Vacant Post – Head: Hosting

Contract type: Permanent
Job Level: Management
Work Location: Johannesburg, Gauteng
Closing Date: 02 February 2024

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.

The primary purpose of this position is to ensure delivery of South Africa’s commitments in respect of hosting of the SKA telescope. This includes, but is not limited to, ensuring the appropriate access to land, and new and existing assets and infrastructure in a radio frequency protected and environmentally sustainable environment to enable construction and operation of the SKA telescope.

Key Responsibilities:
* Ensuring acquisition, through appropriate agreements, and long-term sustainable management of land to enable the construction and operation of the SKA telescope;
* Ensuring and enabling controlled and secure access to land, assets and infrastructure owned or managed by SARAO.
* Acquisition of, and monitoring and evaluation of compliance with, all relevant permits, licenses and other approvals necessary to construct and operate the SKA, and other radio astronomy related projects
* Ensuring a sustainable approach to hosting of the SKA in the Karoo, which shall include: the delivery of spatial planning functions for strategic decision making and enhanced organisational operations; and the delivery of sustainable land management practices
* Working with internal engineering resources, ensure delivery of capital assets and infrastructure, including buildings and data centre facilities, to the SKA Observatory for utilisation under appropriate agreement(s)
* Ensure the establishment and ongoing radio frequency protection of a radio astronomy reserve through appropriate national and international policy, legislation and regulations, and related activities that promote increased stakeholder buy-in and support.
* Working with external government stakeholders to resolve blockages to construction and operation of radio astronomy projects in the Northern Cape;
* Collaboratively ensure delivery of strategic hosting projects and programmes in the Karoo; and
* Providing support to the Deputy Managing Director in matters related to hosting of the SKA in South Africa

Key Requirements:
Qualification:
* Bachelors’ degree, preferably in an engineering, built-environment or public administration and related field, with necessary experience; OR
* National diploma (or equivalent), preferably in an engineering, built-environment or public administration and related field, with necessary experience
* 12 years’ experience, with 7 years’ in a similar management role (if Bachelor’s degree held); OR
* 15 years’ experience with 7 years’ in a similar management role (if National Diploma, or equivalent, held)

Experience:
* Project management
* Environmental management
* Spectrum management
* Infrastructure delivery
* Cost Management

Knowledge:
* Public sector supply chain management and the Public Finance Management Act, and an excellent understanding thereof
* Government legislation and regulatory requirements applicable to the construction sector (Occupational Health and Safety Act, Environmental Management Act, Construction Industry Development Board Act and regulations, National Water Act, Minerals & Petroleum Resources Development Act amongst others)
* Project management and project processes (i.e. System Engineering; configuration management; logistical support; Supply Chain Management

Additional Notes:
* Ability to maintain excellent internal and external stakeholder relations whilst resolving conflicting stakeholder expectations and requirements
* Excellent inter-personal and communication skills, with an ability to relate to stakeholders at different occupational levels and different backgrounds
* Ability to work with South African government departments and processes
* Ability to manage multi-disciplinary teams and functions
* Ability to deliver large, complex projects with multiple internal and external stakeholders
* Ability to represent SARAO at national forms, as well as with public office bearers
* Ability to work independently
* Extremely professional with high personal and professional standards
* High level of personal responsibility and accountability
* Excellent problem-solving and conflict resolution skills
* Excellent organizational, planning and decision-making skills

Information:
The website www.nrf.ac.za provides more details on the NRF initiatives and activities.

Applications:
Applicants should submit a comprehensive CV by logging to https://ess.nrf.ac.za/Account/Recruitment and apply online. 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.

Closing Date: 02 February 2024

The NRF offers a challenging career and competitive remuneration package which is commensurate with qualifications and experience.

The NRF is committed to employment equity and redress and the appointment to the position will be made in line with the NRF Employment Equity Plan.

The NRF reserves the right not to make an appointment.

Correspondence will be sent to short-listed candidates only