Marine Platform Manager at NRF National Research Foundation

About the position

Postion Summary:
To manage all aspects of the SAIAB Marine Platforms and African Coelacanth Ecosystem Programme including budgets, operations, stakeholder relations, quality management, and reporting.

Key Responsibilities:

• Rollout and implementation of ACEP Open Call Programme
• Budgets and cost centre management
• Platform access, scheduling and technical planning (Open call and Phuhlisa)
• Technical and logistical support for projects
• Stakeholder relations
• Maintain KPI and output records
• Programme and KPI reporting (quarterly contract, KPI and annual reports)
• Quality management – feedback from users to make improvements and ensure quality service
• ROV and Diving operations:Oversee all ROV and diving operations – good understanding of DOL manpower regulations required
• Maintenance and repairs of ROV – problem solving and electronics skills required
• Manage ROV data and metadataAssist researchers with ROV project designContribute to ROV scientific outputs and cruise report

Minimum Qualification:

• Masters Degree / NQF 9

Minimum Experience:

• 5-10 years

• MSc degree in Marine/Coastal Science5 Years’ Management experienceDriver’s licenseSkippers licenseDOL Commercial Diving Certifications for Class IV diver and dive supervisor IMCA ROV pilot/technician certification

Experience:

• Minimum 5 years appropriate experience after MScProven field and technical abilitiesProven ability to plan and implement field tripsProven ability to manage a teamProven ability to interact with scientists and managersSound management and organizational skillsSound understanding of Supply Chain ManagementSound understanding of the PFMAFinancial and budgeting skillsProven report writing skillsSound knowledge of boating and diving regulationsGood communication skills Operations management trainingAdvanced first aidWillingness to spend extended periods away from homeEffective time managementAbility to focus on number of unrelated projects/tasks simultaneouslyGood problem-solving skills

Knowledge:

• Operations management trainingAdvanced first aidWillingness to spend extended periods away from homeEffective time managementAbility to focus on number of unrelated projects/tasks simultaneouslyGood problem-solving skills

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 (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 Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (NRF-SAIAB) is a National Research Facility of the NRF. NRF-SAIAB undertakes the study of African aquatic biodiversity and provides research infrastructure to the broader research community in Southern Africa. This includes specialised laboratories, vessels, natural history collections, remote observation platforms, seafloor mapping capabilities, and fish tracking arrays. Although NRF-SAIAB's headquarters are in Makhanda, the institute also has offices in Gauteng, Gqeberha and Durban.