About the position
Postion Summary:
The National Research Foundation (NRF) seeks to make an appointment for the position of Specialist: Planning and Monitoring within the Research, Innovation, and Impact Support and Advancement (RIISA) Division. Reporting to the Senior Specialist: Planning Monitoring and Evaluations Department (PME), the incumbent will be responsible for leading and managing the efficient and effective implementation of RIISA Planning, Performance Monitoring and Strategic Reporting and promote accountability.
Key Responsibilities:
- Managing the implementation of the Strategic Plan and Annual Performance Plan in order to achieve RIISA goals
- Compiling documents for Planning, Monitoring and Strategic Reporting, such as Roadmaps, Frameworks, Business Plans, Standard Operating Procedures and Review Reports
- Reviewing and recommending for approval, department-related documents including Strategies, Roadmaps, Frameworks, Proposals, Reports
- Managing the end-to-end process for RIISA Planning, Monitoring and Strategic Reporting
- Managing several projects to ensure that each project is delivered within scope, time and budget
- Ensuring appropriate developments and innovative solutions are proposed that consistently enhance and maximise service quality, for Planning, Monitoring and Strategic Reporting, efficiency and continuity within the new NRF Service Delivery Model
- Contribute to the drafting of the NRF policy related to Planning, Monitoring and Strategic Reporting, with significant impact on the organisation and the national research landscape
- Establishing and maintain a reliable, updated, informative and user-friendly database of reviewers and evaluators for the department
- Representing the NRF/RIISA/Department at official occasions and meetings, at conventions, seminars, forums and institutional visits
- Instilling Planning, Monitoring and Strategic Reporting thinking as an integral part of the RIISA culture
- Implement innovative approaches to present Planning, Monitoring and Strategic Reporting, reports clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing
- Macro-level project planning for the implementation of the RIISA Strategic and Business plans
- Reviewing the operations and performance of the departments and reporting to Management and RIISA Executive
- Compiling RIISA Quarterly and Annual Strategic Reporting for RIISA Executive, NRF Executive and the NRF Board
- Systematically gathering and analysing data and information to measure RIISA performance and audit requirements
- Working with data platforms, databases and select technologies to capture and organise data
- Managing NRF policy adherence for all departments activities
- Managing policy adherence and quality assurance for Planning, Monitoring and Strategic Reporting
Minimum Qualification:
- Honours Degree / Post Graduate Qualification / Professional Qualification / NQF 8
Minimum Experience:
- An Honours or 4-year degree (NQF 8) in Natural or Social Science or Business Management/or, Project Management and related fields A Masters’ degree (NQF 9) in Planning and Monitoring or Business Management with research linked experience will be an added advantage
- 5-8 years’ work experience with Project Management, including experience with Strategic Planning, Monitoring Frameworks, and Performance Evaluation
- Experience in Data Analysis and interpreting reports to measure programme performance and effectiveness
Experience:
- Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E): Strong knowledge of M&E frameworks, tools, and methodologies, with a focus on data collection, analysis, and reporting
- Familiarity with international standards and best practices in project monitoring and evaluation
- Strategy Development and Implementation: Ability to contribute to long-term and short-term planning processes, goal setting, and developing measurable objectives
- Project Management: Proficiency in project management software such as MS Project, Excel, Business Intelligence System (BIS) or similar tools
- Report Writing and Presentation Skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills to produce reports, briefings, and presentations for management and stakeholders
- Business Planning and ImplementationFinancial resourcing, Human Resource Management, Change Management and Time ManagementStakeholder Management, Diplomacy skills, Good interpersonal skills and Conflict Resolution skillsResearch Management and Administration, Contracts Management and Policy DevelopmentStrong Quantitative and Qualitative analytical capabilities
Knowledge:
- Knowledge of and experience with the MTEF (Medium-Term Expenditure Framework) is highly desirable
- Knowledge of the South African Higher Education System; the National System of Innovation; National and International Human Resource Development Strategies and associated challenges
- Knowledge of National and International Human Resources Development Strategies and associated challenges
- Knowledge of relevant policies; legislation and regulations pertaining to research, innovation and postgraduate education in South Africa
- Knowledge of frameworks and best practices for monitoring and evaluation of research
- Knowledge of the global research landscape and innovation trends
- Familiarity with PFMA, labour legislation, and management best practices
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.
