Research Assistant : Ocean20 at NRF National Research Foundation

About the position

Postion Summary:
The SAEON Egagasini Node is hosted in Cape Town by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment. The Egagasini Node is mandated to undertake long-term monitoring and research of South Africa’s offshore environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support all areas of Ocean20 activities, including logistics of workshops, stakeholder databases, stakeholder engagementProduction of popular articles related to SAEON’s Ocean20 project and the contributions of stakeholder to the Ocean20 project for posting on the Ocean20 website and other mediaCreation of and regular updating of the Ocean20 communication media – including on platforms such as LinkedIn, X and Ocean20 website; general maintenance of the Ocean20 communication platformsFacilitating media awareness of Ocean20, including tv, radio, newspaper etc
• and producing two Ocean20 newslettersDevelop and implement mechanisms to monitor and report on impact of Ocean20 and communications

Minimum Qualification:

• Bachelors Degree / Advanced Diploma / NQF 7

Minimum Experience:

• 2-3 years

• 3-year degree in natural sciences (e
• g
• , biology, marine biology, oceanography), followed by course/s or proven experience in science communication/journalism/social media
• Alternatively a 3-year degree in journalism/media studies, 1 year proven work experience and an interest in oceansA valid code B driver’s licence

Experience:

• Two (2) years minimum experience in project management and producing articles in electronic or print media on science and/or research related issues; Social media - posting items on Facebook page; Managing a Twitter account; Managing a LinkedIn account
• Proven stakeholder engagementWebsite content maintenance, experience in working with website development platforms
• Compiling newsletters, working with print media, and graphic design would be an advantage

Knowledge:

• Evidence of exceptional performance in project management and content developmentEvidence of experience in working with social media platformsProven ability to work as part of a diverse team Experience working with marine industry/philanthropy would be an advantage

Additional Notes:
Desire to work within the marine science communityNRF website provides more details on the initiatives and activitiesThe 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 Environmental Observation Network (SAEON) is a research platform funded by the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) and managed by the National Research Foundation (NRF) since 2002. SAEON is mandated to observe and researche ecosystems on land, in coastal regions and the oceans to understand how those systems function and might change over time and space when influenced by socio-economic driving forces including climate change. We deliver our data online and offer tools, services and advice for informed environmental policy-making.