Education Officer at NRF National Research Foundation

About the position

Postion Summary:

The NRF SAAO seeks to employ an education officer who form part of the organisation science engagement team and will be responsible for the implementation of science education and awareness programmes

Key Responsibilities:

• Development and implementation of both high and primary school learners' workshop in science and mathematics Facilitation of science teacher development workshops (drawing from science education curriculum content and including innovative pedagogical approaches)Designing and implementation of science education projects intended to inspire learners in science, technology and innovation Developing science education resources (physical, material and digital) To establish and lead all stakeholder engagements with all relevant parties in science education including teachers, departments of education and relevant science education organisations

Minimum Qualification:

• Bachelors Degree / Advanced Diploma / NQF 7

Minimum Experience:

• 2-2 years

• B Ed (Science Education) or B Tech (Science Education) or a 3 year Science Degree with post graduate certificate in education or science communication or related field Valid Driver's Licence

Experience:

• 2 years in a science education environment (this can be formal (schools) or informal (as in science centres, research centres or museum)

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of South African school science curriculum content Different pedagogical approaches Basic astronomy knowledge will be considered an advantage

Additional Notes:

• Ability to facilitate workshops (for both learners and teachers)
• Ability to develop resources linked to curriculum content
• Ability to work in a team
• Some project management experience/ knowledge
• Ability to communicate with diverse audiences ( language , age and culture)Must be prepared to travel and work away from home
• Must be available to work on some weekends and at night when required Interest in astronomy Interest in planetarium software Interest in telescopes
• Participation in informal science awareness programmes

Desired Skills:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Presentation skills
• Report writing

About The Employer:

The National Research Foundation (NRF) supports and promotes research and human capital development through funding, the provision of National Research Facilities and science outreach platforms and programmes to the broader community in all fields of science and technology, including natural sciences, engineering, social sciences and humanities.

The South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO) is the National Facility for Optical and Infrared Astronomy of the National Research Foundation (NRF). Its headquarters are in Cape Town, while its telescopes are at Sutherland in the Northern Cape. Distributed between the two sites, SAAO employs roughly 130 people, many of them scientists and engineers, and is contracted to operate SALT (the Southern African Large Telescope) on behalf of the international SALT Foundation. SAAO is the premier optical/infrared research facility on the African continent, with global research and outreach collaborations, and contributing to human capital development for South Africa.