About the position
Postion Summary:
The NRF seeks to appoint a Group Executive: Business Advancement on a 5-year fixed term contract, renewable based on performance. Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the incumbent will be part of the NRF Corporate Executive Committee.
Key Responsibilities:
- 1
- Strategic Revenue Growth and Business AdvancementLead the NRF Business Advancement Strategy, driving sustainable, diversified, and high-impact revenue streams to fund national research priorities
- Design and execute revenue growth strategies that attract funding from international partners, philanthropic foundations, industry, and government, aligned with NRF priorities and South Africa’s STI policy objectives
- Identify and develop commercial opportunities where NRF capabilities and infrastructure yield market-ready products or services (e
- g
- , medical radioisotopes, data and analytics, advanced instrumentation)
- Translate opportunities into structured partnership or investment proposals, and once approved, coordinate with RIISA to ensure seamless transfer of funds and implementation through the NRF’s grantmaking systems
- Establish annual revenue and diversification targets, monitor performance, and report on partnership ROI, pipeline growth, and overall contribution to NRF’s long-term financial sustainability
- 2
- Partnerships, Fundraising and Donor RelationsDevelop and operationalise the NRF Partnerships and Advancement Framework, cultivating long-term, mutually beneficial partnerships that mobilise funding, infrastructure, and technical expertise
- Lead the NRF Industry Partnership Strategy, including industry collaboration platforms and the Africa Industry Programme, to expand co-investment and technology deployment
- Strengthen collaboration with key global and continental partners such as the Global Research Council, SGCI, Belmont Forum, and the IIASA Africa Regional Programme ensuring these alliances generate tangible returns (not necessarily only in financial teams)
- Build and sustain Science Council and Higher Education Networks to broaden NRF’s collaborative and funding base
- Negotiate and implement strategic agreements that unlock joint investments and system-wide impact
- Serve as the primary point of contact for fundraising and partnership development, ensuring that all secured funds are properly channelled to RIISA for due diligence, grant-making, and disbursement in accordance with NRF governance frameworks
- 3
- Brand, Marketing and Stakeholder EngagementIn collaboration with the Head: Communication, drive an integrated NRF Brand and Marketing Strategy that amplifies visibility, supports business development, and positions the NRF as a trusted science and innovation partner
- Oversee commercialisation and market-positioning plans that showcase NRF’s unique science assets, facilities, and capabilities to investors, funders, and partners
- Lead stakeholder, donor, and investor engagement strategies, incorporating partner mapping, risk management, and reputation safeguarding
- Represent the NRF at high-level forums, investment summits, and donor roundtables, articulating the NRF’s value proposition and mobilising partnerships that advance its strategic and financial objectives
- 4
- Governance, Reporting and PerformanceEstablish and maintain performance monitoring systems for all advancement, partnership, sponsorship, and marketing initiatives, with clear metrics and timelines
- Ensure transparent governance and financial integrity of all partnership related revenue streams, in compliance with the PFMA and NRF financial and grant-making frameworks
- Provide regular reports and insights to the Corporate Executive and Board Committees on fundraising performance, partnership impact, and financial leverage achieved
- Collaborate closely with Finance, Legal, and RIISA to ensure effective handover and implementation of funded initiatives, maintaining strong internal coordination and accountability
- 5
- Leadership and Relationship ManagementBuild and sustain strategic relationships with government departments, international donors, development finance institutions, industry leaders, and universities to advance NRF’s mission
- Lead, mentor, and empower the Business Advancement team, fostering excellence in business development, fundraising, and stakeholder engagement
- Strategic and results-driven; skilled negotiator and dealmaker; ethical and collaborative; data-driven decision-maker; committed to transformation, innovation, and impact
- Champion a culture of innovation, integrity, and collaboration, embodying the “One NRF” ethos and aligning people, systems, and partnerships behind a shared strategic vision
Minimum Qualification:
Minimum Experience:
- Master’s degree in business, Finance, Engineering, Science, or related field (MBA/MPA advantageous)
- Ten years (10) relevant leadership experience with a minimum of 5 years as an Executive in Commercialisation / Business Marketing and Development is a requirementMinimum five (5) years’ experience in technology commercialisation and business development within industry or a leading RTO
- Proven track record of securing and managing at least R500 million annually for RDI initiatives
- Demonstrated success in IP commercialisation, partnership development, and revenue growth
- Research and Development Policy, and Strategy
Experience:
- Strong people, project, and organisational management experience
- Excellent communicator with business acumen and extensive stakeholder networks across industry, government, and donors
- Familiarity with PFMA, Treasury regulations, and King IV governance
- Experience in science, research or innovation related space will be an advantage
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 socioeconomic 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) 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.
