About the position
Postion Summary:
The NRF seeks to make appointment for the position of Executive Manager: Next Generation and Emerging Researchers within Research Advancement (RA).
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide strategic leadership in the conceptualisation and implementation of strategies for the Next generation and Emerging Researchers department
- Develop the RIISA HCD strategy for Next Generation and Emerging Researchers to advance the mandate, and respond to the goals and objectives of the organisation
- Ensure the alignment of the Strategic Plan to relevant national and NRF policies and strategies
- Manage the implementation of the Mandate and Strategic PlanDrive engagement with stakeholders and associated processes, and linking 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
- Manages the implementation of the Strategic Plan and Annual Performance Plan in order to achieve goals
- Providing policy development and expert guidance to other professionals in relation to HCD for research and innovation, with significant impact on the organisation and the national research landscape
- Monitoring and Evaluation of the funded projects under the Next Generation and Emerging Researchers department to ensure the expected output, outcomes and impact
- Sound financial decision-making for business operations and grant approvals
- Manage 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
Minimum Qualification:
Minimum Experience:
- A Doctoral Degree (NQF 10) with a proven research track record
- At least 7 years’ experience in Research and Human Capital Development, 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 management
- Policy developmentStakeholder Management Contracts managementResearch grant management capabilitiesFinancial resourcing and managementInterpersonal skillsDiplomacy skillsAdvanced communicationPresentation capabilitiesProven quantitative and qualitative analytical capabilities
- Advanced computer proficiency
Knowledge:
- Comprehensive knowledge of the South African Higher Education System Knowledge of National System of Innovation
- Knowledge of National and International HRD Strategies and understanding of the development challenges
- Knowledge of relevant policies; legislation and regulations pertaining to research, innovation, and postgraduate education in South Africa
- Knowledge of the global research landscape and innovation trends
- Knowledge of frameworks and best practices for monitoring and evaluation of research
- Familiarity with PFMA, labour legislation and management best practices
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 and established by an Act of Parliament and mandated to contribute to national development by supporting, promoting and advancing research 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.
