About the position
Postion Summary:
The National Research Foundation (NRF) seeks to make an appointment for the position of Professional Officer – Policy, Research and Advice to:
Key Responsibilities:
- Support the Manager to carry out research, analysis, and evaluation of policies, strategies, and HESI developments
- Prepare NRF briefings (including NRF Research Insights)
- Ensure information sharing, communication and engagement through publications and webinars
- Identify policy gaps (through research and policy analysis)
- Develop mandate-related policy and concept documents
- Provide qualitative analysis for evidence-based policy and strategic advice for the NRF and the NSI
- Review NSI needs and benchmark with local and international strategies and policies of similar science systems to formulate NRF advice
- Review NSI policies and plans to strengthen the NSI
- Draw contributions from across the organisation to craft NRF responses to draft HESI legislation, reports, frameworks, and roadmaps to provide NSI policy advice to advance the NSI
- Identify and assess risk inherent in policy choices and develop recommendations for mitigation strategies
- Review the current macro-organisational needs
- Benchmark with local and international strategies, policies, and implementation plans of similar organisations
- Work with relevant NRF sections to test policies and implementation to inform future policies
- Draft strategy, policies, and implementation documents for review by the Manager
- Assist in the formulation of macro-organisational strategies, policies, and implementation plans to advance the NRF’s mandate and respond to the goals and objectives of the organisation
- Review and draft macro-organisational strategies, policies, and implementation plans
- Draft documents such as Roadmaps, Frameworks, Annual Performance Plans, Annual Operational Plans, Standard Operating Procedures and Review Reports
- Propose appropriate developments and innovative solutions to enhance and maximise service quality, efficiency and continuity within the new NRF Service Delivery Model
- Establish and manage the repository of departmental data and documents
- Review the organisation’s performance and impact
- Benchmark performance with similar local and international entities
- Draft performance and impact monitoring tools at a macro-organisational level in consultation with NRF Business Units or Divisions
- Draft strategic performance and impact monitoring reports to advance the mandate and respond to the goals and objectives of the organisation
- Use information and data to discern future needs and inform organisational strategy
- Use business intelligence to propose efficient and effective solutions and possible scenarios
- Support and guide impact implementation, assessment, and review across the organisation
- Capture and communicate NRF impact trends and achievements in creative and innovative formats
- Support analysis and assessment of the societal (knowledge, social and economic) impact of NRF-funded programmes through case studies and the preparation of impact reports
- Maintain relationships with national, regional and global stakeholders that can advance the work of the NRF
- Participate in regular briefings and engagements with internal and external stakeholders to create awareness and keep them informed, as appropriate
- Engage and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to advance research impact across the NSI and contribute to national development
- Any other ad hoc activities as requested by management
Minimum Qualification:
- Honours Degree / Post Graduate Qualification / Professional Qualification / NQF 8
Minimum Experience:
- An honours degree (NQF 8) with evidence of research experience
- A master’s degree (NQF 9) with proven research experience will be an added advantage
- 3 years post-honours experience in a policy development, research support, and data intensive environment within the higher education and/or science sector
- Demonstrated experience of policy writing and analysis
Experience:
- Strategy development and implementationLeadership skills Policy developmentStakeholder Management Logical and critical thinking skills
- Good verbal and written communicationPresentation capabilitiesData collection and monitoringConceptual and qualitative analytical skills
- Quantitative and analytical capabilities
- Project ManagementFinancial management Time management skillsInterpersonal skillsProblem solving skills
- Computer proficiency with the 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 the global research landscape and innovation trends
- Knowledge of frameworks and best practices for monitoring and evaluation of research
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.
