Working for Amnesty International South Africa means becoming part of the world’s largest grassroots human rights organisation.
See our current vacancies below:
Research Consultant – Police Response & Justice for Gender-Based Violence Victims
Application Deadline:Â 20 March 2026
Location: Based in South Africa (with possible travel to key provinces as required)
Duration: 4Â months
Reports to: Executive Director
Please submit a short CV, cover letter detailing relevant experience, a short research proposal outlining approach to studying police failures in GBV justice and relevant writing samples or published research to the following address: za.hr@amnesty.org.za with the subject line ‘Research Consultancy application’
JOB PURPOSE
Amnesty International South Africa NPC (AISA) is recruiting a research consultant to conduct rigorous qualitative and quantitative research into the
South African Police Service’s (SAPS) response to GBV cases, with specific emphasis on:
- Identification of systemic and institutional barriers to effective justice delivery
- Analysis of police practices, policies, and implementation gaps
- Examination of survivor experiences and treatment within the criminal justice system
- Development of practical recommendations to strengthen police accountability and justice outcomes
Â
Key Responsibilities:
Research & Analysis:
- Conduct comprehensive literature reviews on GBV, policing practices, justice outcomes, and comparative international models.
- Gather and analyse data from diverse sources including:
- Police crime reports and case files
- Criminal justice statistics
- Victim/survivor interviews and testimonies
- Civil society and NGO reports
- Identify patterns and root causes of police failure to effectively investigate and prosecute GBV.
Fieldwork & Stakeholder Engagement:
- Design and conduct key interviews and focus groups with:
- Survivors of GBV
- Police officers and SAPS leadership
- Prosecutors and legal practitioners
- Civil society organisations working on GBV
- Community watch groups and victim support organisations prosecute GBV
- Ensure ethical practice and trauma-informed engagement.
Reporting:
- Prepare high-quality, evidence-based reports, briefs, and policy papers.
- Draft interim findings and final report with clear executive summary, key findings,
conclusions and recommendations. - Present research findings to internal teams, partners, funders, and relevant
stakeholders. - Strict adherence to Amnesty International’s Quality Assurance process
Recommendations & Advocacy Input:
- Formulate actionable rights-based recommendations to improve police response,
investigations, victim support and accountability mechanisms. - Provide inputs for advocacy campaigns, public dialogues, and policy reforms.
Deliverables:
- Inception Report & Research Plan
- Comprehensive Literature Review
- Fieldwork Tools (questionnaires, interview guides)
- Data Analysis and Findings Report
- Policy Brief(s) & Recommendations Document
- Final Research Report
- Presentation of findings
Qualifications and Experience:
- Academic Background: Master’s degree (minimum) in one of the following: Criminology, Law, Sociology, Gender Studies, Public Policy, Human Rights,
or related field - Additional specialisation in GBV research, policing studies, or justice sector
systems is an advantage. - Minimum 6 years of research experience (public sector, NGO, or academic
environment) - Demonstrated expertise in conducting complex qualitative and quantitative research and working on GBV and/or criminal justice systems
- Experience engaging with police and justice institutions
- Strong analytical, drafting, and reporting skills
- Proficiency with research tools and software
- Ability to produce clear, policy-oriented recommendations
PLEASE SEE JOB DESCRIPTION BELOW FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE RESPONSIBILITIES, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED.
about us
Amnesty International South Africa 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 people in South Africa to take action on issues that matter to them and to leverage South Africa’s influence regionally and globally to promote human rights domestically, bilaterally and internationally.
TO APPLY
To apply, submit a short CV, cover letter detailing relevant experience, a short research proposal outlining approach to studying police failures in GBV justice and relevant writing samples or published research to the following address: za.hr@amnesty.org.za with the subject line ‘Research Consultancy application’
