Manager: Hosted National Programmes (Five -Year Contract)

Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR); Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 1,500,000 - 1,900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Learning and development opportunities

Competitive remuneration packages

Total guaranteed salary packages

CSIR Excellence Awards

Job summary

The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in Pretoria seeks a high‑level leader to manage Hosted National Programmes. You will provide strategic direction, oversee delivery and optimise governance, risk and stakeholder engagement across multiple programmes.

The role requires extensive senior management experience, strong financial acumen and the ability to secure new funding opportunities while guiding teams to achieve impact and sustainable growth.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or MBA in a science or engineering discipline or equivalent with 13+ years' management experience.
• Experience in strategic leadership and large programme management; stakeholder engagement at senior levels.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership to Hosted National Programmes portfolio and drive strategy execution.
• Lead development and delivery of strategic/operational plans; drive performance, KPIs and revenue targets.
• Ensure capable, resourced programmes with strong people management and transformation.
• Maintain governance and risk controls across the portfolio; ensure compliance and safety.
• Engage funders, partners and stakeholders; support business development for sustainability.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Programme management

Stakeholder engagement

People leadership

Risk management

Education

Master’s degree or MBA

Job description

The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is a leading scientific and technology research organisation that research, develops, localises and diffuses technologies to accelerate socio-economic prosperity in South Africa. The organisation's work contributes to industrial development and supports a capable state.

About The Job

The CSIR has a vacancy for Manager: Hosted National Programmes. The Manager is required to provide high-level strategic direction and leadership to the CSIR’s Hosted National Programmes (HNP) portfolio, managing day to day operations effectively and positioning the CSIR for new opportunities. The role will represent the CSIR as the host on relevant joint governance structures of the various programmes providing a strong liaison role with funders and stakeholders. This position is based in Pretoria.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic leadership: Provide strategic leadership to the Hosted National Programmes portfolio, contributing to strategy development, positioning programmes for maximum impact, identifying emerging opportunities, securing new programmes and growing programme revenue. Foster a culture of collaboration and ensure the implementation of programme strategies and business plans.
• Strategic and operational planning and execution: Lead the development and implementation of strategic and operational plans across the Hosted National Programmes portfolio. Drive performance management, financial sustainability, project delivery, operational excellence and the achievement of programme KPIs, revenue, output and outcome targets.
• People leadership and organisational capability development: Ensure that Hosted National Programmes are appropriately capacitated through effective people management, succession planning, skills development and transformation. Maintain the programme and technical capabilities required to meet stakeholder and industry needs and ensure programmes are adequately resourced for delivery.
• Governance and risk management: Ensure sound governance, effective risk management and the implementation of financial and non-financial controls across the Hosted National Programmes portfolio. Facilitate governance structures, ensure compliance with applicable legislation and policies, promote a culture of safety and oversee the sustainable management of programme finances and resources.
• Stakeholder engagement and business development: Build and maintain effective relationships with programme funders, partners, government stakeholders, industry and other collaborators. Represent the CSIR in governance and stakeholder forums and support business development activities to strengthen programme impact, sustainability and long‑term growth.

Qualifications, Skills And Experience

• A master’s degree or MBA in a science or engineering discipline or an equivalent qualification with at least thirteen years’ management experience, including:
  • A minimum of eight years’ experience in strategic leadership and/or business management at a senior level;
  • A minimum of five years’ experience in large programme management; and
  • A minimum of five years’ experience in stakeholder engagement, including engagement at Chief Director level.
• A proven track record in managing large and complex teams while balancing strategy development and execution, operations management, people management, financial management, programme delivery, project management and change management.
• A detailed understanding of the PFMA and National Treasury reporting requirements.
• Demonstrated experience in:
  • Financial management and business acumen;
  • Strategic engagement across multiple sectors and industries;
  • Understanding emerging industry trends, competitiveness drivers and relevant technologies;
  • Stakeholder and partnership management;
  • Business development, including the conceptualisation and securing of major programmes;
  • Procurement in the public sector;
  • Contracting and contract management;
  • Managing people, capabilities and programme/project delivery; and
  • Managing large programmes or portfolios of programmes.
• Proven ability to lead high‑performing teams, influence diverse stakeholders and build collaborative partnerships that deliver sustainable impact.
• Strong strategic leadership and programme management capability.
• Strong stakeholder, partnership and relationship management skills, with excellent communication, negotiation, networking and presentation abilities.
• Strong financial, people management, risk management and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to operate effectively in complex environments.
• All international qualifications require an evaluation report / certificate issued by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).

What’s in it for you?

• Learning and development opportunities.
• Competitive and market‑related remuneration packages.
• Total guaranteed salary packages which encompass contributions to the pension fund, risk insurance and medical scheme.
• We openly acknowledge and reward our employees’ contributions and accomplishments through our esteemed CSIR Excellence Awards.

Closing date: 02 October 2026

PLEASE NOTE THAT FEEDBACK WILL BE GIVEN TO SHORTLISTED CANDIDATES ONLY.

For more info, please email us at [e-mail]

The CSIR is an equal opportunity employer. As such, it is committed to the Employment Equity Act and will through the filling of this vacancy, give preference to candidates from Designated Groups in terms of the Employment Equity Act. By applying for this position at the CSIR, the applicant understands, and agrees that the CSIR may solicit a credit and criminal report from registered credit bureau and/or South African Police Services (in relation to positions that requires trust and honesty and/or entail the handling of cash or finances), and may also verify the applicant’s educational qualification and employment history. The CSIR reserves the right to remove the advertisement at any time before the stated closing date and it further reserves the right not to appoint if a suitable candidate is not identified.