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

Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR); Pretoria; Hybrid; ZAR 800,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading scientific research organization is seeking a Senior Project Manager for the Data Intensive Research Initiative South Africa. Responsibilities include managing projects, facilitating stakeholder communication, and ensuring project finances are on track. Candidates should have an Honours degree, eight years of project management experience, and a formal Project Management certification. The position offers flexible hybrid work arrangements and competitive remuneration packages.

Benefits

Flexible hybrid work arrangement

Learning and development opportunities

Competitive remuneration packages

CSIR Excellence Awards recognition

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years of project management experience in IT.
• Experience in managing complex multi-partner projects.
• Knowledge of government tendering processes required.

Responsibilities

• Manage project plans and ensure outputs remain viable.
• Organise project governance and define team structures.
• Deliver projects on brief, budget, and time.

Skills

Project Management

Stakeholder Management

Risk Management

Strategic Leadership

Excellent Communication

Education

Honours degree or NQF 8 qualification

Masters degree in electronic/computer engineering or related field

Formal qualification in Project Management

Tools

Project Management Software

Job description

Overview

The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is a leading scientific and technology research organisation that researches, develops, localises and diffuses technologies to accelerate socio-economic prosperity in South Africa. This vacancy is for a Senior Project Manager: Data Intensive Research Initiative South Africa (DIRISA) in the NICIS cluster.

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 NICIS 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, which must include:
  • 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 Masters 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.

What’s in it for you?

• Flexible hybrid work arrangement;
• Learning and development opportunities;
• Competitive and market-related remuneration packages;
• Total guaranteed salary packages which encompass contributions to the pension fund, risk insurance and medical scheme;
• CSIR Excellence Awards recognition for contributions and accomplishments.

Please note that feedback will be given to shortlisted candidates only. For more information, contact the CSIR Recruitment Centre on 012841 4774 or email [e-mail].

The CSIR is an equal opportunity employer. By applying for this position, the applicant understands, and agrees that the CSIR may solicit a credit and criminal report from a registered credit bureau and/or South African Police Services, and may verify educational qualification and employment history. The CSIR reserves the right to remove the advertisement at any time and to not appoint if a suitable candidate is not identified.