OFFICE/DIVISION: Office of the Vice President, Research and Innovation

POSITION TITLE: Director Research, Social Sciences Department

POSITION NUMBER: WPUSSR001

POSITION CLASSIFICATION: N14

JOB LOCATION: Ialibu, Western Pacific University

ORGANISATIONAL RELATIONSHIP:

Immediate Supervisor: Vice President, Research and Innovation

Supervises: Coordinating Officer, Researchers, Research Technical Staff

Coordinates with: Director of Sciences Research Department, Director of Contract & Consultation Research Department, and Director of Faculty Research.

JOB PURPOSE:

Director of Social Sciences Department is an administrator of the Department. He/she will do Social Researcher work on behalf of the Social Sciences Department to design, formulate, implement and manage social science research projects. These involve exploring sociological theories by designing and carrying out surveys, interviews and focus groups. The results of these projects are used by companies, governments and various authorities to gather the opinions of populations and present statistical evidence for or against particular issues of political or commercial significance. The work carried out by social researchers within the department can play a vital role in the democratic process, as well as in the management and actions of major organizations. The research helps to form opinions and shape policy and legislation.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Job functions are specific duties that would be included in the essential functions of the job description. These functions are not all-inclusive nor do they cover the full extent of the duties performed.

1. Develop and establish a social scientific strategy and implementation plan for the key areas of responsibility within the department which is subject to annual review and reporting.
2. Establish and promote standards of practice and quality across the whole of Social Sciences Department.
3. Provide scientific advice on academic standards for higher education and training for the broader development of the workforce including leadership opportunities.
4. Advise the Academic Board and University Council through the Office of the Vice President Research on the scientific implications of decisions on strategy and the WPU’s research plan.
5. Explore opportunities for attracting research and other sponsorship funding to support the furtherance of the aims and objectives of the research culture at WPU.
6. Develop and maintain effective social science networks.
7. Assist researchers in a variety of research methods (including qualitative and quantitative sampling), which they must be able to employ professionally, with painstaking attention and complete impartiality.
8. Taking a brief and using appropriate and creative methodologies to design research projects using qualitative and quantitative methods.
9. Tendering for research contracts.
10. Carrying out or directing fieldwork to gather information.
11. Preparing and reporting findings.
12. Using ICT skills to present data.
13. Disseminating results, both orally and in writing.

REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS

a. Postgraduate study, minimum Master’s degrees, preferable PhD or other relevant degree with subjects: Economics, Psychology, Social Studies, Social Sciences, Sociology, Statistics.
b. Must be familiar with research methods and statistical techniques.
c. An interest in social developments, trends and attitudes.
d. An investigative and analytical mind.
e. A thorough methodical approach to work.
f. Good communication and interpersonal skills to gather information from people.
g. Ability to explain findings clearly, both verbally and in written reports.
h. Excellent IT skills to produce statistics, graphs and models.
i. Ability to work to deadlines.
j. Meticulous planning skills and self-motivation.

How to Apply

If then interested, all candidates must send their Expression of Interest, CV, and relevant documents to [email protected] / [email protected].

All corresponding emails must have in their subject “Position Description: [Position Title]” — e.g. “Position Description: Research Coordinating Officer.”

All application documents must be merged into one (1) PDF file before submission.

Attention to: Human Resources Director, P.O. Box 1791, Mt. Hagen, Western Highlands Province.

Applicants are encouraged to submit their application via email.

Applications close: 23rd October 2026, 4:06 PM

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.