About the position
Postion Summary:
The National Infrastructure Research Platforms (NRIP) seeks to appoint the Senior Manager: NRIP Integration whose key responsibilities will include
Key Responsibilities:
- Oversee all aspects of NRIP integration management, including project design, execution, stakeholder engagement, budget and compliance with international research infrastructure management standards
- Oversee the development of systems and standards for efficient integration of National Facilities within the NRF
- Ensure projects that ensure maximum alignment and integration of National Facilities with the NRF TIES strategy
- A key emphasis will be innovation and impact
- Provide oversite financial and SCM oversight of large NRIP NF projects as requested by the DCEO
- Develop, manage, and track budgets, ensuring financial resources are allocated and utilised effectively across all project phases
- Coordinate with external partners, including academic institutions, government agencies, and private sector organisations, to optimise resource sharing and expertise
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, ensuring effective communication of project progress, risks, and results
- Coordinate with external partners, including academic institutions, government agencies, and private sector organisations, to optimise resource sharing and expertise
- Serve as the primary point of contact for all internal and external project stakeholders
- Identify potential risks and challenges, including regulatory, logistical, administrative, at National Facilities and propose proactive solutions
- Where appropriate lead the development of risk mitigation strategies to ensure the smooth execution of National Facility activities
- Develop best practices and tools for project execution and management
- Develop the overall framework, for project M&E, i
- e mid-term project review, impact assessment final evaluation, develop project Performance Monitoring Plan with relevant data collection systems
- Establish metrics for assessing project performance and outcomes, ensuring alignment with the organisation's research goals
- Evaluate the impact and effectiveness of completed projects
- Conduct project post mortems and create a recommendations report in order to identify successful and unsuccessful project elements
Minimum Qualification:
Minimum Experience:
- Masters in a relevant scientific, technical, commercial or academic field
- PhD will serve as an added advantage
- Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or equivalent will be an added advantage
- Technically competent with various software programs, such as Microsoft OfficeMinimum of 8 years working experience of which 5 years should be at a management level
- Proven experience in working within the research infrastructure environment and National System of Innovation
- Experience in managing teams, fostering collaboration, and driving project success in a research-focused environment
- Experience at working both independently and in a team-oriented, collaborative environment is essential
- Experience in managing senior staff, employees, and available resources
Experience:
- Ability to defuse tension among project team and/or customer should it arise
- Ability to bring project to successful completion through political sensitivity
- Ability to read communication styles of team members and stakeholders who come from a broad spectrum of disciplinesAbility to elicit cooperation from a wide variety of sources, including upper management, clients, and other departments
- Ability to effectively prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment is helpful
- Ability to work overtime in order to meet project critical deliveries
- Adept at conducting research into project-related issues and products
- A high level of business awareness and acumen
- Cultural sensitivity and the ability to work effectively across diverse teams and disciplinesCan conform to shifting priorities, demands and timelines through analytical and problem-solving capabilities
- Conflict mediation skills
- Excellent Leadership, communication and organisational skills
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
- Flexibility to adapt to evolving project needs and external factors in a dynamic environmentReacts to project adjustments and alterations promptly and efficiently
- Persuasive, encouraging, and motivatingStrong written and oral communication skills
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Strong systems thinking
- Strong strategic thinking, with the ability to align projects with broader organisational goalsMust be able to learn, understand, and apply new technologies
- Stakeholders service skills an asset
Knowledge:
- Knowledge and understanding of financial norms and standards and other legislation e
- g, PFMA, Treasury regulations, Financial Delegations, applicable policies, and procedures
- Clear understanding of the National System of Innovation
- Clear understanding of the role that research Infrastructure plays within the National system of Innovation
- Project management and other associated governmental policies
- A proactive approach to identifying opportunities for collaboration and fostering partnerships
- Understanding the intricacies of financial management, SCM and procurement associated with infrastructure
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) was 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.
