About the position
Postion Summary:
The NRF seeks to make an appointment for the position of Professional Officer in the CENIRIF Function within the Strategic Investments, Innovation and Impact (SI3) Department of the Research, Innovation and Impact Support and Advancement (RIISA) Business Unit
Key Responsibilities:
- Utilise the NRF’s end-to-end modalities to optimally implement an Assigned Portfolio of Grants consisting of CoEs, NIRDIs, Flagships and Research Infrastructure grants
- Within the Assigned Portfolio of Grants:-lead the conceptualisation and project implementation of assigned new CoEs, NIRDIS, Flagships, Research Infrastructure and other identified interventions, -lead the monitoring, evaluation, analysis, reporting and quality assurance,-identify and address risks, challenges, opportunities and innovative solutions to consistently enhance and maximise service quality, efficiency and continuity of CENIRIF within the new NRF Service Delivery Model, and -coordinate the governance, performance, project management, contract and application evaluation meetings with relevant funders, stakeholders, prospective and current grantholders, clients and partners
- Contribute to the optimisation of the visibility of the CENIRIF Funding Instruments
- Mainstream the alignment of NRF Policies throughout the implementation of Funding Instruments
- Provide leadership, mentorship, support and guidance to the project team members
Minimum Qualification:
- Honours Degree / Post Graduate Qualification / Professional Qualification / NQF 8
Minimum Experience:
- Honours or 4-year degree (NQF 8)
- A master’s degree (NQF 9) will be an added advantage
- 3 years post-Honours work experience in research and development
Experience:
- Leadership capabilityStakeholder managementProject and time management Contracts and financial managementDemonstrated advanced writing and presentation capabilitiesDemonstrated extensive and high level of computer proficiency with the MS Office SuiteDemonstrated extensive experience of high level of proficiency in the utilisation of current NRF systemsDemonstrated quantitative and qualitative analytical capabilitiesDemonstrated experience of administration of research and/or innovation support activitiesDemonstrated extensive experience of administration of postgraduate students and postdoctoral research fellows’ support would be advantageousEvolved interpersonal and communication skillsDiplomacy, problem solving and conflict resolution skillsEvolved Emotional IntelligenceExhibits integrity, self-awareness, assertiveness, respect, compassion, agility and resilience
Knowledge:
- Knowledge of the National System of Innovation
- Knowledge of relevant policies, legislation and regulations pertaining to research, innovation and Higher Education in South Africa and specific to the mandate of the NRF
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) 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 NRF is a well-established organisation that is highly networked within the knowledge system, nationally and internationally. It is the principal organisation responsible for promoting the national research enterprise and is the primary public funder of postgraduate students and researchers and provider of research infrastructure in the country. It has well-developed, best practice research evaluation and support systems.
