Research Administrator at NRF National Research Foundation

Position Summary:
The main purpose of this role would be collating and reporting on research outputs and products such as publications, the supervision of students, the award of grants, contracts and scholarships. Other functions include managing the disbursement of research funds and reconciliation on research grants’ cost centre.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Developing, maintaining and updating a database of research grants, contracts and outputs.
2. Developing, maintaining and updating a database of relevant local and international research funding agencies.
3. Building and managing an archive of research publications, reports and other outputs.
4. Negotiating final grant contracts terms and conditions with funding agencies.
5. Providing SAEON management with regular summary reports on research grants and contracts.
6. Positively positioning SAEON within the National Systems of Innovation (NSI).
7. Developing and utilising tools for collecting and collating feedback from clients with a view towards continuous improvements of SAEON’s offering in line with user’s preferences.
8. Obtaining and maintaining SAEON institutional membership of relevant professional bodies.
9. Providing input into node and SAEON-wide business planning and budgeting processes.
10. Drafting of SAEON Science Annual Year Plan outlining major planned science activities.
11. Coordinating the organisation of science events including the SAEON summit and scientists meeting.
12. Providing safe keeping of SAEON business documents and ensure easy access to these by relevant authorities or stakeholders.
13. Monitoring and ensuring compliance with NRF Code of Business Conduct across SAEON and corporate governance best practices.
14. Coordinating local and international bursaries and scholarship programmes.
15. Working closely with the Coordinator of Science engagement on science activities.
16. Coordinating SAEON participation in the DSI/NRF Professional Development Programme (PDP).
17. Providing information to universities regarding research and student support opportunities available at SAEON.

Minimum Qualification:

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

Minimum Experience:

• 5-5 years.
• MSc degree in Biological/Earth/Environmental Sciences.
• Honours degree in Biological/Earth/Environmental Sciences coupled with demonstrable extensive relevant experience would also be acceptable.
• Three years practical research experience including some experience in managing research projects.
• Two years practical experience in a research administration environment.

Experience:

• Academic or scientific writing skills as demonstrated by some peer-reviewed publications.
• Experience with international research funding agencies will be an added advantage.
• Experience with any database manager, such as MS Access, SQL based software or similar.

Knowledge:

• Understanding and appreciation of the type of research that SAEON does.
• Understanding of National System of Innovation (NSI), in particular the research funding landscape.
• Project management skills including budgeting, monitoring and evaluation, and reporting.
• Ability to carry out statistical analysis and synthesize information.

Additional Notes:
Excellent scientific liaison and stakeholder engagement. Competency with MS Word, Excel, and other project management tools. Driver’s licence and willingness to travel. Command of English to ensure that all submissions are of a high quality, as part of this role will be to review submissions and act as designated authority. 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 South African Environmental Observation Network (SAEON) is a research platform funded by the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) and managed by the National Research Foundation (NRF) since 2002. SAEON is mandated to observe and research ecosystems on land, in coastal regions, and the oceans to understand how those systems function and might change over time and space when influenced by socio-economic driving forces including climate change. We deliver our data online and offer tools, services, and advice for informed environmental policy-making.