About the position
Postion Summary:
SARAO has an exciting opportunity for an IT Manager responsible for leading, managing and ensuring the effective delivery of ICT services and infrastructure across SARAO. This includes overseeing the planning, implementation, maintenance of ICT systems to support the organisation’s strategic objectives, high-performance computing requirements and operational efficiency, while ensuring compliance with relevant cybersecurity and regulatory frameworks. The role also involves providing leadership to the ICT team, managing resources and driving innovation to enhance technological capabilities and service delivery within the organisation.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop, implement and maintain ICT strategies aligned with SARAO’s objectives and HPC requirements
- Lead and manage the ICT team, conduct performance reviews, mentoring and skills development
- Oversee planning, deployment, maintenance and optimisation of networks, servers, storage, and software
- Implement cybersecurity measures, manage risks, and ensure compliance with frameworks
- Plan, execute and monitor ICT projects, manage budgets and timelines
- Oversee incident/request management, monitor SLAs, ensure user support
- Coordinate with vendors, technology partners, and regulatory bodies
- Develop, maintain and enforce ICT policies, standards, and procedures
- Manage ICT budgets, resource allocation, and procurement
- Identify and implement technology enhancements and process improvements
Minimum Qualification:
- Bachelors Degree / Advanced Diploma / NQF 7
Minimum Experience:
- B
- Tech/B
- Sc
- in Information Technology , Computer Science or related field with 13 years’ experience
- BSc Hon in in Information Technology , Computer Science or related field with 9 years’ experience
- ITIL Certification or COBIT
- A valid driver’s license
Experience:
- 5 years relevant experience in IT management or supervisory
- Strong knowledge of ICT infrastructure and enterprise systems management to support research operations
- Solid understanding of network design, security architecture and firewall configuration for secure connectivity
- Experience with high-performance computing environments and managing large scientific data systems
- Proficiency in Linux and Windows Server administration, including automation and system monitoring
- Knowledge of ICT governance frameworks, policy development, and compliance with national standards
- Familiarity with cloud computing platforms and virtualization technologies for scalable service delivery
- Understanding of IT project and service management methodologies for efficient ICT operations
- Knowledge of cybersecurity principles, risk assessment and incident management practices
- Experience in ICT budgeting, asset lifecycle management and procurement within a public sector context
- Awareness of research computing tools, data collaboration networks and SANReN integration
Knowledge:
- Network configuration, monitoring and troubleshooting skills
- Server and storage management, including backups and recovery
- Systems administration in Linux and Windows environments
- Cybersecurity implementation and incident response skills
- Cloud computing and virtualization management
- Database administration and data integrity management
- Scripting and automation for ICT operations
- ICT project planning, tracking and delivery
- Vendor and contract management skills
- Technical documentation and report writing
Additional Notes:
Customer [URL Removed] & Strategic [URL Removed] & Problem [URL Removed] & [URL Removed] [URL Removed] and [URL Removed] 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 programs 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) implements South Africa's strategic investments in radio astronomy, including the international Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project, which covers a broad range of engineering and scientific activities. SARAO is a National Facility of the National Research Foundation, and incorporates radio astronomy and space geodesy instruments and programmes such as the MeerKAT telescope in the Karoo, the Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomy Observatory (HartRAO) in Gauteng, the Africa Radio Astronomy Programme across nine African countries, as well as associated human capital development and commercialisation endeavours.
