OAD Operations Manager at NRF National Research Foundation

About the position

Postion Summary:
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 interns. More information about the OAD is available at [URL Removed]
Key Responsibilities:

• Administer OAD annual call for proposalsManagement, coordination, and support of projects funded by OADMeasure the impact of projectsOversee OAD CommunicationsSupport Special projects and Flagship projects

Minimum Qualification:

• Bachelors Degree / Advanced Diploma / NQF 7

Minimum Experience:

• 5-5 years

• University degree in natural science or engineeringProject Management qualification

Experience:

• 5 years’ experience in academia or industry after graduation3 years’ experience in overseeing international projects in science, engineering and/or technology and disseminating grants across borders3 years’ experience in overseeing organisational communication Experience in working with international teamsExperience in managing volunteers Experience within a research environmentAbility:Project management experience (e
• g
• coordinating activities and reporting)Ability to interact with people of different culturesAbility to interact with people across different scientific disciplinesWriting and communication skills (especially in terms of preparing publications/reports)Experience in using project management tools, databasesShould be able to work independently and with teamsExcellent multi-tasking skills

Knowledge:

• Working knowledge of common office software tools Knowledge in evaluation methods is an advantageKnowledge of astronomy, space sciences, electronics, instrumentation or natural sciencesKnowledge or experience in coordinating global projects or communication campaigns is an advantageGood communication skills in English

Additional Notes:
DESIRABLE ADDITIONAL EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & PERSONAL QUALITIES:Previous interactions with astronomy community Impact evaluation experienceCommunity coordination experience Knowledge of the IAU and its global networkKnowledge of the space sectorBasic Astronomy knowledgeThe 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 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. This is a five-year contract position.