SKA Mid - Deputy Telescope Director at NRF National Research Foundation

About the position

Postion Summary:
Working with the SKA-Mid Telescope Director, the SKA-Mid Deputy Telescope Director works to establish and ultimately conduct the operations of the SKA-Mid Telescope. The Deputy Telescope Director role includes managing the work of the Engineering Operations, Computing and Software and Science Operations teams for SKA-Mid, to ensure the telescope is delivered and operated effectively. The Deputy Telescope Director also leads SARAO’s SKA-Mid Collaboration team working under the Agreement for Bilateral Collaboration who contribute to SKA-Mid Telescope operations, construction support, and business enabling teams, with responsibility for line management of that team. The SKA-Mid Deputy Telescope Director is work managed by the SKA-Mid Telescope Director. The Deputy Telescope Director is line managed by the Managing Director of SARAO and is a member of the SARAO Executive, contributing to the wider management and strategy of SARAO.

Key Responsibilities:

• Work manage the SKA-Mid Engineering Operations, Computing and Software and Science Operations teams, in support of construction, commissioning and operations of the SKA-Mid Telescope, optimizing costs and resources
• Responsibility for the integration of new systems for SKA-Mid in partnership with the Programmes Directorate ensuring smooth execution
• Monitor and report on the performance of operational and Collaboration initiatives, providing insights and recommendations for improvement
• Ensure all operations and Collaboration activities comply with legal, regulatory standards, and align with internal policies and procedures
• Ensure effective line management and seamless operational integration of collaboration-related activities, aligning goals, ensuring compliance, and optimizing resources to maximize mutual benefits between SKAO and SARAO
• Act as the Senior liaison between the SKAO and SARAO for collaboration-related operations under the Collaboration, fostering open and effective communication channels to strengthen the partnership
• Establish and maintain robust relationships with all stakeholders associated with the SKAO objectives, including the teams at both telescopes, SARAO, and the SKAO GHQ to support the meeting of objectives
• Develop and implement operational plans that align with both the SKAO and SARAO’s objectives and policies, ensuring operational excellence
• Work closely with the Telescope Director and Site Construction Director to jointly establish comprehensive goals for performance and growth within the Collaboration framework
• Lead projects and initiatives, including those related to the Collaboration, ensuring they are delivered on time, within scope, and budget
• Manage operational risks through the development and execution of mitigation plans
• Lead, motivate, and manage various departmental and cross-functional teams to achieve excellence in operational processes and Collaboration related activities
• Champion a culture of innovation, continuous improvement, and agility, encouraging collaborative problem-solving and creative strategies within the organization and in partnership with others
• Deputise for the SKA-Mid Telescope Director as required;Be an active member of the SKAO operations management group and SKA-Mid senior leadership teams, contributing to the wider management and strategy of the SKAO;Be an active member of the SARAO Executive, contributing to the wider management and strategy of SARAO; Serve as the SKAO Head of Profession for SKA-Mid roles in South Africa; andOther duties as directed

Minimum Qualification:

• Masters Degree / NQF 9

Minimum Experience:

• 10-15 years

• Master's in Astronomy, Physics, Engineering or a related field OrMaster’s degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field, with a Bachelor’s degree or higher in a technical field related to telescope operations
• Desirable:PhD in Astronomy, Physics, Engineering or a related field

Experience:

• A minimum of 10 years relevant experience in technical operations management, with a significant focus on strategic partnerships or joint ventures
• At least 5 years in a senior management role, preferably with experience in managing cross-organizational or collaborative projects
• Desirable: Experience in the operations of large-scale scientific facilities Experience in the transition from construction to operations

Knowledge:

• Strong leadership skills with a proven track record in building and maintaining strategic partnerships
• Deep understanding of joint venture dynamics, financial management, and operational efficiency
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and influence partners and stakeholders
• Strong understanding of financial management principles, including budgeting and resource optimization
• Deep knowledge of technical operational processes and continuous improvement practices
• Proficiency in project management, ensuring efficiency, effectiveness, and adherence to timelines and budgets

Additional Notes:
Related skillsExceptional problem-solving skills and the ability to think strategically about collaborative [URL Removed] ethical standards and integrity, with a commitment to transparency and fairness in all partnership [URL Removed] and resilient, capable of navigating the complexities of joint venture [URL Removed] commitment to excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement within a collaborative [URL Removed] EssentialLeadership and Management: Exceptional leadership skills to inspire and guide teams. Effective management and delegation, ensuring accountability and [URL Removed] and Relationship Management: Strong relationship-building skills for maintaining productive partnerships and stakeholder [URL Removed] negotiation and conflict resolution abilities. Communication and Influence: Outstanding communication skills, capable of articulating complex ideas clearly. Ability to influence decision-making and inspire confidence across all levels of the [URL Removed] Vision and Foresight: Ability to develop and implement long-term strategies that align with the SKAO and SARAO goals and adapt to changing industry [URL Removed] DesirableAdaptability and Problem-Solving: High adaptability to rapidly changing environments and circumstances. Advanced problem-solving skills, with a knack for identifying and addressing challenges swiftly and [URL Removed] Judgment and Integrity: A demonstrated commitment to ethics and integrity, promoting transparency and trust. Making decisions that reflect the organization's values and ethical [URL Removed] and Creativity: A proactive approach to innovation, encouraging new ideas and solutions.* Openness to leveraging technology for improving operational efficiency and achieving a competitive [URL Removed] ValuesThe SKA-Mid Telescope Deputy Telescope Director will be expected to demonstrate the SARAO and SKAO’s values, and to work actively to instil those behaviours in all SKA-Mid staff in South [URL Removed] values are:Diversity and InclusionExcellenceCollaborationCreativity and InnovationSustainabilitySARAO’s values are:Passion for ExcellenceWorld-class servicePeople-centeredRespectIntegrity and EthicsAccountabilityThe 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) (www.nrf.ac.za) 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) (www.sarao.ac.za) 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 and KAT-7 telescopes 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. The Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO) (www.skao.int) is a next-generation global radio-astronomy facility that will revolutionise our understanding of the Universe and the laws of fundamental physics. It is one observatory with two telescopes – SKA-Mid in South Africa and SKA-Low in Western Australia. South Africa is a co-host member of the SKAO, an intergovernmental organisation headquartered at Jodrell Bank (near Manchester in the United Kingdom) responsible for SKAO construction and operation globally.