About the position
Postion Summary:
Reporting to the CEO, the role will not only provide strategic leadership for the Research Innovation, Impact Support and Advancement (RIISA) but also directly influence the organisational strategy and strategic imperatives as an active member of the NRF’s Executive Committee, making it a pivotal role in shaping the organisation's future.
Key Responsibilities:
- Shaping the strategic direction for RIISA in alignment with the Corporate Executive and Board-approved NRF Strategy and Vision 2030, ensuring that all efforts align with the organisation's overarching mission and vision
- Staying current with national and international developments in higher education, postgraduate training, research, science engagement and innovation
- Engaging with the higher education and research sector to establish and implement strategic service requirements and priorities for the new NRF Service Delivery Model
- Generating new ideas and innovative approaches to provide strategic advice to the NRF Executive
- Providing expert guidance to academic, research and industry leadership to steer the development of science engagement, innovative research and innovation programmes
- Overseeing the development of relevant instruments and implementation of strategies that will facilitate the creation of knowledge, innovation, and development in all ?elds of science and technology, including humanities, social sciences, and indigenous knowledge, in the National System of Innovation (NSI) of South Africa
- Accountable for the alignment of investment in research with the trends, needs and opportunities of the relevant sectors, in line with the Government Priorities, and developing strategic capabilities for the current and future competitiveness of the National Science System;Playing a leading role in creating a transformed and agile knowledge organisation that shapes and influences all aspects of the knowledge enterprise with unwavering commitment to transformation, impact, excellence, and sustainability
- Positioning the granting aspect of the NRF as a trusted source of knowledge and intelligence and a thought leader within the research enterprise through data and information on the science system to inform decision-making and policies, both within the NRF and nationally
- Advancing the principles of Open Science within South Africa, the region, and the continent
- Lead and maintain high-level stakeholder engagement in industry and the public sector nationally and internationally
- Driving the strategic investment of parliamentary grants to leverage further income from other funding sources
- Being accountable for quality, health, safety, staff development, succession planning, and transformation within RIISA
- Playing a key role in defining the national policy for the research focus, agenda, human resource research capacity development, knowledge generation and transfer within the NSI
- Ensuring an optimal interface between the grant funding unit, the national research facilities of the NRF and other elements of the NSI
- Playing a key role in creating a national long-range planning culture around research priorities and the country's developmental imperatives
- Leading and defining the broader organisation's development and implementation policy and strategy and playing a key role in the transformation process to maximise the organisation’s contribution to national priorities
- Networking with fellow professionals nationally and internationally to promote the NRF Research Advancement and Science Engagement strategies, programmes and funding opportunities
- Establishing and maintaining long-term relationships with internal and external stakeholders that can advance the work of the NRF as collaborators, reviewers, evaluators and advisors
- Establishing relationships with strategic potential funders and donors to advance the NRF Research and Innovation initiatives
- Representing the NRF/RIISA at official occasions and meetings, in negotiations, conventions, seminars, public hearings and forums
- Ensure high-quality web development and intranet promotion to disseminate information and increase NRF visibility and access to NRF funding opportunities by the research community
Minimum Qualification:
Minimum Experience:
- Distinguished scientist or scholar with a minimum of a doctoral degree, capable of providing scientific and management leadership
- Proven and accomplished record in managing a multi-faceted organisation, including human resources and finance
- Thorough awareness and understanding of the problems and challenges facing the higher education sector, the research community, and the human resource needs in the country's science
- A sound understanding and appreciation of the country's science and technology policy and environment, including the National Research and Development Policy, and Strategy
Experience:
- The ability to drive growth and financial sustainability through effective engagements with various external stakeholders, including government, private sector, and international partners, to leverage funds and enhance revenue streams
- An understanding of the multiplier effect of artificial intelligence (transdisciplinary context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution) for economic growth
Knowledge:
- Significant experience in successful stakeholder engagement and negotiation across a wide and complex stakeholder base and sustaining and developing appropriate partnerships and alliances
- A transformational leader who possesses the vision to redefine strategic objectives and contribute to the NRF to support the socio-economic growth of South Africa
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 (NRF) was established by an Act of Parliament and mandated to contribute to national development. It supports, promotes and advances research and human capacity development through funding and the necessary research infrastructure. This facilitates the creation of knowledge, innovation and development in all fields of science and technology, including humanities, social sciences and indigenous knowledge. Importantly, the NRF also plays a key role in supporting and promoting public awareness of and engagement with science, ensuring that the public is informed and engaged in the latest scientific developments. The NRF is a well-established organisation highly networked within the knowledge system nationally and internationally. It is the principal organisation responsible for promoting the national research enterprise. It takes pride in being the primary public funder of postgraduate students and researchers and the country's research infrastructure provider. It has well-developed, best-practice research evaluation and support systems.
