Manager: Science Engagement Partnerships at NRF National Research Foundation

About the position

Postion Summary:
The National Research Foundation (NRF) seeks to make an appointment for the position of Manager: Science Engagement Partnerships who will report to the Managing Director: SAASTA, within Research, Innovation and Impact Support and Advancement (RIISA).

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage the development of the science engagement partnerships strategy;Identify key partnerships for science engagement;Develop science engagement stakeholder engagement plan;Represent the organization in relevant sector engagement; Identify, source and negotiate partnership opportunities in the relevant sectors;Provide leadership in developing and harnessing relationships with appropriate public and private entities in order to support the science engagement coordination objectives;Provide strategic management of stakeholders and partners;Develop and implement systems and process to ensure coordinated engagement with the relevant sector;Coordinate the engagement with internal and external stakeholders on matters of common interest;Facilitate cooperation through stakeholder awareness programmes;Coordinate the science engagement initiative at sector levelCoordinate the science engagement calendar for the specific sectorContract managementEnsure the maintenance of science engagement stakeholder database; Ensure utilization of SEIMS by relevant stakeholders; andManage the compilation of quarter and annual reports on science engagement initiatives with partnersManage human resources and finances in the department

Minimum Qualification:

• Masters Degree / NQF 9

Minimum Experience:

• 5-10 years

• A Master’s Degree (NQF 9) in Science, engineering, social science or business domain
• 5 years work experience

Experience:

• 5 years experience in Partnerships and Stakeholder Management in Public, Research, Innovation or Higher Education sector3 years management experience
• Partnerships and Stakeholder management experience

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of the Science Engagement sector and the National System of Innovation (NSI)
• Knowledge of relevant policies, legislation and regulations in South Africa
• Networks in the NSI

Additional Notes:
Human Resource Management skillsProject Management skillsFinancial Management skillsCommunication and presentation skillsStrong Leadership skillsGood interpersonal skillsProblem solving skillsTime Management skillsOrganisational skillsHigh level of Computer LiteracyDiplomacy skillsProven quantitative and qualitative analytical [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) 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 South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement (SAASTA) is a business unit of the National Research Foundation (NRF) with the mandate to advance public awareness, appreciation and engagement of science, engineering, innovation and technology in South Africa and has been appointed by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation to be the national coordinator for Science Engagement in South Africa.