Facilities Officer at NRF National Research Foundation

About the position

Postion Summary:
The Facilities Officer is responsible for the management of SARAO non-instrumentation facilities that are leased and owned in Cape Town Observatory to ensure that SARAO and SKAO functions effectively and efficiently. The supervisor will provide a single point of entry for the co-ordination of all services relating to the efficient and effective running of Cape Town relative facilities, implement the local facilities management plan, provide solutions, manage sustainability issues at the same time reducing the impact on Safety, Environment, Health and Security and responsible for housekeeping.

Key Responsibilities:

• Development and implementation of facilities standards and procedures as required at SARAO and SKAO site in Cape Town Observatory
• Monitor and control work as defined in the service level agreements and define performance standards pertaining to electrical, handyman, HVAC, sprinklers, smoke detection, access control, landscaping, CCTV, biometrics, security, lifts, telescopes, tenants, generators, vehicles fleet maintenance, plumbing, construction, fumigation and stock control
• Project manage, supervise and coordinate the work of contractorsImplementing safety, health, environmental management systems, ensuring OH&S compliance
• Responsible for the maintenance of all properties and liaising with landlords in respect of leased properties of SARAO and SKAOEffective management all administrative functions with respect to all property and facilities related aspects and budgets
• Monitor the condition of the buildings through:- Inspecting the buildings and grounds and identifying key areas of concern- Reviewing any security or maintenance incidents- Reviewing cleanliness of the buildings- Plan and coordinate cyclical maintenance, based on building and site inspections, and anticipated wear and tear

Minimum Qualification:

• Higher Certificate / Advanced National Certificate / Vocational 5 / N6 / NQF 5

Minimum Experience:

• 4-5 years

• Certification in Facilities ManagementNational Diploma (Advantageous) (Property and/or Facilities and/or Building Management)Project Management (Advantageous)Supply Chain Management (Advantageous)Driver’s license4 years’ relevant working experience in facilities management of which one (1) year should be as a supervisor in, property or building maintenance

Experience:

• Bids and TendersTenants & Lease agreementVehicle and asset managementFront facing clients and managing of security servicesFacilities and related infrastructure account queries and escalationsManaging budgets administration Generating, maintaining, and managing contracts and SLA’s

Knowledge:

• Working knowledge of machinery such as generators, vehicles, air conditioners and refrigeration, electrical, sprinklers, fire equipment, plumbing, biometrics, project management and construction etc
• Understanding of South African construction industry legislation
• Understanding of public sector supply chain management legislationGeneral knowledge of facilities security and safety
• A basic understanding of health and safety regulations, particularly where it concerns facilities maintenance as well as previous first aid and safety officer trainingUnderstanding of housekeepingSoft and Technical skills in a Property/Building and Facilities Management environmentKnowledge of modern office practices, procedures and equipmentStock control

Additional Notes:
• Ability to interact with internal & external stakeholders at all levelsProcurement and Negotiation skillsAbility to multitask and prioritize workloadDecision makingAbility to define, research and solve problemsAbility to organize work, set priorities and meet deadlinesAbility to read, analyse and interpret reports and regulationsSolutions- orientated, can-do attitudeSelf-motivatedProven ability to work independently and within a teamGood inter-personal and communication skillsBe available after hours and standby for emergenciesAttention to detailThe 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) 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 Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO) spearheads South Africa’s activities in the Square Kilometre Array Radio Telescope, commonly known as the SKA, in engineering, science and construction. SARAO is a National Facility managed by the National Research Foundation and incorporates radio astronomy instruments and programmes such as the MeerKAT telescope in the Karoo, the Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomy Observatory (HartRAO) in Gauteng, the African Very Long Baseline Interferometry (AVN) programme in nine African countries as well as the associated human capital development and commercialisation endeavours.