Vacant Post – Project Manager

Contract type: Permanent
Job Level: Management
Work Location: Cape Town, Western Cape
Closing Date: 18 April 2023

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) 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.

To provide project management services to SARAO programme managers and management in the execution of Technology Research and Development projects to support the construction of major Radio Astronomy facilities. To provide project management support to more junior Project Managers. To plan and manage Engineering, Technology Research and Development projects through the full project lifecycle (Initiation, Planning, Execution, Control/Monitoring, Closing) according to established SARAO procedures.

Key Responsibilities:
* Provide project management services to SARAO programme managers and management in the execution of Technology Research and Development projects to support the construction of major Radio Astronomy facilities
* Provide project management support to more junior Project Managers
* Manage Engineering, Technology Research and Development projects through the full project lifecycle (Initiation, Planning, Execution, Control/Monitoring, Closing) according to established SARAO procedures
* Creating all project management artefacts as required (Project Management and ancillary plans, budgets, schedules, reports)
* Conduct Procurement according to established NRF policy and procedure
* Support the SHEQ team to ensure Quality Assurance of all project artefacts
* Risk Management for projects
* Experience in delivering projects following Traditional, Agile and/or Hybrid project management approach
* Contract Management according to established SARAO and SKAO procedures (GCC, NEC4 (preferred) and/or FIDIC contracts)
* Stakeholder liaison
* Monthly reporting on the project status to Programme Managers and Senior Management

Key Requirements:
Qualification:
* Bachelors degree in Engineering or an equivalent honours degree in a suitable Engineering field.
* At least 8 years’ experience in a project management role with demonstrated successful project delivery.
* ECSA or equivalent professional registration (Advantageous)

Experience:
* Planning and executing large-scale projects within the Engineering, Technology Research and Development environment
* Contract Management according to GCC, NEC4 (preferred) and/or FIDIC contracts
* A Project Management Office (PMO) and/or EPCM environment
* Sound knowledge with project planning tools (Primavera, MS Project)

Knowledge:
* Project Management theory, principles, standards and best practice
* Contract Management
* Public Finance Management Act

Additional Notes:
Skills/Ability/Competencies
* 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

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.

Closing Date: 18 April 2023
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