Project Controller at NRF National Research Foundation

About the position

Postion Summary:
The Project Controller is responsible for providing project controls support across engineering, technology development, and construction projects by ensuring accurate cost estimation, effective budget management, and robust financial oversight throughout the project lifecycle. The role supports project and portfolio governance by monitoring costs, analysing financial performance, managing contract-related financial aspects, and implementing cost control measures to ensure projects are delivered within approved budgets. The Project Controller also contributes to procurement processes, financial reporting, and the continuous improvement of project control systems to enable informed decision-making and strengthen overall project delivery performance.

Key Responsibilities:

• Prepare accurate cost estimates for engineering, technology development, and construction projects in accordance with project controls standards and best practices
• Develop and manage project budgets, establish cost baselines, and monitor expenditure to ensure projects remain within approved financial limits
• Track and analyse project costs, identify variances, and implement effective cost control measures across the project lifecycle and portfolio
• Support procurement processes by confirming budget availability, assisting with the preparation of contractual agreements, and managing variations and change orders
• Monitor project financial performance and prepare regular reports, including cost forecasts, cash flow projections, and executive financial dashboards
• Identify and manage financial and contractual risks, providing mitigation strategies and maintaining clear communication with internal and external stakeholders
• Lead and administer supply contracts, ensuring proper valuation of completed work and timely negotiation and agreement of final accounts
• Contribute to the development and improvement of project control systems, governance processes, and PMO frameworks to strengthen financial oversight and compliance

Minimum Qualification:

• Bachelors Degree / Advanced Diploma / NQF 7

Minimum Experience:

• 5-5 years

• Bachelor's degree in Commercial/Business administration field, or a related fieldProject Management Professional (PMP) or equivalent project management professional registration

Experience:

• Minimum of 6 years’ experience in project controls within the engineering, infrastructure, or construction environmentDemonstrated experience in project budgeting, cost estimation, cost management, and financial reportingKnowledge of project management methodologies, risk management, and cost control practicesExperience in contract management frameworks such as NEC4, FIDIC, or SAICE GCCProficiency in project planning and cost management tools and softwareStrong understanding of procurement processes and public finance governance frameworks

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of project management, planning, procurement, risk, and cost controlContract Management according to NEC4, FIDIC & GCC (preferred)Able to accurately forecast cost Project portfolio reportingProject Management theory, principles, standards, and best practiceProject EstimationProcurement and Contract ManagementProject EstimationPublic Finance Management Act

Additional Notes:
Skills/Ability/Competencies Strong decision-makingExcellent communication - both verbal and written, in English Good analytical and planning skillsEfficiency in a high-pressure environmentExcellent mathematical and analytical skillsEfficiency in a high-pressure environmentProactiveFinancial managementProblem solvingProficient in using quantity surveying software and MS Office SuiteWillingness to work outside normal hours Problem-solvingNo constraints on ability to travel within South Africa and InternationallyThe 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) supports and promotes research and human capital development through funding, the provision of National Research Facilities and science outreach platforms and programmes to the broader community in all fields of science and technology, including natural sciences, engineering, social sciences and humanities. The South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO) implements South Africa's strategic investments in radio astronomy, including the international Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project, which covers a broad range of engineering and scientific activities. SARAO is a National Facility of the National Research Foundation, and incorporates radio astronomy and space geodesy instruments and programmes such as the MeerKAT telescope in the Karoo, the Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomy Observatory (HartRAO) in Gauteng, the Africa Radio Astronomy Programme across nine African countries, as well as associated human capital development and commercialisation endeavours.