About the position
Postion Summary:
The National Research Foundation (NRF) seeks to make an appointment for the position of Corporate Events Specialist who will be responsible for managing staff, costs, stakeholder relationships and project plans; and is responsible for profiling the NRF brand image through the successful management of varied corporate events, exhibitions, conferences and stakeholder engagement opportunities to enable the achievement of the NRF strategy and business goals.
Key Responsibilities:
- Oversees the development of, and facilitates the approval an Events Management Guideline/Strategy (including an events grading protocol)Develops an Annual Corporate Events CalendarAssumes the role of a project manager in marketing and promotion eventsConducts market research, identifies event opportunities and generates interestEnsures events are successful and cost-effective, paying attention to budget and time constraints
- Based on the events calendar, prepares budget proposals and projections and ensures adherence to the relevant finance policiesAssist in the procurement proposal and oversee the establishment of a database of service providersSupervises and approves development and implementation of SLAs between the NRF and appointed service providers
- In charge of event planning, design and production while managing all project delivery elements within time limitsSupervises and manages all aspects of event operations including specifying staffing requirements, service providers and coordinating their activitiesProposes innovative ideas both for events and event promotion to enhance the quality of the eventRecruits and manages staff and service providers (MC, DJs, caterers, sound technicians, waiters etc), working on events – these might work on a short-term basis during busy periods or be full-time members of staffLeads promotional activities for the event and liaises with the Communications Division to promote events and liaise with clientsGuides in the conceptualisation and approval of corporate gifts policy/ guidelineApproves the design and marketing of the corporate gift catalogue Approval of a Corporate Gift Grading policy and the procurement of a range of gifts and pricing structures according to the organisational hierarchy and stakeholder type and influence (executives, employees, general public, international stakeholders, school kids, academics, etc)Ensures the necessary security and accounting measures (including regular stocktaking) are in place to protect stock from theft and abuse
- Analyses the event’s success (or failure) and prepares reportsGathers feedback and data after an event and uses it to inform decisions/plansProvides feedback and periodic reports to stakeholders and relevant authoritiesConducts pre- and post – event evaluations and reports on outcomes
Minimum Qualification:
- Bachelors Degree / Advanced Diploma / NQF 7
Minimum Experience:
- Degree in Public Relations/Communications/Hospitality Management or related field
- Project Management and Protocol training will be an added advantage
- At least 5-8 years’ experience handling events and protocol
Experience:
- Valid Driver’s license
- Excellent organisational, interpersonal and administrative skillsProficiency in Microsoft Office
Knowledge:
- Understanding of public, research and/or academic sectors will be an added advantageDemonstrated ability to effectively interact with people of diverse socioeconomic, cultural, disability, and ethnic backgroundsService-oriented style with professional presentation skillsWillingness to travel and work long hours, sometimes over weekends and/or public holidays
The NRF website provides more details on the initiatives and activities Applicants should submit a comprehensive CV by registering and apply online through the NRF Recruitment and Selection Portal. Applications should be accompanied by a letter of motivation indicating the applicant·s suitability for the position. The names and contact details of at least three referees should be provided.
Desired Skills:
- Skilled in applied field of position
- Knowledge to be relevant
- Responsible in performing duties
About The Employer:
The National Research Foundation of South Africa (NRF) is established by an Act of Parliament and mandated to contribute to national development by supporting, promoting and advancing research and human capacity development, through funding and the provision of the necessary research infrastructure, in order to facilitate the creation of knowledge, innovation and development in all fields of science and technology, including humanities, social sciences and indigenous knowledge; and supporting and promoting public awareness of, and engagement with, science. The NRF is a well-established organisation that is highly networked within the knowledge system, nationally and internationally. It is the principal organisation responsible for promoting the national research enterprise and is the primary public funder of postgraduate students and researchers and provider of research infrastructure in the country. It has well-developed, best practice research evaluation and support systems.
