About the position
Postion Summary:
The National Research Foundation (NRF) seeks to make an appointment for the position of Professional Officer: Industry, Innovation, Research and Development within the Research, Innovation, and Impact Support and Advancement (RIISA) Division.
Key Responsibilities:
- Supporting the end-to-end research grants administration and management (from conceptualization to awards); Applying knowledge and experience of research administration to provide support and mentorship to project team members;Managing stakeholder relationships within the scientific community, industry and government;Conceptual and analytical skills for drafting strategic documents, frameworks and reports;Drafting research funding proposals;Multi-partner programme cooperation skills;Ability to communicate on national and international platforms;Implementation, monitoring and evaluation of business processes;Support in the management of cross-border funding, due diligence, and external auditing requirements;Managing quality assurance for grant data on NRF Connect; Monitoring and evaluation of the funded projects and initiatives to ensure the expected output, outcomes, and impact; Organize and coordinate events such as workshops, conferences and symposia;Financial management experience; Contract administration; Document management; Data analytics;Emotional intelligence; and Science diplomacy
Minimum Qualification:
- Honours Degree / Post Graduate Qualification / Professional Qualification / NQF 8
Minimum Experience:
- An Honours or 4 year degree (NQF 8) with evidence of research experience
- A Masters’ degree (NQF 9) with research linked experience will be an added advantage
- 3-5 years’ work experience in research and development
- Demonstrated experience of administrating research and/or innovation support activities
Experience:
- Good verbal and written communication skills in business language (English)Public speaking and presentation capabilities (oral and written)Good interpersonal, stakeholder relations and conflict resolution skillsFinancial resourcing, human resources management, change management and diplomacy skillsCritical thinking, problem solving, an eye for detail, quantitative and qualitative analytical capabilitiesPartner Contract/MoU/MoA negotiation and management skillsMulti-partner programme cooperation capabilitiesDemonstrable knowledge of project management Leadership Capacity Computer proficiency with MS Office suite
Knowledge:
- Knowledge of the South African Higher Education System
- Knowledge of the National System of Innovation
- Knowledge of National and International HRD Strategies and understanding of the development challenges
- Knowledge of relevant policies; legislation and regulations pertaining to research, innovation and postgraduate education in South Africa
- Knowledge of frameworks and best practices for monitoring and evaluation of research
- Knowledge of the global research landscape and innovation trends
- Familiarity with PFMA, labour legislation, and management best practices
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) was 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.
