Professional Officer: SARChI at NRF National Research Foundation

National Research Foundation; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research organization in South Africa seeks a Professional Officer to oversee the management of institutional grants aimed at enhancing the social and economic impact of research. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in research development, project implementation, and strong leadership capabilities. This role requires an Honours Degree and offers an opportunity for impactful leadership within the research sector.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in research and development.
• A master's degree (NQF 9) will be an added advantage.
• 3 years post-Honours/Masters work experience required.

Responsibilities

• Implement the assigned portfolio of institutional grants.
• Monitor and evaluate assigned institutional research chairs.
• Provide leadership and mentorship to project team members.

Skills

Leadership capability

Stakeholder management

Project management

Advanced writing and presentation capabilities

Computer proficiency with MS Office Suite

Quantitative and qualitative analytical capabilities

Education

Honours Degree / Post Graduate Qualification / Professional Qualification / NQF 8

Job description

Postion Summary

The NRF seeks to make an appointment for the position of a Professional Officer in the SARChI Function within the Strategic Investments, Innovation and Impact (SI3) Department of the Research, Innovation and Impact Support and Advancement (RIISA) Business Unit. The incumbent will be responsible for supporting and assisting the Manager in the end-to-end development and implementation of a portfolio of institutional grants at South African public universities, research councils, and national research facilities in partnership with host institutions to advance the knowledge, social and economic impact of the South African research enterprise.

Key Responsibilities

• Utilise the NRF’s end-to-end modalities to optimally implement an Assigned Portfolio of Institutional Grants.
• Lead the conceptualisation and project implementation of assigned institutional research chairs, lead the monitoring, evaluation, analysis, reporting and quality assurance, identify and address risks, challenges, opportunities and innovative solutions to consistently enhance and maximise service quality, efficiency and continuity of SARChI within the new NRF Service Delivery Model, and coordinate the governance, performance, project management, contract and application evaluation meetings with relevant funders, stakeholders, prospective and current grantholders, clients and partners.
• Contribute to the optimisation of the visibility of the SARChI Funding Instruments.
• Mainstream the alignment of NRF Policies throughout the implementation of SARChI Funding Instruments.
• Provide leadership, mentorship, support and guidance to the project team members.

Minimum Qualification

• Honours Degree / Post Graduate Qualification / Professional Qualification / NQF 8

Minimum Experience

• 3-5 years
• Honours or 4-year degree (NQF 8)
• A master’s degree (NQF 9) will be an added advantage.
• 3 years post-Honours/Masters work experience in research and development.

Experience

• Leadership capability; stakeholder management; project and time management; contracts and financial management; demonstrated advanced writing and presentation capabilities; demonstrated extensive and high level of computer proficiency with the MS Office Suite; demonstrated extensive experience of high level of proficiency in the utilisation of current NRF systems; demonstrated quantitative and qualitative analytical capabilities; demonstrated experience of administration of research and/or innovation support activities; demonstrated extensive experience of administration of postgraduate students and postdoctoral research fellows’ support would be advantageous; evolved interpersonal and communication skills; diplomacy, problem solving and conflict resolution skills; evolved emotional intelligence; exhibits integrity, self‑awareness, assertiveness, respect, compassion, agility and resilience.

Knowledge

• Knowledge of the National System of Innovation.
• Knowledge of relevant policies, legislation and regulations pertaining to research, innovation and higher education in South Africa and specifically to the mandate of the NRF.

Desired Skills

• Skilled in applied field of position.
• Knowledge relevant to the role.
• Responsible in performing duties.

About The Employer

The National Research Foundation (NRF) is 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.

Additional Information

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.