Call for Applications: Two (2) Postdoctoral Research Fellowships at the University of Pretoria’s Public Policy Hub

Closing Date: 2 August 2026

Call for Applications: Two (2) Postdoctoral Research Fellowships at the University of Pretoria’s Public Policy Hub

The University of Pretoria’s Public Policy Hub (PPH) is seeking outstanding early-career researchers to join a pioneering initiative to localise South Africa’s Socio-Economic Impact Assessment System (SEIAS) for local government.

In partnership with The Presidency’s Policy and Research Services (PRS) and GIZ/SDGI, successful fellows will contribute to evidence-informed policymaking and public sector reform.

Two Postdoctoral Research Fellowships

Localising the Socio-Economic Impact Assessment System (SEIAS)

University of Pretoria | The Presidency’s Policy and Research Services (PRS) | GIZ/SDGI

What if your research could directly influence how municipalities make decisions that affect millions of South Africans?

The Public Policy Hub (PPH) at the University of Pretoria invites applications from exceptional early-career researchers to join a pioneering national initiative to localise South Africa’s Socio-Economic Impact Assessment System (SEIAS) for municipal government. Working alongside the Presidency’s Policy and Research Services (PRS), municipalities, and strategic partners, successful fellows will help strengthen evidence-informed policymaking, improve service delivery, and shape the future of local governance.

This is more than a postdoctoral fellowship. It is an opportunity to conduct high-impact research, work directly with policymakers, contribute to national reforms, and see your research translated into meaningful public sector change.

About the Public Policy Hub

The Public Policy Hub (PPH) at the University of Pretoria is a transdisciplinary platform dedicated to strengthening public sector reform across Africa through evidence-based, collaborative, and context-specific solutions. By bringing together government priorities, academic expertise, and student talent, the PPH transforms research into practical policy solutions that strengthen institutions and improve lives.

About the Project

South Africa’s municipalities are at the forefront of service delivery but continue to face significant challenges in policy design, implementation, and evaluation. Although SEIAS has strengthened policymaking at national and provincial levels, its application in local government remains limited.

To address this gap, the Presidency’s Policy and Research Services (PRS), in partnership with the University of Pretoria and with support from GIZ/SDGI, has launched a three-year initiative to adapt and institutionalise SEIAS within municipalities. The project seeks to strengthen governance, improve policy implementation, and build a new generation of evidence-informed public sector practitioners.

About the Fellowship

The PPH is recruiting two Postdoctoral Research Fellows for an approximately 28-month fellowship programme, with appointments renewable annually subject to satisfactory performance.

The fellowship offers a tax-free annual stipend of:

• Senior Postdoctoral Research Fellow: R380,000 
• Junior Postdoctoral Research Fellow: R350,000 

Successful fellows will work closely with the Presidency’s PRS, partner municipalities, and leading policy institutions to produce rigorous, policy-relevant research while contributing to the localisation and institutionalisation of SEIAS across South Africa.

Your Role

Working within an interdisciplinary research and policy environment, you will:

• Adapt SEIAS tools, templates, and methodologies for municipal application. 
• Contribute to the development of a Post-Policy Impact Assessment (PPIA) framework with the Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation (DPME). 
• Design and deliver accredited SEIAS training programmes for local government officials. 
• Serve as an embedded researcher within the Presidency’s PRS and the PPH. 
• Produce high-quality academic and policy publications. 
• Facilitate high-level policy dialogues and stakeholder engagement. 
• Build national networks of SEIAS practitioners and strategic partners. 
• Contribute to innovative tools and initiatives that strengthen evidence-informed local governance. 

Who Should Apply?

The Public Policy Hub is seeking outstanding early-career researchers who combine academic excellence, strong analytical skills, and a demonstrated commitment to improving public policy through rigorous research.

This opportunity is ideally suited to candidates who aspire to build an academic career while working at the interface between research and government to generate measurable policy impact.

Eligibility and Minimum Requirements

Applicants must:

• Hold a PhD in Economics, Public Economics, Public Administration, Public Policy, or a closely related discipline. 
• Have obtained their PhD within the three years preceding the commencement of the fellowship. 
• Have at least one year of relevant post-PhD professional experience. 
• Be 41 years of age or younger at the time of appointment. 
• Be a South African citizen or hold permanent residence. 

Applicants should also demonstrate:

• Strong quantitative, qualitative, econometric, or mixed-methods research skills. 
• Experience in public policy, policy analysis, or economic research. 
• Experience analysing large administrative and/or survey datasets. 
• A record of producing high-quality academic and policy research. 
• Knowledge of South Africa’s local government and intergovernmental systems. 
• The ability to translate research into practical policy recommendations. 
• Experience designing and delivering capacity-building programmes. 
• Proficiency in statistical and/or qualitative analysis software such as Stata, R, Python, SPSS, or NVivo. 

Experience with SEIAS, Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA), public sector reform, externally funded projects, or digital policy tools will be an advantage.

How to Apply

Applications must include:

1. A tailored curriculum vitae. 
2. A motivation letter (maximum 500 words). 
3. Contact details of two academic referees. 
4. One recent scholarly publication. 
5. A copy of your South African ID or proof of permanent residence. 

Applications must be submitted exclusively through the online application portal. Applications submitted by email will not be considered.

For enquiries, please contact Prof. Nara Monkam (Host) at [email protected] or at Tel: +27 (0)12 420 3461 and Ms. Phomelelo Makondo at [email protected] or at Tel: +27 (0)12 420 3461.

Click Here To Apply