PO: University Programme at NRF National Research Foundation

About the position

Postion Summary:
The Professional Officer: University Programme is a critical position in SARAO’s Human Capital Development Programme, and the main purpose of the role is to implement and coordinate systems that ensure good governance and compliance of the administrative and financial processes for the various university-linked study and research funding instruments, including undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships, and research group grants.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage financial and administrative officersEnsure compliance with all relevant NRF/SARAO and NRF granting policies, frameworks and delegations of authority
• Implement all pre-award, award and post-award administration for all university-linked funding programmesCoordinate all financial transactions and activities, including funding decisions, grant adjustments, releases and payments, carry-forwards, and audit reports, in line with established standard operating procedures and grant funding conditions
• Establish and maintain check-against and reconciliation systems to ensure financial compliance against grant awardsAppropriately respond to all grant-related queriesFoster positive relationships with internal and external stakeholdersManage the organisation of, and ensure the smooth implementation of the annual postgraduate and postdoctoral research conference

Minimum Qualification:

• Bachelors Degree / Advanced Diploma / NQF 7

Minimum Experience:

• 5-5 years

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting OR Finance, OR Business Administration, OR Equivalent (at NQF Level 7)

Experience:

• Minimum 5 years of experience in implementing administrative processes and financial systems related to undergraduate funding, and research grant funding instrumentsValid driver’s license

Knowledge:

• Proven track record of good governance and policy complianceProven track record of processing grant-related financial transactions with the highest degree of accuracy and reliabilityDemonstrated experience in implementing and managing accurate and auditable financial reconciliationsEstablishing and implementing compliant grant-related administrative systems and processes, for funding application reviews, grant awards and study/research progressEfficient resolution of administrative and financial queries Experience in university funding environment, including interactions with academic staff, students, and administration and finance officers

Additional Notes:
AccountabilityAbility to foster a positive and motivated teamProblem solving Strong administrative acumenAbility to interpret and apply legislation, policies and proceduresHigh level of accuracy and numeracy Excellent attention to detail Strong oral and written English communication Excellent interpersonal skills Ability to work independently and meet deadlines Good planning and organizational skills Appreciation of science, engineering and research environmentsThe 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 established by an Act of Parliament and mandated to contribute to national development by supporting, promoting and advancing research and human capacity development, through funding and the provision of the necessary research infrastructure, in order to facilitate the creation of knowledge, innovation and development in all fields of science and technology, including humanities, social sciences and indigenous knowledge; and supporting and promoting public awareness of, and engagement with, science. The South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO) (www.sarao.ac.za) spearheads South Africa’s activities in the Square Kilometre Array Radio Telescope, commonly known as the SKA, in engineering, science and construction. SARAO is a National Facility managed by the National Research Foundation and incorporates radio astronomy instruments and programmes such as the MeerKAT in the Karoo, the Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomy Observatory (HartRAO) in Gauteng, the African Very Long Baseline Interferometry (AVN) programme in nine African countries as well as the associated human capital development and commercialisation endeavours.