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Vacancies at FES South Africa Office

About Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung

The Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung is an independent, private and non-profit organization headquartered in Germany. The FES has been promoting the values of the Social Democracy in Africa for over 40 years. Our organisation is based on social democratic values and principles of solidarity, social justice as well as peace and security. Our instruments for achieving these goals comprise targeted political education, information and training programs, public dialogues, action oriented research as well as publications and political consultation. Our work in South Africa is embedded in the FES Africa strategy, which is part of our worldwide international development cooperation.

Please find our current job vacancies and information on the application process below.

Available internship positions

Current job vacancies

Research Assistants (Short-Term Contract- July - December)

Who we are: SATRI and FES (co-funded by the European Union) are seeking two experienced Research Assistants (on a flexible basis) to support critical research and community engagement activities focused on the just transition. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to translating the voices of workers and communities into gender-just demands and policy proposals, as well as documenting local and international case studies on union and worker-led transitions. Role will require travel to Limpopo, Mpumalanga and KZN Provinces during July-October 2026 for fieldwork (on a flexible basis).

What we are looking for: A Research Assistant (Short-Term Contract- July- December)

Tasks involve, but are not limited to: 

  • Secondary information reviews;
  • Compilation of synthesized thematic reports from secondary information sources;
  • Participation and facilitation of primary data in the field and workshops;
  • Documentation of workshop outcomes;
  • Support for translation of community and worker voices into gender-just demands and policy proposals.

Requirements: 

  • A honours degree in any of the following fields; 
  • Social Sciences, Development Studies, Public Policy, Labour Studies, Gender Studies or related fields (a master’s degree would be advantageous);
  • Excellent verbal and written communication in English. Proficiency in local languages (such as Setswana, Sepedi or isiZulu) is highly advantageous;
  • 3 or more years research experience (qualitative methods preferred- interviews, focus groups, case studies);
  • 2-3 years labour environment experience or familiarity working with trade unions, community organisations or civil society;
  • General understanding of the energy transition, gender justice and labour rights issues;
  • Strong writing, analytical and formal report compilation skills;
  • Willingness to work flexible hours and travel, no vehicle required.

Compensation (132 working days)

A competitive daily rate based on experience and qualifications will be offered.

FES is committed to diversity and inclusion and is an equal opportunity employer. 

Send your CV to Usithandile.Zikalala(at)fes.de and cc leratom(at)satri.org.za by 08 June 2026, supported by a short cover letter outlining your relevant experience and motivation. The CV should include two traceable references.

Contact

Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung

Meet the team