Manager: Next Generation Researchers at NRF National Research Foundation

Position Summary:
The NGER department seeks to appoint a Manager responsible for the Next Generation section as per the below requirements:

Key Responsibilities:

• Managing the implementation of the NRF’s Strategic Plan and Annual Performance Plan in order to achieve RIISA goals
• Compiling documents such as road maps, Frameworks, Business Plans, Standard Operating Procedures and Review Reports
• Managing the drafting of Call documents, communication to the research community and feedback to applicants
• Reviewing and recommending for approval, department-related documents including Strategies, Frameworks, Proposals, Reports
• Managing the end-to-end grant management and administration activities for programme management, grants management, reviews, evaluations and communication to applicants and institutions
• Ensuring appropriate developments and innovative solutions are proposed that consistently enhance and maximise service quality, efficiency and continuity within the new NRF Business Partner Model
• Drafting NRF policy related to Human Capital Development, with significant impact on the organisation and the national research landscape
• Human Resource planning to ensure adequate resourcing and enable service delivery and achievement of goals and targets
• Attracting, developing and retaining an appropriate mix of staff based on their skills and competencies to achieve departmental goals
• Managing and maintaining long-term relationships with national, regional and global stakeholders that can advance the work of the NRF as collaborators, funders, advisors and reviewers
• Reviewing the operations and performance of the department and reporting to Senior Management and RIISA management committees

• Masters Degree / NQF 9

• 5-10 years
• A Master’s degree (NQF 9) with evidence of research experience
• A Doctoral degree (NQF 10) with proven research experience will be an added advantage
• 5 years post-master’s experience in Research and Human Capital Development, of which 3 years is management experience

• Familiarity with PFMA, labour legislation and management best practices
• Conceptual and analytical skills for the purposes of leading, developing and implementing programmes
• Emotional Intelligence
• Good verbal and written communication skills in English
• Computer proficiency with the MS Office suite

• Knowledge of the South African Higher Education System
• Knowledge of National System of Innovation
• Knowledge of National and International HRD Strategies and understanding of the development challenges
• Knowledge of relevant policies; legislation and regulations pertaining to research, innovation and postgraduate education in South Africa
• Knowledge of the global research landscape and innovation trends
• Knowledge of frameworks and best practices for monitoring and evaluation of research

The NRF website provides more details on the initiatives and activities. Applicants should submit a comprehensive CV by registering and applying 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) 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 Next Generation and Emerging Researcher (NGER) department aims to advance equity, transformation and success of the next generation of researchers aligned to the DSI-NRF Postgraduate Funding Policy; Enhance transformation and equity of the emerging researcher cohort thus increasing the size and composition of emerging researchers aligned to the Human Capital Development Strategy (HCD) for Research, Innovation and Scholarship (RIS), and the Staffing South African Universities Framework (SSAUF); and to create platforms that increase international networking opportunities for a globally engaged cohort of exceptional doctoral students, Postdoctoral Research Fellows and Early Career Researchers.