Vacant Position – Project Manager: Level 1 (Re-advertisement)

Contract type: Long Term Contract

Period of Contract: 3 years
Job Level: Skilled / Middle Management
Work Location: Cape Town, Western Cape
Closing Date: 10 June 2026

About the Organisation

The National Research Foundation (NRF) supports and promotes research and human capital development across all fields of science and technology. The South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO) is a National Facility managed by the NRF which spearheads South Africa’s activities in the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) Radio Telescope. SARAO incorporates instruments like the MeerKAT and Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomy Observatory (HartRAO), the African Very Long Baseline Interferometry (AVN) programme, and associated human capital development endeavours.

Role Overview

This role involves offering project management services to SARAO program managers and management for Engineering, Technology Research, and Development initiatives aimed at facilitating the construction of the major Radio Astronomy facilities. This includes leading Infrastructure, Technology Research and Development projects throughout the entire project lifecycle, adhering to SARAO’s established procedures and processes, which include project initiation, planning, execution, monitoring, controlling, and closing phases. The delivery approach should also include the integration of established technical solution processes, i.e. System/Product Lifecycle Engineering processes. In addition to this, the responsibilities also encompass generating all essential project management documents, such as Project Management plans, ancillary plans, budgets, schedules, resource allocation, and progress reports as needed. The role includes delivering specific projects in accordance with contractual agreements.

Key Responsibilities

* Provide professional project management services to SARAO Program Management and Senior Management in the delivery of Technology Research and Development projects that underpin the construction and operation of major Radio Astronomy facilities.
* Project Initiation: Assist with gathering initial project requirements and contribute to the development and approval of project charters.
* Identify and apply suitable project management approaches (i.e. Sequential, Agile, and/or Hybrid Project Management Methodologies) in delivering projects, including coordination of geographically distributed and remote teams.
* Project Planning & Integration: Collaborate in identifying project deliverables and success criteria; develop project implementation plans and subsidiary plans integrated with technical solution delivery; establish performance measurement baselines (scope, schedule, cost, resources, quality); lead reviews and secure project plan approvals.
* Project Execution: Direct and manage project work; manage project deliverables; acquire resources, develop and manage teams; conduct procurement and manage contracts (aligned with NRF, SARAO and SKAO policies and procedures); manage quality; implement risk responses; manage project communications and stakeholder engagement; verify and validate project deliverables.
* Technical Project Management: Provide specialised technical project management expertise, including planning, coordinating, and overseeing the execution of engineering solutions to ensure the successful delivery of complex technical outcomes.
* Monitoring & Control: Oversee project work performance; analyse and monitor baselines; manage stakeholder engagements, risks, and communications; control project scope, schedule, cost, resources, procurement, and quality; and perform integrated change control.
* Ensure timely and accurate reporting of project status, progress, risks, and issues to Programme Managers and Senior Management.
* Project Closure: Conduct lessons learned; review project performance; finalise close-out agreements; manage the transition of final products, services, or results; and formally close projects or phases.
* Governance & Continuous Improvement: Contribute to the development, maintenance, and improvement of project management frameworks, processes, standards, and templates to support SARAO·s governance requirements.

Key Requirements

Qualification

* BTech in Engineering or related Field
* ECSA or equivalent project management professional registration is Advantageous (i.e. PMI-PMP / PRINCE2 / PMI-ACP / IPMA or equivalent).

Experience

* At least 6 years·experience in a project management role with demonstrated successful project delivery
* Demonstrated knowledge and experience in applying project management principles, integrated with Engineering/technical solution processes and standards
* Proven expertise in managing medium- to large-scale, complex Engineering, Science and Technology Development projects
* Demonstrated knowledge and experience of contract management using conventional engineering and construction contracts (i.e. GCC, FIDIC or NEC)
* Strong understanding of engineering or technical solution planning and delivery methodologies

Knowledge:

• Project Management theory, principles, standards, and best practices.
• System/Product Life-cycle Engineering.
• Planning and Scheduling.
• Project Estimation.
• Coordination.
• Procurement and Contract Management.
• Public Finance Management Act.

Additional Notes:

* Strong decision-making
* Excellent communication – both verbal and written, in English
* Good analytical and planning skills
* Efficiency in a high-pressure environment
* Willingness to work outside normal hours
* Proactive
* Capable of dealing with uncertain environments and reducing uncertainty
* Problem-solving
* Working in a Project Management Office environment
* No constraints on ability to travel within South Africa and Internationally

How to Apply

Interested applicants should submit a comprehensive CV by logging into the NRF’s recruitment portal and applying online.

Apply Online: https://ess.nrf.ac.za/Account/Recruitment

Your application should be accompanied by:

• A letter of motivation outlining your suitability for the position.
• The names and contact details of at least three referees.

Closing Date: 10 June 2026

Additional Information

 

• For more details on the NRF’s initiatives, please visit www.nrf.ac.za.
• The NRF offers a challenging career and a competitive remuneration package commensurate with qualifications and experience.
• The NRF is committed to employment equity and redress. The appointment 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 only to short-listed candidates.