About the position
Postion Summary:
The key role of the position is to provide support to the Manager in the section and the department in the end-to-end development and implementation of funding instruments and concomitant activities, through assigned team leadership. These activities include pre- and post- granting processes, aligned to the NRF mandate.
Key Responsibilities:
- Supporting the development and implementation of departmental activities Drafting of business documents and reports associated with the funding instrumentsCoordinate the end-to-end grant administration and review activities for funding instrumentsEstablish and maintain long-term relationships with national, regional and global stakeholders Coordinate stakeholder communication between the NRF and Institutions on grants administrationRepresent the NRF/RIISA/Department at official occasions and meetings, committees, conventions, seminars, forums and institutional visits
- Drafting of agreements, contacts with external funders and partners
- Monitor and evaluate performance of the departmental funded projects and initiatives to ensure that the expected output, outcomes and impact are achieved
- Compile and analyse performance data and report on Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), on a quarterly and annual basis
- Provide inputs to budget processes including planning, projections, monitoring expenditure and reconciliations
- Report on finances in funding instruments and assist with reconciling and managing cost centre reports
- Assist with internal and external audit queries appropriately and timeously
- Monitor and analyse grants income and expenditure on an ongoing basis and for quarterly and annual performance management
- Provide project and team leadership in the implementation of assigned funding instruments, undertaking regular reviews against set objectives and taking actions to address deviations from the plans and targets where necessary
- Determine the deployment and utilisation of human resource allocation within the assigned project
- Provide leadership, mentorship, support and guidance to the project team membersUndertake quality assurance of work undertaken by team members prior to submission to the Manager
- Manage policy adherence and quality assurance for the merit- review of all applications for the assigned project
- Manage quality assurance for granting and grant data on NRF systems
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) with evidence of a relevant research experience will be an added advantage
- At least 3 years post-honours work experience in a relevant research and development environment
- Demonstrated experience of administrating research and/or innovation support activities
Experience:
- Quantitative and qualitative analytical capabilitiesExcellent communication and analytical skills
- Problem solving and negotiation skills
- Strong written abilities in drafting business documents and reports
- A positive attitude and good interpersonal skills
Knowledge:
- Knowledge of the South African Higher Education System and National System of InnovationKnowledge of frameworks and best practices for monitoring and evaluation of researchLeadership capabilityResearch administration experienceFinancial and business management experience
- Project management and effective time management skills
- Computer literacy skills including MS Suite
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 mandated to support, promote and advance research and human capacity development through fund and the provision of the necessary research infrastructure and science outreach platforms and programmes to the broader community, in order to facilitate the creation of knowledge, innovation and development in all ?elds of science and technology, including humanities, social sciences and indigenous knowledge. The Research, Innovation, Impact Support and Advancement (RIISA) is a division within the NRF that provides funding across the human capital development pipeline, for next-generation and emerging researchers. The Next Generation Researcher section provides support for postgraduate students pursuing a honours, masters and doctoral degree and as well as Global Knowledge Partnership mobilities placements.
