Manager Knowledge &Institutional Networks at NRF National Research Foundation

About the position

Postion Summary:
This position is required for co-leading the identification, resource mobilisation development and maintenance of global, regional and national knowledge and institutional networks for the NRF thus contributing to the internationalisation of South Africa’s STI system.

Key Responsibilities:

• Contribute to the conceptualisation of strategic, contractual and policy documents, that encompass the partnerships mandate of the business unit
• Oversee, contribute to, and shape the NRF’s engagement in knowledge and institutional networks that support the positioning, embeddedness, and profiling of the NRF in and for the rest of the continent, and globally
• Contribute to and shape the establishment and maintenance of strategic initiatives and networks, globally and in the rest of Africa, incl
• negotiation of engagement contracts, in collaboration with core NRF Directorates
• Provide science diplomacy (using science to build relationship beyond the science) and thought leadership support for and within the organisation, ensuring appropriate representation of the NRF in scientific fora, conferences, meetings and other convenings congruent to South Africa’s internationalisation agenda
• In collaboration with core NRF directorates, co-lead the development, implementation and support on a portfolio of programmes and projects with a degree of independence while providing division and organisation wide leadership to enhance relational working
• In collaboration with core NRF directorates, lead partnership development and maintenance on a portfolio of programmes and projects that are negotiated by the business unit on behalf of the NRF, Work closely with the directorate responsible for impact to contribute to the conceptualisation, development, and dissemination of partnership impact stories to wider audiences
• Manage adherence to NRF financial policiesDirectly leads and supervises the business unit’s professional and administrative staff, working to contribute to a matrix mode of working Indirectly leads and supervises NRF team members of projects/ programmes assisting with the execution of strategic initiatives and projects

Minimum Qualification:

• Masters Degree / NQF 9

Minimum Experience:

• 6-7 years

• Masters in related fieldPreferably PhD

Experience:

• Minimum of 6 years Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing knowledge and network engagementsExperience in national system of innovation or science sectorDemonstrated ability to work within a complex, international, interdisciplinary and multicultural environments
• Evidence of initiating partnerships with national and international industry stakeholders

Knowledge:

• Research management and administration experienceProgramme and project leadership and management support Knowledge of the higher education system and the national system of innovation (South Africa, the rest of the continent, and key international strategies)Sound understanding of NSI and international STI system Demonstrated ability to work within a complex, international, interdisciplinary and multicultural environment

Additional Notes:
Programme management Project management Science diplomacy Building partnerships Leadership Relational working Budgeting and financial management Impact focusThe 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.