Vacant Position: Facilities Officer

Organization: South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO) / National Research Foundation (NRF)
Location: Cape Town, Western Cape
Job Level: Skilled / Middle Management
Contract Type: Long Term Contract Period of Contract: 3 years
Closing Date: 18 November 2025

About the Organization

 

The National Research Foundation (NRF) supports and promotes research and human capital development through funding, providing National Research Facilities, and offering science outreach platforms.

The South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO) is a National Facility managed by the NRF. SARAO spearheads South Africa’s activities in the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) Radio Telescope in engineering, science, and construction. It incorporates instruments and programmes like the MeerKAT telescope, the Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomy Observatory (HartRAO), the African Very Long Baseline Interferometry (AVN) programme, and associated human capital development and commercialisation endeavours.

 

Purpose of the Role

 

The Facilities Officer is responsible for the management of SARAO’s non-instrumentation facilities, both leased and owned, in Cape Town Observatory to ensure SARAO functions effectively and efficiently.

The successful candidate will provide a single point of entry for coordinating all services related to the efficient running of Cape Town facilities. This includes implementing the local facilities management plan, providing solutions, managing sustainability issues, reducing the impact on Safety, Environment, Health and Security, and being responsible for housekeeping.

 

Key Responsibilities

 

• Development and implementation of facilities standards and procedures at the SARAO and SKAO site in Cape Town Observatory.
• Monitor and control work as defined in service level agreements and define performance standards for: electrical, handyman, HVAC, sprinklers, smoke detection, access control, landscaping, CCTV, biometrics, security, lifts, telescopes, tenants, generators, vehicle fleet maintenance, plumbing, construction, fumigation, and stock control.
• Project manage, supervise, and coordinate the work of contractors.
• Implementing safety, health, and environmental management systems, ensuring OH&S compliance.
• Responsible for the maintenance of all SARAO and SKAO properties and liaising with landlords for leased properties.
• Effective management of all administrative functions related to property, facilities, and budgets.
• Monitor the condition of the buildings by:
  • Inspecting the buildings and grounds and identifying key areas of concern.
  • Reviewing any security or maintenance incidents.
  • Reviewing the cleanliness of the buildings.
• Plan and coordinate cyclical maintenance based on building inspections and anticipated wear and tear.

 

Key Requirements

 

 

Qualification:

 

• National Diploma in Property, Facilities, or Building Management.
• Driver’s license.
• Project Management (Advantageous).
• Supply Chain Management (Advantageous).

 

Experience:

 

• 5 years’ relevant working experience in facilities management.
• At least one (1) year of the above experience should be as a supervisor in property or building maintenance.
• Bids and Tenders.
• Tenants & Lease agreement.
• Vehicle and asset management.
• Front-facing clients and managing of security services.
• Facilities and related infrastructure account queries and escalations.
• Managing budgets administration.
• Generating, maintaining, and managing contracts and SLAs.

 

Knowledge:

 

• Knowledge of machinery (e.g., generators, vehicles, air conditioners, refrigeration, electrical, sprinklers, fire equipment, plumbing, biometrics, project management, construction).
• Knowledge of South African construction industry legislation.
• Knowledge of public sector supply chain management legislation.
• Knowledge of facilities security and safety.
• Understanding of health and safety regulations, particularly regarding facilities maintenance, as well as previous first aid and safety officer training.
• Understanding of housekeeping.
• Knowledge of modern office practices, procedures, and equipment.
• Inventory control.

 

Additional Notes (Skills & Attributes)

 

• Ability to interact with internal & external stakeholders at all levels.
• Procurement and Negotiation skills.
• Ability to multitask and prioritize workload.
• Decision making.
• Ability to define, research, and solve problems.
• Ability to organize work, set priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Ability to read, analyse, and interpret reports and regulations.
• Solutions-orientated, can-do attitude.
• Self-motivated.
• Proven ability to work independently and within a team.
• Good inter-personal and communication skills.
• Be available after hours and on standby for emergencies.
• Attention to detail.

 

How to Apply

 

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

• Applications must be accompanied by a letter of motivation indicating suitability for the position.
• The names and contact details of at least three referees must be provided.

For more information on NRF initiatives and activities, please visit www.nrf.ac.za.

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Please Note:

• The NRF offers a challenging career and 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 to short-listed candidates only.

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