About the position
Postion Summary:
The National Research Foundation (NRF) seeks to make appointment for the position of Executive Manager: International Grants and Partnership within Research, Innovation and Impact Support and Advancement (RIISA).
Key Responsibilities:
- Formulating, reviewing and updating partnerships strategy, policy, and implementation plans
- Developing the RIISA Partnerships Strategy to advance the mandate and respond to the goals and objectives of the organisation
- Leading and managing relationships with the organisation’s strategic partners to advance RIISA mandate
- Driving engagement with stakeholders and associated processes and linking to concomitant and potential resource mobilisation strategies
- Establishing and maintaining long-term relationships with national, regional, and global stakeholders that can advance the work of the NRF as collaborators, funders, advisors and reviewers
- Developing and managing business plans and systems and operations through delegation and empowerment
- Ensuring that appropriate developments and innovative solutions are proposed that consistently enhance and maximise service quality, efficiency, and continuity
- Providing policy development and expert guidance to other professionals in relation to International Partnerships and Granting, with significant internal/external impact on the organisation and the national research landscape
- Managing risks by identifying trends, strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats for the Department and RIISA that may have an impact on the organisation, to enable appropriate and timely action to be taken
- Implementing proposed changes to current work processes to consistently improve quality and effectiveness of service provided and facilitate change management
- Managing the information and knowledge of the Department as an organisational resource
- Ensuring sound financial decision-making for business operations and grant approvals
- Ensuring informed and calculated risk taking in grant approvals
- Monitoring and Evaluation of the funded projects under the International Grants and Partnership department to ensure the expected output, outcomes, and impact
Minimum Qualification:
Minimum Experience:
- A Doctoral Degree (NQF 10) with a proven research track record
- At least 7 years’ experience in research and innovation, of which 5 years is management experience
Experience:
- Strategy Development and ImplementationBusiness Planning and ImplementationOrganisational Skills Leadership Skills Strategic ManagementHuman Resource and Talent Management Change ManagementPolicy DevelopmentStakeholder Management Contracts ManagementResearch Grant Management CapabilitiesFinancial Resourcing and ManagementInterpersonal SkillsScience Diplomacy Advanced CommunicationAdvanced Presentation CapabilitiesProven Quantitative and Qualitative Analytical SkillsAdvanced Computer Proficiency
Knowledge:
- Comprehensive knowledge of the South African Higher Education System
- Knowledge of the National System of Innovation
- Knowledge of the global research landscape and innovation trends
- Knowledge of relevant policies; legislation and regulations pertaining to research, innovation and postgraduate education in South Africa
- Familiarity with PFMA, labour legislation and management best practices
- Knowledge of National and International research and funding partners
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) 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
