Senior Project Manager : Data Intensive Research Initiative South Africa (DIRISA)

Council for Scientific and Industrial Research; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 800,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research organization is seeking a Senior Project Manager for the Data Intensive Research Initiative. The role involves managing complex projects and applying project management expertise. The ideal candidate has a degree in computer science or related fields and extensive experience in the IT sector. Strong leadership and communication skills are essential, along with a formal qualification in Project Management.

Qualifications

• At least eight years’ project management experience in the IT industry.
• A proven track record of managing complex projects.
• Experience in public sector tendering processes.

Responsibilities

• Manage project plans and business cases.
• Organise project governance and team structures.
• Support DIRISA in formulating and writing proposals.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Stakeholder management and communication

Excellent written and spoken English

Problem solving skills

Financial management skills

Education

Honours degree or NQF 8 qualification

Formal qualification in Project Management

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Project management software

Job description

Overview

Job title: Senior Project Manager: Data Intensive Research Initiative South Africa (DIRISA)

Job Location: Gauteng, Pretoria

Deadline: September 23, 2025

About the job

The CSIR has a vacancy for a Senior Project Manager in the Data Intensive Research Initiative South Africa (DIRISA) group within the National Integrated Cyberinfrastructure System (NICIS) that forms part of the Next Generation Enterprises and Institutions (NGEI) cluster.

The incumbent will be expected to work at strategic, tactical and operational levels of management to deliver on DIRISA’s mandate and strategy and apply project management expertise together with appropriate technical / domain / sector / industry specific technical acumen to achieve project goals by managing the total project management life cycle within project constraints according to applicable project management framework(s).

This position is based in Pretoria and will report to the Manager : DIRISA.

Key responsibilities

• Manage projects (e.g., continuously update project plans, project requirements using a team-based approach, and the business case to ensure that the project outputs remain desirable, viable, and achievable)
• Contribute to the conceptualisation of new projects (both technology and non-technology related)
• Organise project governance and team structures, defining roles, responsibilities, and accountabilities
• Deliver successfully on projects - on brief, on budget, on time, every time
• Manage team and stakeholders (facilitate and negotiate), including communication (e.g., regular internal and external team meetings and progress reporting)
• Manage and understand project finances, consolidation, and administration
• Support the DIRISA team in formulating and writing proposals
• Play a leading role in the management and coordination of DIRISA events and related activities
• Support the NICIS Management team and NICS’ operations to improve internal NICIS processes, tools, and systems
• Provide advice to project participants; serve as a liaison; perform research, analyse information, provide documentation, and prepare reports
• Work across geographical boundaries with multiple stakeholders

Qualifications, skills and experience

• An Honours degree or NQF 8 qualification in computer / electronic engineering, computer science, business management, project / programme management or related fields with at least eight years’ project management experience in the Information Technology industry
• A proven track record of managing complex medium-scale, multi-partner e-projects or cyber infrastructure projects
• A deep understanding of formal project management implementation methodologies (e.g., waterfall, agile, etc.)
• Extensive knowledge of government policies and processes (e.g., tendering and procurement)
• A Master’s degree in electronic / computer engineering or computer science or management or a related field will be advantageous
• A formal qualification or certification in Project Management (e.g. PRINCE2, PMP or a diploma) is mandatory
• Experience in public sector tendering processes
• Experience in working with project teams across organisational boundaries, under tight and dynamic deadlines
• Experience in working with senior executives in the private, public and academic sectors

The following would be advantageous :

• Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) certification
• Project management experience within an academic or research network environment
• Service and Contract management experience
• Quality Management experience

Skills and knowledge in the following areas

• Strategic leadership in Information Technology organisations or related
• Risk Management
• Business Process Management
• Stakeholder management and communication
• Knowledge of cyber infrastructure solutions
• Exposure to research, development and innovation environments
• Ability to work in a rapidly changing environment with many uncertainties, being able to learn and adjust accordingly
• Sound financial management and business development skills
• Excellent written and spoken English communication skills
• Knowledge of computers as well as database, spreadsheet and word processing software
• Excellent problem solving, planning and organisational skills
• Ability to take responsibility and operate as a self-starter
• Ability to work with diverse environments and cultures
• Great presentation skills are a requirement for this position
• Remain abreast of developments in the ICT industry

Closing Date

• 23 / 09 / 2025