Senior Manager: Science Engagement at NRF National Research Foundation

About the position

Postion Summary:
The National Research Foundation (NRF) seeks to make an appointment of a Senior Manager: Science Engagement who will report to the Managing Director: SAASTA, within Research, Innovation and Impact Support and Advancement (RIISA) at the business unit SAASTA. The position will be based at SAASTA in Pretoria CBD.

Key Responsibilities:

• Providing strategic leadership in the development of relevant science engagement concept frameworks in consultation with key stakeholders
• Leading and managing relationships with the organisation’s strategic partners to advance the RIISA mandate
• Representing the NRF/RIISA/Department at official occasions and meetings, in negotiations, at conventions, seminars, public hearings and forums
• Providing policy development and expert guidance to other professionals in relation to Human Capital Development for research and innovation, with significant impact on the organisation and the national research landscape
• Ensuring appropriate developments and innovative solutions are proposed that consistently enhance and maximise service quality, efficiency, and continuity within the new NRF Service Delivery Model
• Managing risks by identifying trends, strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats for the Department and RIISA that may have an impact on the organisation, to enable appropriate and timely action to be taken
• Managing the information and knowledge of the department as an organisational resource
• Developing and managing business plans, and systems and operations through delegation and empowerment
• Development of team members to meet current and future individual and organisational competency requirements through mentoring and coaching
• Monitoring and Evaluation of the funded projects under the Science Engagement department to ensure the expected output, outcomes, and impact

Minimum Qualification:

• Masters Degree / NQF 9

Minimum Experience:

• 7-10 years

• A Master’s Degree (NQF 9) with proven track record, Doctoral degree will be advantageous
• Seven (7) years’ experience in a research environment, of which 5 years is management experience
• Project implementation experienceKnowledge of the South African Education sectorKnowledge of the Science Engagement sector and the National System of InnovationKnowledge of relevant policies, legislation, and regulations in South Africa
• Familiarity with PFMA, labour legislation and management best practices

Experience:

• Human Resource and Talent Management Change management
• Policy developmentStakeholder Management Contracts managementResearch grant management capabilitiesFinancial resourcing and managementProven quantitative and qualitative analytical capabilities
• Advanced computer proficiency

Knowledge:

• Strategy development and implementationBusiness planning and implementation

Additional Notes:
Organisational skillsLeadership skills Interpersonal skillsDiplomacy skillsAdvanced communicationPresentation capabilitiesThe 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 a government mandated research and science development agency established through the National Research Foundation Act (Act No. 23 of 1998). The agency supports and promotes research and human capital development through innovative grant funding and partnerships, the provision of National Research Facilities and science engagement platforms and supporting and promoting public awareness of science to the broader community, in all fields of science and technology, including natural science, engineering, social science and humanities. The South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement (SAASTA) is a business unit of the National Research Foundation (NRF) with the mandate to advance public awareness, appreciation and engagement of science, engineering, innovation, and technology in South Africa and has been appointed by the Department of Science and Innovation to be the national coordinator for Science Engagement in South Africa.