Vacant Position – Stakeholder Coordinator

Job level: Skilled / Middle Management
Work location: Carnarvon, Northern Cape
Contract type: Permanent
Closing date: 19 May 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) implements South Africa’s strategic investments in radio astronomy, including the international Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project, which covers a broad range of engineering and scientific activities. SARAO is a National Facility of the National Research Foundation, and incorporates radio astronomy and space geodesy instruments and programmes such as the MeerKAT telescope in the Karoo, the Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomy Observatory (HartRAO) in Gauteng, the Africa Radio Astronomy Programme across nine African countries, as well as associated human capital development and commercialisation endeavours.

The purpose of this job is to coordinate key stakeholder engagement activities and to do stakeholder compliance reporting and implementation in the Karoo, Northern Cape. The service area will be in the surrounding area of the SARAO site and will encompass the towns of Carnarvon, Brandvlei, Williston, and Van Wyksvlei.

The purpose of this job is to coordinate key stakeholder engagement activities and to do stakeholder compliance reporting and implementation in the Karoo, Northern Cape. The service area will be in the surrounding area of the SARAO site and will encompass the towns of Carnarvon, Brandvlei, Williston, and Van Wyksvlei.

Key responsibilities:
* Engaging with local municipalities, local communities and other stakeholders
* Ensuring stakeholder relations compliance with the SKA Integrated Environmental management plan.
* Driving local community engagement sessions.
* Setting up and maintaining stakeholder databases
* Engagement with local stakeholders in collaboration with the Stakeholder Manager.
* Assisting with site event planning
* Ensuring local community beneficiation priorities are well communicated and adhered to by all projects taking place on the SKA site
* Monitor and evaluate the success of interventions and initiatives to aimed at local development
* Support and implement local economic development: Planned and ad hoc and community-driven activities.
* Stakeholder Mapping and analysis – Heatmaps
* Local Stakeholder database updates
* Monitor institutional risk
* Any other administrative activity or stakeholder engagement that may arise as required by the broader project on ad-hoc events.

Key requirements:
Qualification:
* National Diploma in Stakeholder Management, Community Relations, Communications or related fields.
* Bachelor’s degree (advantageous)
* Valid Drivers License
* Must be fluent in English and Afrikaans

Experience:
5 years’ experience in a stakeholder management, community relations or related field.
Experience in Social License to operate, Social Labour plans (advantageous)

Knowledge:
Stakeholder Engagement Strategies
Communication and Public Relations
Knowledge of legislation relating to stakeholder engagement and public participation
Financial administration including budgeting, costing, and procurement (PFMA)
Strong presentation skills for public and stakeholder engagements.

Additional Notes:
Communication Skills
Interpersonal Skills
Negotiation Skills
Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking
Good Organisational Skills
High Emotional Intelligence
Networking Skills
Technology Proficiency
Presentation Skills
Ethics and Integrity
Adaptability

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.

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.