Project Manager: Level 1 at NRF National Research Foundation

About the position

Postion Summary:
This role involves offering project management services to SARAO program managers and management for Engineering, Technology Research, and Development initiatives aimed at facilitating the construction of the major Radio Astronomy facilities. This includes leading Infrastructure, Technology Research and Development projects throughout the entire project lifecycle, adhering to SARAO's established procedures and processes, which include project initiation, planning, execution, monitoring, controlling, and closing phases. The delivery approach should also include the integration of established technical solution processes, i.e. System/Product Lifecycle Engineering processes. In addition to this, the responsibilities also encompass generating all essential project management documents, such as Project Management plans, ancillary plans, budgets, schedules, resource allocation, and progress reports as needed. The role includes delivering specific projects in accordance with contractual agreements.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide professional project management services to SARAO Program Management and Senior Management in the delivery of Technology Research and Development projects that underpin the construction and operation of major Radio Astronomy facilities
• Project Initiation: Assist with gathering initial project requirements and contribute to the development and approval of project charters
• Identify and apply suitable project management approaches (i
• e
• Sequential, Agile, and/or Hybrid Project Management Methodologies) in delivering projects, including coordination of geographically distributed and remote teams
• Project Planning & Integration: Collaborate in identifying project deliverables and success criteria; develop project implementation plans and subsidiary plans integrated with technical solution delivery; establish performance measurement baselines (scope, schedule, cost, resources, quality); lead reviews and secure project plan approvals
• Project Execution: Direct and manage project work; manage project deliverables; acquire resources, develop and manage teams; conduct procurement and manage contracts (aligned with NRF, SARAO and SKAO policies and procedures); manage quality; implement risk responses; manage project communications and stakeholder engagement; verify and validate project deliverables
• Technical Project Management: Provide specialised technical project management expertise, including planning, coordinating, and overseeing the execution of engineering solutions to ensure the successful delivery of complex technical outcomes
• Monitoring & Control: Oversee project work performance; analyse and monitor baselines; manage stakeholder engagements, risks, and communications; control project scope, schedule, cost, resources, procurement, and quality; and perform integrated change control
• Ensure timely and accurate reporting of project status, progress, risks, and issues to Programme Managers and Senior Management
• Project Closure: Conduct lessons learned; review project performance; finalise close-out agreements; manage the transition of final products, services, or results; and formally close projects or phases
• Governance & Continuous Improvement: Contribute to the development, maintenance, and improvement of project management frameworks, processes, standards, and templates to support SARAO’s governance requirements

Minimum Qualification:

• Bachelors Degree / Advanced Diploma / NQF 7

Minimum Experience:

• 6-6 years

• BTech in Engineering or related FieldECSA or equivalent project management professional registration is Advantageous (i
• e
• PMI-PMP / PRINCE2 / PMI-ACP / IPMA or equivalent)

Experience:

• At least 6 years’ experience in a project management role with demonstrated successful project deliveryDemonstrated knowledge and experience in applying project management principles, integrated with Engineering/technical solution processes and standardsProven expertise in managing medium- to large-scale, complex Engineering, Science and Technology Development projectsDemonstrated knowledge and experience of contract management using conventional engineering and construction contracts (i
• e
• GCC, FIDIC or NEC)Strong understanding of engineering or technical solution planning and delivery methodologies

Knowledge:

• Project Management theory, principles, standards and best practiceSystem/Product Life-cycle EngineeringPlanning and SchedulingProject EstimationCoordinationProcurement and Contract ManagementPublic Finance Management Act

Additional Notes:
Strong decision-makingExcellent communication - both verbal and written, in EnglishGood analytical and planning skillsEfficiency in a high-pressure environmentWillingness to work outside normal hoursProactiveCapable of dealing with uncertain environments and reducing uncertaintyProblem-solvingWorking in a Project Management Office environmentNo 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) spearheads South Africa's activities in the Square Kilometre Array Radio Telescope, commonly known as the SKA, in engineering, science and construction. SARAO is a National Facility managed by the National Research Foundation and incorporates radio astronomy instruments and programmes such as the MeerKAT telescope in the Karoo, the Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomy Observatory (HartRAO) in Gauteng, the African Very Long Baseline Interferometry (AVN) programme in nine African countries as well as the associated human capital development and commercialisation endeavours.