OAD Fellow: Mental Health at SAAO

About the position

The International Astronomical Union (IAU), in partnership with the South African National Research Foundation (NRF), has established the global Office of Astronomy for Development (OAD) at the South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO) in Cape Town, South Africa. The OAD was established in 2011 and is a key part of the IAU's strategy to use astronomy for sustainable development globally. Since 2011, the OAD has granted over a million Euros of IAU funding to over 200 projects around the world, through its annual call for proposals, targeting audiences in more than 100 countries. The OAD coordinates 11 regional offices globally (based in Armenia, China, Ethiopia, Jordan, Netherlands, Nigeria, Peru, Portugal, Thailand, USA and Zambia), and has formed 17 partnerships with organizations sharing in the OAD vision. Currently three flagship projects are (i) astronomy for economic development (including tourism); (ii) astronomy for mental health; and (iii) astronomy knowledge and skills for development (especially data skills). All activities of the OAD are coordinated from a small office in Cape Town with an energetic and hard-working group of staff, volunteers, fellows and [URL Removed] information about the OAD at [URL Removed]

The key role of the OAD Fellow: Mental Health is to lead the implementation of the OAD??s Flagship on Astronomy for Mental Health. This flagship has gained a lot of momentum and is currently one of the key projects set to serve as a collaboration between IAU [URL Removed] is
a two-year contract position.

Key Responsibilities:

• Fundraising and ensuring sustainable growth and development of the project
• Implementation of pilot/exploratory activities
• Creation of materials and resources
• Dissemination/Communication of astronomy for mental health resources/activities
• Engage potential partners and stakeholders

Key Requirements:

Qualification:

University degree in Social Work, Psychology or Mental Health related field

Experience:

Experience dealing with Mental Health related situations/individuals e.g. counselling

Knowledge:

• Counselling or other mental health related skills
• Computing skills (basic office tools)
• Communication skills (able to speak publicly or in meetings)
• Good writing skills
• Moderate to deep understanding of the mental health field
• Fluent in English (both written and spoken)
• Basic astronomy knowledge

Additional Notes:

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DESIRABLE ADDITIONAL EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & PERSONAL QUALITIES:

Some interactions with astronomy community during studies or other internships/volunteerships
It would be beneficial if the person has worked/volunteered for astronomy/mental health projects
Community coordination experience (e.g. collaborations with volunteers)
Project management experience (e.g. coordinating activities and reporting)
Ability to interact with people of different cultures
Ability to interact with people across different scientific disciplines
Writing and communication skills (especially in terms of preparing publications/reports)

Information:

The website [URL Removed] provides more details on the NRF initiatives and activities.

Applications:

Applicants should submit a comprehensive CV by logging to [URL Removed] and apply online. 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.

Closing Date: 04 October 2024

The NRF offers a challenging career and competitive remuneration package which is commensurate with qualifications and experience.

The NRF is committed to employment equity and redress and the appointment to the position will be made in line with the NRF Employment Equity Plan.

The NRF reserves the right not to make an [URL Removed] will be sent to short-listed candidates only

Desired Skills:

• Counselling or other mental health related skills
• Computing skills (basic office tools)
• Communication skills (able to speak publicly or in meetings)
• Good writing skills
• Moderate to deep understanding of the mental health field
• Fluent in English (both written and spoken)
• Basic astronomy knowledge

Desired Qualification Level:

• Degree

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 Astronomical Observatory (SAAO) is the National Facility for Optical and Infrared Astronomy of the National Research Foundation (NRF). Its headquarters are in Cape Town, while its telescopes are at Sutherland in the Northern Cape. Distributed between the two sites, SAAO employs roughly 130 people, many of them scientists and engineers, and is contracted to operate SALT (the Southern African Large Telescope) on behalf of the international SALT Foundation. SAAO is the premier optical/infrared research facility on the African continent, with global research and outreach collaborations, and contributing to human capital development for South Africa.