Group Executive: Business Advancement at NRF National Research Foundation

About the position

Postion Summary:
The NRF seeks to appoint a Group Executive, on a five-year contract, to provide strategic leadership in driving the organisation’s financial resilience, strategic partnerships, and societal impact by advancing sustainable business models, diversified revenue streams, and high value collaborations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Contribute to strategic deliberations at Executive and Board levels, providing substantive insights that inform the development and refinement of the organisational Strategy and Annual Performance Plan
• Provide long-term strategic perspective by aligning functional goals, plans, and priorities with the organisation’s Mission and Vision, ensuring an appropriate balance between immediate operational demands and long-term institutional objectives
• Lead the conceptualisation, design, and implementation of functional strategies and plans within the portfolio, ensuring full alignment with the organisation’s overarching strategic direction
• Deliver strategic insights and recommendations that optimise resource utilisation, strengthen organisational performance, and support effective strategy execution and adaptation
• Develop, implement, and continuously enhance analytical frameworks, operating models, and performance metrics that enable the achievement of strategic objectives and long-term organisational sustainability
• Provide strategic leadership in the implementation of the NRF and Business Advancement strategies by establishing clear governance frameworks, execution guidelines, and coordinated delivery plans that drive sustainable revenue generation and strengthen research outcomes across the South African Science System
• Ensure strategic alignment between business advancement initiatives and NRF mandate priorities to support long-term institutional sustainability and national science objectives
• Embed financial resilience principles into Business Advancement strategies by diversifying revenue streams, reducing reliance on fiscus funding, and optimising commercially viable research assets
• Proactively identify, assess, and pursue a robust pipeline of new business opportunities in areas where the NRF has commercially viable offerings, including but not limited to medical radioisotopes, with the objective of expanding market reach, increasing revenue, and enhancing the sustainability of strategic research infrastructure
• Cultivate and leverage partnerships with international collaborators, the private sector, and government stakeholders to unlock alternative funding streams while expanding opportunities for students and researchers in research, innovation, and skills development
• Cultivate and maintain strategic, trust-based relationships with internal and external stakeholders to advance organisational goals and safeguard the NRF’s reputation and interests
• Represent the organisation at high-level forums, engagements, and strategic discussions, ensuring alignment between stakeholder expectations and institutional priorities
• Promote a collaborative, service-oriented organisational culture by strengthening cross-functional partnerships and driving adherence to internal service standards and agreements
• Lead the advancement and implementation of the NRF Industry Partnership Strategy, including the initiation of the Africa Industry Programme
• Continue strengthening Science Council and Higher Education networks to promote collaboration, resource sharing, and strategic alignment across the National System of Innovation
• Develop, support, and enhance key strategic partnerships, including the NRF’s adherence functions and participation in global knowledge networks
• Leverage existing NRF–Industry–Academia partnerships, and lead the development of new ones, to increase resources in support of strategic programmes
• Monitor industry, technology, funding, and policy trends, as well as competitive landscapes, to identify emerging risks and opportunities for business advancement
• Provide evidence-based written and verbal analyses to the Corporate Executive Team on revenue projections, market positioning, and the strategic value of partnerships
• Take leadership in managing high priority threats and optimisation of opportunities relating to attainment of goals
• Create a conducive work environment in pursuit of staff retention and culture of high performance
• Provide visionary leadership and mentorship to the division’s Management teams, fostering a culture of continuous professional growth, capability development, and robust succession planning
• Ensure prudent and compliant utilisation of Divisional financial resources in accordance with the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) and related guidelines
• Ensure full adherence to all applicable legislation, regulatory frameworks, sector standards, internal policies, and governance requirements relevant to the Executive portfolio
• Establish and maintain robust systems, processes, and controls that promote institutional integrity, mitigate compliance risk, and support effective oversightEstablish and oversee robust monitoring, evaluation, and reporting frameworks to systematically measure the performance, outcomes, and impact of all partnerships, sponsorships, and marketing initiatives against agreed performance targets, timelines, and strategic objectives

Minimum Qualification:

• Masters Degree / NQF 9

Minimum Experience:

• 12-15 years

• Master’s degree in business or business-related discipline (NQF level 9)
• A relevant doctoral degree/PhD will be an added advantage
• A relevant financial and project management qualification
• Twelve years (12) leadership experience with a minimum of 5 years as an Executive in science, research or innovation-related space
• Proven track record in revenue generation strategy formulation and implementation
• Experience in managing multiple cross-functional teams/projects
• Stakeholders and partnerships management
• Business Development
• Experience in commercialisation of research
• Experience in fundraising will be an advantage
• Strong business acumen
• Experience in Business turn-around initiatives

Experience:

• Intrapreneurial skills
• Excellent problem-solving, Organizational development, Project and portfolio management, Negotiation; consultative, Oral and written communication, Presentation skills,Ability to influence and negotiate with others,Marketing skills

Knowledge:

• Comprehensive knowledge in Business Advancement

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) was established through an Act of Parliament – Act 23 of 1998 (as amended). As a government mandated research and science development agency the NRF funds research, the development of high-end Human Capacity and critical research infrastructure to promote knowledge production across all disciplinary fields, including the Humanities and Social Science. The goal of the NRF is to create innovative funding instruments, advance research career development, increase public science engagement and establish leading-edge research platforms that will transform the scientific landscape and inspire a representative research community to aspire to global competitiveness. The NRF promotes South African research and innovation interests across the country and internationally, and together with research institutions, business, industry and international partners builds bridges between research communities for mutual benefit that contributes to National Development.