Vacant Position – Project Manager Level II (Re-advertisement)

• Contract type: Permanent
• Job Level: Management
• Work Location: Cape Town, Western Cape
• Closing Date: 30 September 2026

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About the National Research Foundation (NRF) 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.

About the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO) The South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO) spearheads South Africa’s 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.

 

About the Role

 

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 (i.e. NEC4, FIDIC, GCC).

 

Key Responsibilities

 

• Provide professional project management services to SARAO Program 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 developing 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 & risk); 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, i.e. NEC4, FIDIC, GCC); 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 Program 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 framework, processes, standards, and templates to support SARAO’s governance requirements.
• Support the developmental plan of junior project managers and graduate trainees.

 

Key Requirements

 

 

Qualification

 

• BTech degree in Engineering or a related field, with a minimum of 13 years’ experience in engineering and construction project management: OR
• BEng/MTech degree in Engineering or a related field, with a minimum of 9 years’ experience in engineering and construction project management.
• ECSA or equivalent project management professional registration (preferred, i.e. PMI-PMP / PRINCE2 / PMIACP / IPMA or equivalent)

 

Experience

 

• At least 3 years of proven experience in contract management in accordance with FIDIC, NEC, and/or SAICE GCC contracts, demonstrating a successful track record in project delivery
• Proven track record of executing major engineering research, development and construction projects in accordance with established System/Product Lifecycle Engineering processes
• Experience in leading and managing multidisciplinary teams of senior professionals

 

Knowledge

 

• Managing large-scale Engineering, Technology Research and Development projects
• Extensive contract management knowledge (preferably in accordance with NEC4, FIDIC and/or GCC contracts)
• Sound knowledge of project planning tools (Primavera, MS Project)
• Project Management theory, principles, standards, and best practice
• A Project Management Office (PMO) and/or EPCM environment
• Procurement and Contract Management
• Project Estimation
• Public Finance Management Act

 

Additional Attributes and Skills

 

• 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
• No constraints on ability to travel within South Africa and Internationally

 

How to Apply

 

• Application Portal: Applicants should submit a comprehensive CV by logging to https://ess.nrf.ac.za/Account/Recruitment and apply online.
• Required Documents: Applications should be accompanied by a letter of motivation indicating the applicant’s suitability for the position.
• Referees: The names and contact details of at least three referees should be provided.

Closing Date: 30 September 2026

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• The website www.nrf.ac.za provides more details on the NRF initiatives and activities.
• 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.