Contracts Specialist at NRF National Research Foundation

National Research Foundation; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 50 000 - 90 000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a skilled Contract Manager to oversee contract strategies and ensure compliance with legal requirements. This pivotal role involves drafting, negotiating, and managing contracts with various stakeholders, while collaborating closely with legal and finance teams. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in contract management, with at least 7 years of experience in large infrastructure or construction projects. You will play a key role in mitigating risks and securing favorable terms for the organization. If you thrive in a dynamic environment and have a passion for contract law, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• 7+ years in contract management within large projects.
• Experience with FIDIC, NEC, and GCC contract suites.

Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate various contracts.
• Manage the entire contract lifecycle and ensure compliance.

Skills

Contract Management

Negotiation Skills

Legal Compliance

Risk Management

Communication Skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree / Advanced Diploma / NQF 7

Tools

MS Office

Google Workspace

Confluence

JIRA

Job description

Position Summary:

The main purpose of this role is to ensure that contract strategies, tenders, contracts, and specific contract change management procedures fully comply with the organization's legal requirements, policies, and procedures. This includes implementing risk mitigation measures and securing the best possible terms for the organization. The incumbent is responsible for drafting, negotiating, and managing contracts with vendors, contractors, clients, and partners. This includes the contractual management and administration of the principal contract in accordance with organizational policies, procedures, and specific contract requirements. The incumbent will support the project manager and work closely with other support departments such as SCM, legal, and finance.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Draft, review, and negotiate a variety of contracts, including procurement and service agreements.
2. Collaborate with legal, procurement, and finance teams to develop and revise contracts, ensuring they align with organizational policies and objectives.
3. Facilitate negotiations, ensuring all parties understand their obligations and rights.
4. Ensure all contracts comply with legal regulations and organizational policies.
5. Monitor contract timelines and deliverables, identify and mitigate potential risks, and maintain up-to-date knowledge of relevant laws and regulations.
6. Manage the entire contract lifecycle, from strategy planning to execution and closeout.
7. Maintain accurate records of contracts, evaluate claims, and lead dispute resolution processes.
8. Notify stakeholders of claims or potential disputes and assist in compiling necessary information to defend the organization's position.
9. Collaborate with project managers to respond to queries from contractors and suppliers.
10. Handle internal reporting of all commercial and contractual issues, oversee construction contract documentation, and track contract performance and compliance.
11. Provide guidance and training on best practices for contract drafting, negotiation, and management.
12. Develop and implement training programs to enhance contract law, compliance, and risk management skills.
13. Advise senior management on contractual strategies and potential risks.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree / Advanced Diploma / NQF 7

Minimum Experience:

• 7+ years in contract management and administration within large infrastructure, engineering, research & development, or construction projects.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Experience with contract suites such as FIDIC, NEC, and GCC.
• Proficiency in PC skills (MS Office, Google Workspace, Confluence, JIRA).
• Understanding of project management principles, statutory procedures, and technical standards.
• Excellent communication, analytical, planning, and technical writing skills.
• Ability to work under pressure, problem-solve, and collaborate effectively across disciplines.

Additional Notes:

Willingness to travel within South Africa and internationally is required. Applicants should submit a comprehensive CV, a motivation letter, and referees' contact details through the NRF Recruitment Portal.