About the position
Postion Summary:
The National Research Foundation (NRF) seeks to appoint a Head: Research, Analysis and Advice within the Digital Transformation business unit. The incumbent will be responsible for providing i) strategic leadership and management to the NRF Policy, Research & Advice division; ii) qualitative and quantitative macro-organisational policy and strategy to advance the NRF’s mandate to inform strategic planning; and iii) evidence-based policy advice, as well as quantitative and impact analysis, to promote the development and maintenance of the National System of Innovation (NSI) in support of government priorities.
Key Responsibilities:
- Providing strategic leadership for the conceptualisation, development and implementation of research and analysis for strategy development and policy advice
- Directing the assessment of current macro-organisational needs through qualitative and quantitative analysis and by drawing on relevant mandates, strategic inputs and by applying organisational and research knowledge, skills and experience
- Benchmarking with local and international strategies, policies, and implementation plans of similar organisations by applying appropriate benchmarking methods/techniques and comparative practices
- Steering thought leadership proactively and constructively across the NRF to capture knowledge, insights, and perspectives to provide NRF policy advice to the NSI
- Serving as the NRF lead for initiating and developing evidence-based policy advice, briefings, and thought pieces (qualitative and quantitative) for the NRF and the NSI by applying relevant technical, leadership and conceptual knowledge and skills
- Leading strategic monitoring of organisational performance and impact and predictive analytics
- Leading and managing relationships with the organisation’s strategic partners to advance the NRF mandate
- Developing and managing departmental business plans, budgets, systems and operations
- Lead qualitative analysis for evidence-based policy and strategic advice for the NRF and the NSI by applying relevant technical, leadership and conceptual knowledge and skills
Minimum Qualification:
Minimum Experience:
- A doctoral degree (NQF 10) with evidence of research experience
- Seven (7) years post-doctoral experience in a policy development, research support, and data intensive environment within the higher education and/or science sector, of which 5 years is management experience
Experience:
- Strong understanding of strategy development and implementation Business planning and implementationAdvanced organisational skills Advanced leadership skills Human Resource and Talent Management Change management Strong policy development Stakeholder Management Advanced project Management Interpersonal skills Strong problem-solving skills
- Strong logical and critical thinking skills
- Advanced verbal and written communication Presentation capabilities Data collection and monitoring Strong conceptual and qualitative analytical skills
- Strong quantitative and analytical capabilities
- Specialist monitoring and evaluation skills
- Computer proficiency with the MS Office suite
Knowledge:
- Demonstrated experience of policy writing and data analysis
- Advanced knowledge of the South African Higher Education System
- Advanced knowledge of the National System of Innovation
- Advanced knowledge of relevant policies; legislation and regulations pertaining to research, innovation and postgraduate education in South Africa and internationally
- Advanced knowledge of the global research landscape and innovation trends
- Advanced 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 a government mandated research and science development agency established through the National Research Foundation Act (Act No. 23 of 1998). The agency supports and promotes research and human capital development through innovative grant funding and partnerships, the provision of National Research Facilities and science engagement platforms and supporting and promoting public awareness of science to the broader community, in all fields of science and technology, including natural science, engineering, social science and humanities. 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.
