Local Economic Development Coordinator at NRF National Research Foundation

About the position

Postion Summary:
The Local Economic Development Coordinator (LED Coordinator) will be responsible for implementing strategies, developed in coordination with key internal stakeholders, to leverage off radio astronomy investments to drive local economic development in the Karoo region and lower barriers to economic opportunity.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement an LED strategy that will align to the strategic ambitions of SARAO and the NRF, and be informed by other strategic documents e
• g
• Municipal LED strategy, Integrated Development Plan (IDP), etc
• Monitoring and EvaluationInterventions to Maximise Socio-Economic ImpactFundraising for various initiatives that support local economic developmentGrow and manage the LED partnerships with all stakeholders both internal and external to the organisation
• Project Management & Implementation of LED initiatives

Minimum Qualification:

• Diploma / Advanced Certificate / NQF 6

Minimum Experience:

• 4-4 years

• National Diploma: Economic Development, Social Sciences, Enterprise Development or related discipline
• Four-years’ working experience in a LED role, working with SMMEsComputer Literacy

Experience:

• Project Management Business DevelopmentExperience working in the Northern Cape (advantageous)Experience in LED work in the construction/mining industry (advantageous)Report Writing

Knowledge:

• LED analysisStakeholder relationsRegulatory compliance for SMME developmentRelevant legislation, including BBBEE Act, CIPC, CIDB, PFMA etc

Additional Notes:
Positively engage with diverse stakeholdersAbility to speak, read and write AfrikaansAbility to undertake an LED analysisMust be able to manage projects within scope, schedule and budget Ability to identify and drive impact through LED interventionsPresentation and facilitation skillsCommunicationConflict managementEmotional IntelligenceTime ManagementThe 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.