a strong understanding of the just transition and its implications for workers and communities in Africa.
- Candidates must be flexible and willing to travel to Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and KwaZulu-Natal between July and October 2026 for fieldwork and workshop participation.
- Applicants must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders, including workers, communities, and partners.
What You Will Gain
By applying for the Research Assistant Short‑Term Contract Opportunity at Friedrich‑Ebert‑Stiftung South Africa, candidates will have the chance to gain valuable experience in research and community engagement, as well as contribute to a critical issue affecting the continent.
- Research Assistants will have the chance to work with a renowned organization that has been promoting social democratic values throughout the African continent for over 40 years.
- Candidates will gain experience in research and analysis, community engagement, and participation, with a focus on the just transition and its implications for workers and communities in Africa.
- Applicants will have the opportunity to travel to Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and KwaZulu-Natal between July and October 2026 for fieldwork and workshop participation, gaining valuable experience in community engagement and participation.
- Research Assistants will be part of a team that is dedicated to promoting social justice, peace, and security throughout the African continent, making this opportunity a unique chance to contribute to a critical issue affecting the continent.
- Candidates will have the chance to develop their skills in research, analysis, and community engagement, with a focus on the just transition, making this opportunity a valuable chance for young professionals to advance their careers.
Application Deadline
Do not miss this opportunity. Deadline: June 08, 2026. Start your application early to ensure that you have enough time to complete the application process and submit your application before the deadline.
How to Apply for Research Assistant Short‑Term Contract Opportunity (July–December 2026) at Friedrich‑Ebert‑Stiftung South Africa
To apply for the Research Assistant Short‑Term Contract Opportunity at Friedrich‑Ebert‑Stiftung South Africa, candidates must follow a step-by-step application guide. First, applicants must review the eligibility criteria and ensure that they meet the requirements. Next, candidates must prepare their applications, including their CVs, cover letters, and any other required documents. Applicants must then submit their applications through the designated platform, which can be accessed through the official website. Finally, applicants must wait for the selection process to be completed and for the successful candidates to be notified.
Apply directly here: Click here to apply
Final Thoughts
The Research Assistant Short‑Term Contract Opportunity at Friedrich‑Ebert‑Stiftung South Africa is a unique chance for young professionals to contribute to a critical issue affecting the continent and gain valuable experience in research and community engagement. We encourage all eligible candidates to apply for this opportunity and be part of a renowned organization that has been promoting social democratic values throughout the African continent for over 40 years. Do not miss this chance to advance your career and contribute to a critical issue affecting the continent – apply now and take the first step towards a rewarding and challenging career in research and community engagement.
