About the position
Postion Summary:
The National Research Foundation seeks to make an appointment for the position of Managing Director: Research Advancement who will report to the Deputy Chief Executive Officer: Research, Innovation and Impact Support and Advancement (RIISA). The incumbent will be responsible for providing strategic leadership for the strategy, business operations, resourcing, and performance of the Research Advancement Business Unit, and directly influencing the organisational strategy and strategic imperatives as an active member of the NRF extended Executive Committee.
Key Responsibilities:
- Driving the planning and coordination of the overall functioning of the Business Unit
- Driving the implementation of the Strategic Plan and Annual Performance Plan
- Leading and shaping organisational culture and values
- Driving the development and implementation of programmes for Research Advancement
- Effecting appropriate business support systems and infrastructure in line with the NRF Digital Transformation goals
- Networking with fellow professionals nationally and internationally to promote the NRF Research Advancement strategy, programmes and funding opportunities
- Establishing and maintaining long-term relationships with internal and external stakeholders to advance the work of the NRF
- Establishing and maintaining relationships with strategic potential funders and donors to advance the NRF Research and Innovation initiatives
- Establishing and managing budgets, controlling expenditure, and ensuring the efficient use of resources in the Business Unit
- Driving Strategic reporting for presentation to the Corporate Executive, the NRF Board and policymakers
- Delivering Monitoring and Evaluation Reports to evaluate the expected output, outcomes and impact
Minimum Qualification:
Minimum Experience:
- A Doctoral Degree (NQF 10) with a proven research track record
- 10 years’ work experience in research and training, as a doctoral graduate
- 7 years’ experience in leadership or senior management in a multi-faceted organisation and/or business division that includes research management and development
Experience:
- Strategy development and implementation Business planning and implementation Organisational skills Leadership skills Strategic Management Conceptualisation and management of research and innovation programmes
- Human Resource and Talent Management Change management Diplomacy Skills Strong interpersonal Skills Advanced Communication Presentation capabilities Policy development Financial resourcing and management Proven quantitative and qualitative analytical capabilities
- Advanced computer proficiency
Knowledge:
- Demonstrated experience in directly influencing strategy and operationalising strategy into plans and projects
- Demonstrated record of leadership in the South African Higher Education System and/or Research Enterprise
- Experience in research evaluation and impact assessments
- Experience in effective leadership and management in keeping with relevant strategies, policies; legislation and regulations pertaining to research, innovation and postgraduate education in South Africa
- Familiarity with the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), labour legislation and management best practices
- Experience in managing digital platforms for enabling world-class customer service for research granting, monitoring and evaluation
- Comprehensive knowledge of the South African National System of Innovation and experience with addressing its challenges
- Knowledge of the global research landscape and innovation trends and experience with establishing partnerships with global research and development entities
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 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 Research Advancement Business Unit drives the development and enhancement of research and innovation, human capital development and small to mid-scale research infrastructures within the National System of Innovation, through the provision of internationally benchmarked grants and services to the research community.
