Assistant Director

Phanda Personnel; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 500 000 - 750 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment firm in Pretoria is seeking a highly motivated individual for the role of Assistant Director: Africa Multilateral Cooperation. The successful candidate will support international science, technology, and innovation partnerships throughout Africa, handling negotiations, funding coordination, and stakeholder engagement. Ideal candidates should have a relevant tertiary qualification and minimum 2 years of experience in international relations. Excellent communication and analytical skills are essential for this role.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years' experience in international relations or a related environment.
• Strong understanding of the National System of Innovation (NSI) and international cooperation frameworks.
• Proven ability in stakeholder engagement, project coordination, and policy implementation.

Responsibilities

• Support negotiations and implementation of international agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs).
• Facilitate and coordinate funding arrangements to support international partnerships.
• Assist in developing mechanisms for inclusion of non-traditional participants in the NSI.
• Support initiatives for enhancing participation of South African students, researchers, and women in international programmes.
• Coordinate projects that promote innovation for societal benefit.
• Manage administrative and reporting tasks for compliance.

Skills

Excellent planning

Organizing skills

Communication skills

Negotiation ability

Analytical skills

Research abilities

Proficiency in MS Office

Diplomacy

Adaptability

Sound judgment in stakeholder management

Education

Tertiary qualification at NQF Level 6 or higher in International Relations, Development Studies, Natural Science

Job description

Introduction

We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented professional to join our client's team as an Assistant Director : Africa Multilateral Cooperation.

The successful candidate will play a key role in supporting international science, technology, and innovation partnerships that advance shared economic and social development across the African continent.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Support negotiations and implementation of international agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs).
• Facilitate and coordinate funding arrangements to support international partnerships.
• Assist in developing mechanisms that promote inclusion of non-traditional participants in the National System of Innovation (NSI).
• Support initiatives that enhance participation of South African students, researchers, and women in international programmes.
• Coordinate projects that promote innovation for societal benefit, public good, and industrial development.
• Manage administrative and reporting tasks to ensure compliance and effective documentation.

Desired Experience & Qualification

Qualifications and Experience: A tertiary qualification at NQF Level 6 or higher in International Relations, Development Studies, Natural Science, or a related field. Minimum of 2 years' experience in international relations or a related environment. Strong understanding of the National System of Innovation (NSI) and international cooperation frameworks. Proven ability in stakeholder engagement, project coordination, and policy implementation.

Skills and Competencies: Excellent planning, organizing, and communication skills. Strong negotiation, analytical, and research abilities. Ability to work independently and collaboratively under pressure. Proficiency in MS Office applications. Diplomacy, adaptability, and sound judgment in stakeholder management.