Vacant Position – Programme Coordinator: Schools

Contract type: Permanent
Job Level: Skilled / Middle Management
Work Location: Carnarvon, Northern Cape
Closing Date: 02 June 2026

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 Africas 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.

Coordinate various SARAO Schools initiatives and programmes in Carnarvon, Williston, Brandvlei, Vosburg , Loxton, Fraserburg, and Van Wyksvlei.

Key Responsibilities:
* Respond to all the concerns of the bursary learners and report to PO Schools
* Keeps a database of all the learners in the programme including their test/exam results and class attendance.
* Organize the annual career day at Carnarvon High School and ensure participation by at least 5 universities.
* Assist the learners with university applications
* Capture all relevant data for the school bursary programme application process.
* Coordinating and organizing panel meetings
* Ensure that the arrangement and payment off all the accommodation, transport and stipends for the learners are paid in time.
* Assist the Mathematics and Science teachers at Carnarvon High with learner􀂷s projects, competitions and other extra curricula activities, by highlighting resources required and bringing them to the attention of the PO Schools.
* Coordinates and organize extra lessons for Mathematics and Science and ensure that lesson is taking place in the Physical Science Laboratory.
* Keep record and report on all the projects initiated by Teachers at all the schools, including the names of the learners who participate.
* Submit reports on all interventions organised by SKA SA for the schools.
* Liaise with the principal and teachers and keep record of mathematics and science interventions/activities at Carnarvon High School.
* Liaise with the teachers and identify the training/conferences required.
* Keep record of all the resources in the science laboratory.
* Keep a database of all the equipment at Carnarvon High School laboratory and report on any resources required by the science teacher.
* Manage the resources usage and replace resources (chemicals, etc.) that is depleted
* Coordinates Mathematics and Science Camp annually
* Coordinate numeracy, literacy and mathematics at all schools that SARAO supports

Key Requirements:
Qualification:
* National Diploma in Administration, or Management in Education qualification or equivalent (NQF Level 6)

Experience:
* 2 to 4 years’ experience working in a school environment
* Minimum 1 year experience working with robotics in an educational context

Knowledge:
* Knowledge of ICT systems and environments
* Knowledge of computer programming
* Experience with robotics in education
* Robotics in Education experience
* STEM Education Knowledge

Additional Notes:
* Highly organised and systematic, with strong self-motivation
* Effective communicator with internal and external stakeholders, both verbally and in writing
* Able to perform varied work that involves a level of responsibility
* Willingness to travel between Carnarvon, Williston, Brandvlei, Van Wyksvlei, Loxton, and Vosburg
* Established networks or contacts within the Northern Cape Department of Education and the communities/schools in the listed
* Competent in MS Excel, MS Word, and Outlook

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 June 2026

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