Project Planner & Scheduler At Nrf National Research Foundation

Position Summary : The Project Planner and Scheduler role is responsible for creating and maintaining integrated (portfolio) project schedules, project (master) schedules, detailed project schedules, ensuring alignment with project goals and timelines, and managing resources efficiently.

This role collaborates with project managers and stakeholders to define project scope and deliverables, oversee the development of schedule performance metrics, and conduct risk analyses.

The role involves monitoring project progress, preparing status reports, and facilitating communication among teams to address issues.

Additionally, they manage project management tools, implement best practices, provide training and advisory services, and support the development of junior planners to ensure successful project delivery.

Key Responsibilities :

1. Project Planning and Scheduling : Develop and maintain detailed project schedules, including resource allocation and activity sequencing. Work with project managers and team members to define project scope, WBSs, objectives, and deliverables. Ensure schedules align with project goals and timelines. Work with program / portfolio managers to maintain the Enterprise Project Structure (EPS). Oversee the development of schedule performance metrics, related processes, and management tools within the organisation, including, but not limited to, critical path analysis and schedule risk assessment.
2. Coordinating, Monitoring, Controlling and Reporting : Monitor project progress and performance against the baseline schedule. Prepare regular status reports, including progress updates, schedule variances, and forecast completion dates. Conduct schedule risk analysis and recommend corrective actions. Facilitate communication between project stakeholders, including program / portfolio managers, project managers, project teams, clients, and contractors. Conduct regular integrated (master) schedule review meetings to discuss project progress and address any issues.
3. Resource Management : Maintain the integrated resources management database. Identify and allocate necessary resources to ensure project milestones are met. Coordinate with functional / resource managers to resolve any resource conflicts. Track resource utilization and availability to optimize project scheduling and support portfolio project prioritization.
4. Tools and Systems : Maintain project management software (i.e., Primavera P6 EPPM, MS Project). Implement and maintain scheduling best practices and standards for planning and scheduling. Provide training and support to team members on scheduling tools and techniques. Contribute towards the development and / or maintenance of project management framework and processes. Conduct regular schedule management and maintenance audits.
5. Coaching, Lead and Advisory Services : Provide planning and scheduling advisory services to senior management, program managers, and functional managers. Perform other duties as assigned by PMO Manager. Support the developmental plan of junior project planners / schedulers and graduate trainees.

Minimum Qualification :

Bachelor's Degree / Advanced Diploma / NQF 7.

Minimum Experience :

7-10 years. Bachelor's / BTech / BEng degree in engineering or equivalent degree in a suitable built environment field. Certification in Primavera P6 Planning and Scheduling Certification (PMI-SP), Planning & Scheduling Professional (PSP) or equivalent.

Experience :

7+ years in project planning and scheduling demonstrated experience in multidisciplinary projects. Experience in planning and scheduling multidisciplinary projects (preferably from EPC, EPCM or Client perspective). Planning and scheduling research, science, engineering, and technology development projects. Extensive knowledge in using project planning tools (Primavera P6 EPPM - Advanced, MS Project). Excellent PC skills (MS Office Suite, Google Workspace, Confluence, JIRA). Extensive experience in reviewing and approving contractors / consultants' baseline schedules or programmes in NEC, FIDIC, and / or Bespoke contracts.

Knowledge :

Extensive contractual programme management knowledge (preferably in accordance with NEC4, FIDIC and / or GCC contracts). A Project Management Office environment. Knowledge and experience of project management principles / standards. Advanced knowledge of various duration estimating techniques. Project Management theory, principles, standards and best practice. System / Product Life-cycle Engineering. Cost / Schedule Integration. Schedule risk assessment. Public Finance Management Act.

Additional Notes :

Skills / Ability / Competencies :

1. Excellent communication – both verbal and written, in English.
2. Good analytical and planning skills.
3. Efficiency in a high-pressure environment.
4. Proactive.
5. Capable of dealing with uncertain environments and reducing uncertainty.
6. Problem solving.
7. Primavera P6 (EPPM) and Microsoft Project.
8. Best practice project scheduling.
9. Project Controls using Earned Value Management (EVM).
10. Willingness to work outside normal hours.
11. No constraints on ability to travel within South Africa and Internationally.

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 South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO) spearheads South Africa's activities in the Square Kilometre Array Radio Telescope, commonly known as the SKA, in engineering, science and construction. SARAO is a National Facility managed by the National Research Foundation and incorporates radio astronomy instruments and programmes such as the MeerKAT telescope in the Karoo, the Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomy Observatory (HartRAO) in Gauteng, the African Very Long Baseline Interferometry (AVN) programme in nine African countries as well as the associated human capital development and commercialisation endeavours.