Research Management Coordinator: SARChI at NRF National Research Foundation

About the position

Postion Summary:
The NRF seeks to make an appointment for the position of Research Management Coordinator (RMC) in the SARChI Section within the Strategic Investments, Innovation and Impact (SI³) Department of the Research, Innovation and Impact Support and Advancement (RIISA) Business Unit of the NRF.

Key Responsibilities:

• 1
• Supporting the implementation of SARChI activities1
• 1
• Support the end-to-end grant administration activities for programme implementation, including call provisioning and call for applications, application screening, review and evaluation, grants awarding and expenditure, communication to applicants and institutions, monitoring and reporting
• 1
• 2
• Continuously update the repository of SARChI data and documents
• 1
• 3
• Ensure compliance with all NRF policies and procedures
• 1
• 4
• Provide technical administrative support of SARChI activities such as compilation of presentations, excel spreadsheet including review meetings, screenings and funding decisions
• 1
• 5
• Participate in drafting of internal business documents and reports in support of the SARChI activities
• 2
• Stakeholder liaison2
• 1
• Maintain and administer an effective client information database with accurate and relevant information on national, regional and global stakeholders
• 2
• 2
• Provide technical support for stakeholder engagement meetings, workshops, conferences, institutional visits, scientific events and launches
• 2
• 3
• Serve as a liaison for communication between the NRF and institutional grants administration officers and maintain positive relationships with institutional grants administration officers
• 2
• 4
• Be responsive to stakeholder requests and enquiries in an informed and customer-centric manner
• 2
• 5
• Assist with coordination of communication and marketing activities of SARChI
• 2
• 6
• Assist with the communication to postal and panel reviews as per departmental activities
• 2
• 7
• Assist and support the review process for grant funding applications
• 3
• Support financial administration3
• 1
• Assist with the technical administration of grant administration transactions, in close collaboration with RIISA finance department
• 3
• 2
• Provide the administration of grant awards, releases and budget adjustments
• 3
• 3
• Assist, support and address audit queries appropriately and timeously
• 4
• Support monitoring and reporting4
• 1
• Provide administrative support for the monitoring and evaluation of performance of the departmental funded projects and initiatives to ensure that the expected output, outcomes and impact are achieved
• 4
• 2
• Extract, analyse and compile performance data for reporting on Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), on a quarterly and annual basis
• 4
• 3
• Actively participate in the evaluation of funding instruments
• 4
• 4
• Continually monitor the quality of Grant Data to ensure data integrity
• 4
• 5
• Provide grant administration inputs for the departmental and RIISA Quarterly and Annual Progress Reports (APR)

Minimum Qualification:

• Bachelors Degree / Advanced Diploma / NQF 7

Minimum Experience:

• 3-5 years

• Bachelor s Degree (NQF 7)
• An honour s degree (NQF 8) will be an added advantage2 years of work experience in a relevant research-related environmentTechnical office administration experienceKnowledge of relevant policies, legislation and regulations pertaining to research, innovation and Higher Education in South Africa and those specific to the mandate of the NRF

Experience:

• Stakeholder liaisonFinancial administrationGood writing skills (English)Good interpersonal skillsDiplomacy, problem solving and conflict resolution skillsProject and time management

Knowledge:

• Evolved interpersonal and communication skills (English)Demonstrated computer proficiency with the MS Office SuiteComputer proficiency with the MS Office suitePresentation skillsExhibits integrity, self-awareness, assertiveness, respect, compassion, agility and resilience

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.