We’re Hiring — Research Assistant: Community and Outreach

CTIN seeks to appoint a full-time Research Assistant for our Community Outreach department to aid in supporting CTIN curate and grow its community and research resources.

Location: CTIN Offices at Wits School of Governance, Johannesburg.

Background

Civic Tech Innovation Network is a Community of Practice that aims to connect and build within the African civic tech space. CTIN is committed to a society that is more just, equitable, and sustainable. As such, CTIN supports its community towards the growth, development, and effective use of appropriate digital technologies and methodologies in connecting government and citizens, in public participation, in transparency and accountability, and in delivering public services.

Objectives and Main Responsibilities:

● Assist the CTIN team with activities related to its projects and network support.

● Assist with organising and documenting meetings, events, and functions including workshops, seminars, and talks.

● Manage various administrative tasks related to online publishing mediums, social media, editing, research assistance, sourcing of materials, and outreach support.

Tasks:

The Communications Intern will be expected to deliver communications and outreach tasks in accordance with the brief given. Tasks may include but not limited to:

● Drafting and organising social media content to promote on X, Facebook, and LinkedIn

● Social media quantitative and qualitative analytics reporting.

● Designing social media material

● Editing Video Content for social media

● Media outreach and content dissemination

● Sourcing Civic Tech content relevant to CTIN community and networks

● Research, writing articles, and conducting interviews with the Civic Tech Community

Qualifications and Work Experience:

Required:

● A relevant qualification from an accredited University or institution

● Relevant experience in similar role(s)

Desired:

● Basic Design Capabilities

● Video Editing

● Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.

● Good written communication skills

● Interest in digital technologies/data science / civic tech

● Project management and/or administrative skills

● Organisational skills and attention to detail

● Demonstrated interest in social technology and innovation, start-ups, organised civic activism (particularly tech-enabled), online and offline media and journalism, governance, and/or new communities of practice.

● Familiarity with the African civic tech community and knowledge, awareness, and understanding of literature and data on civic tech would be an added advantage.

● Competent in using popular online media, Microsoft Office suite (including email, documents, spreadsheets, conferencing, collaboration, and productivity tools), and statistical tools (qualitative and quantitative tools).

● Positive attitude, good interpersonal skills, and willingness to learn and contribute.

The ideal candidate is energetic, curious, versatile, flexible, and diligent. We are also looking for someone who can work independently, with great interpersonal skills and the ability to work innovatively on new and emerging issues and in group/team settings.

TO APPLY

Please submit the following documents via email to nkosinathi@civictech.africa with the Subject “Research Assistant — Community and Outreach” by no later than 24 January 2024:

● A cover letter motivating why you would best suit this role;

● A detailed CV.

● The names and contact details (phone and email) of 2 referees; and

● A relevant work sample (e.g. of an article, media product, website, etc.)

*Applications without ALL the above will not be considered.

The Wits School of Governance and Civic Tech Innovation Network reserves the right not to make an appointment and continue searching after the closing date. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

CLOSING DATE: 24 January 2024

‘Civic tech’ can be described in various ways. At CTIN, ‘civic tech’ is understood as the effective use of appropriate digital technologies and methodologies to connect government and citizens, in public participation, transparency and accountability, and in delivering public services.