Xubera Institute for Research and Development

ialist scholars, researchers, experts, and analysts. It offers a unique platform for researchers from different countries to work in collaboration in various projects. Xubera enjoys a pool of staff even from the international academic and research institutes. The researchers are recruited for a specific period from different geographical regions and represent various academic disciplines. Xubera also hosts guest researchers who work on issues related to Xubera's research programs. Although Xubera is not a teaching institute, it does receive young interns who wish to learn more about its research activities. Contacts are maintained with other research centers and individual researchers throughout the world, several international and regional organizations. As a contribution to reinforcing democracy and promoting an open society, our experts also participate and offer their perspective in public discourse. Our mission is to:

 Develop dynamic ideas and analysis on the South African, African and global issues that shape our world
 Provide practical solutions that accelerate sustainable poverty reduction, promote social justice and ensure that all people’s voices are heard
 Use authoritative research, innovative teaching, and cutting-edge communications to influence key audiences in order to achieve our vision
 Conduct independent analysis and present all perspectives of presented researched issues

GUIDING PRINCIPLES

 Conduct independent analysis and perspectives of presented researched issues
 Include a variety of views, analyses and disciplinary approaches rather than trying to reinforce ‘established wisdom’ or consensus view
 Value partnership rather than compete with existing research efforts
 Design databases that are to be easily obtained and informative to the general public
 Produce research based on feedback from global citizens, and its potential impact on public policy and the quality of life of global citizens
 Highlight connections among local, state, national and global trends
 Select projects that are pertinent thought provoking and inspire new innovation and ideas

Vision

Our vision is to be the premier independent source of high-value innovations and solutions. To be the foremost think-tank and the most trustworthy first point of reference on progressive ideas related to firstly the South African, African Region and the rest of the global community. As an independent research and development institute with talented and experienced staff, Xubera is uniquely positioned to consistently provide high-quality solutions and world-changing value. We believe that generating, mobilizing and sharing knowledge, through development research, teaching and communications, we play a key part in realizing this vision. Values

We are an organization with integrity, passion to make a difference, freedom to create, interdisciplinary talent, and a focus on reaching technical and managerial excellence. These values are at the heart of Xubera Research and Development Institute. Our staff has freedom to create and invent in exchange for great responsibility. Our interdisciplinary talent offers clients a resource that is not easily found elsewhere. We are committed to maintaining our technical excellence, supported by an exceptional management team. At Xubera Research and Development Institute, we treat others with respect, empower champions, facilitate team productivity, transform ideas, reward success, and have the fun of sharing our achievement. Respect is the foundation for all collaboration and productive teamwork. It is a core of Xubera's value. Champions are individuals who have the passion and drive to make the ‘impossible’ happen. They work productively within teams and develop compelling ideas and value using a methodology we call "NABC" (Needs, Approach, Benefits, Competition). Our staff reward system is based on client success. And there's no feeling quite like being part of a team that has achieved great things. Core Values

Xubera strategy is built upon our core values and work ethics, which are:
 A concern for equity and social justice  An explicit recognition of power relations
 The independence to challenge orthodoxy
 Transparency and accountability to our stakeholders
 Engaging a plurality of partners and perspectives
 Continuous learning across all our fields of wor

What Makes Xubera Different

We see our current strengths relying primarily on our:
 People-centered approach on development which recognizes the many faces of poverty, and the way that power differentials can mediate progress towards equity, justice and poverty reduction

 Integrated ways of working, combining research, teaching and communications work. Xubera is one of the only research and development organizations in the world that works hard to integrate these elements as we recognize the positive synergies that their interaction generates

 Multidisciplinary approach which we see as essential in tackling the complex and multifaceted challenges of development in our society

 Unique network of partners and contacts which stretches from international agencies to grassroots activists and spans civil society, governments, the business sector and the media

 Reputation and credibility provides Xubera with the convening power to bring together leading players in research, development policy and practice and to capture the attention of a wide audience


Xubera - a unique combination of development research, teaching, and communications

In all of our work, Xubera aims to challenge convention and to generate fresh ideas that foster new approaches to development policy and practice. Such problem-focused thinking requires a commitment to a multidisciplinary approach, not just within social sciences or economic field, but across research, teaching, and communications. Research
The development research programs at Xubera are organized in five closely linked multidisciplinary teams. We also host a growing number of international, multi-partner research projects. Through collaborative ways of working we aim to establish creative and equal partnerships in which research agendas can be driven by global perspective. Globalization
Focusing on the dynamics of the global environment in which the private sector investment and growth is necessary for poverty reduction

Xubera - a unique combination of development research, teaching and communications

Governance:
Focusing on the politics of state engagement and public action in developing countries. Knowledge, Technology and Society:
Exploring how science and technology can improve the livelihood and well-being of the poor, and promote greater social justice. Participation, Power and Social Change:
Looking at how and where participation by citizens can make a difference to questions of social justice and development. Vulnerability and Poverty Reduction:
Improving the understanding of vulnerability, and designing effective means of addressing it, as a central component of poverty reduction. We offer the following services

Research:
Collation, preparation and analysis of background information for informing policy relating to political, economic and social questions.
 Drafting of policy documents
 Feasibility studies for projects and/or policy implementation
 Review of policy implementation and impact assessment

Institutional development:
 Advisory services on strategic thinking
 Writing skills development
 Development of professionalism within organizations
 Facilitation of strategic planning, conferences, and workshops
 (Annual) report writing
 Communication strategy development and implementation

Politics
 Political analysis and advisory services, including political risk analysis
 Opinion polling
 Elections advisory services
 Branding
 Strategy development and implementation