Vacant Position – Project Manager: Level 1

Contract type: Long Term Contract

Period of Contract: 3 years
Job Level: Skilled / Middle Management
Work Location: Cape Town, Western Cape
Closing Date: 27 October 2025

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 providing project management services for Engineering, Technology Research, and Development initiatives that facilitate the construction of major Radio Astronomy facilities. The Project Manager will lead projects through their entire lifecycle, from initiation and planning to execution, monitoring, and closing, following SARAO’s established procedures. The role requires the integration of technical solution processes, the generation of all project management documentation, and the delivery of specific projects according to contractual agreements.

Key Responsibilities

 

• Provide professional project management services for Technology Research and Development projects that support the construction and operation of major Radio Astronomy facilities.
• Project Initiation: Assist in gathering project requirements and contribute to the development and approval of project charters.
• Project Planning & Integration: Identify project deliverables and success criteria, develop comprehensive project implementation plans, and establish performance measurement baselines for scope, schedule, cost, resources, and quality.
• Project Execution: Direct and manage all project work, including deliverables, resource acquisition, and team management. This includes conducting procurement, managing contracts in line with NRF/SARAO policies, managing quality, implementing risk responses, and engaging with stakeholders.
• Technical Project Management: Offer specialised technical project management expertise to ensure the successful delivery of complex engineering solutions.
• Monitoring & Control: Oversee project work performance, monitor baselines, manage stakeholder engagement, and control project scope, schedule, cost, resources, procurement, and quality. Ensure timely and accurate reporting to Programme Managers and Senior Management.
• Project Closure: Conduct lessons learned sessions, review project performance, manage the transition of final products, and formally close out projects or phases.
• Governance & Continuous Improvement: Contribute to the development and improvement of SARAO’s project management frameworks, processes, and standards.

Key Requirements

Qualification

• BTech in Engineering or a related field.
• Advantageous: ECSA or equivalent project management professional registration (e.g., PMI-PMP, PRINCE2, PMI-ACP, IPMA).

Experience

 

• A minimum of 6 years of experience in a project management role with a track record of successful project delivery.
• Demonstrated experience in applying project management principles integrated with engineering or technical solution processes.
• Proven expertise in managing medium- to large-scale, complex projects in Engineering, Science, and Technology Development.
• Experience with contract management using conventional engineering and construction contracts (e.g., GCC, FIDIC, or NEC).
• A strong understanding of engineering or technical solution planning and delivery methodologies.
• Experience working in a Project Management Office (PMO) environment.

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 Attributes

• Strong decision-making abilities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Good analytical and planning skills.
• Ability to work efficiently in a high-pressure environment.
• Proactive and capable of dealing with and reducing uncertainty.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Willingness to work outside of normal hours.
• No constraints on the ability to travel both 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: 27 October 2025

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.