Vacant Position – Project Manager

Contract type: Permanent
Job Level: Management
Work Location: Cape Town, Western Cape
Closing Date: 24 July 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) 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.

The role is responsible for leading projects across the full lifecycle, from initiation and planning to execution, monitoring, control, handover and close-out, in line with SARAO􀂷s project management framework, governance requirements and System/Product Lifecycle Engineering processes. Key deliverables include project plans, schedules, budgets, resource plans, risk and stakeholder management, progress reporting, change control, procurement support and contract management. The role requires strong contract management capability, preferably under NEC4, with exposure to FIDIC, GCC or similar contractual frameworks, to ensure delivery within approved scope, time, cost, quality and compliance requirements.

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 NEC (Preferred, NEC4), FIDIC, 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 SAICE GCC contracts)
* Sound knowledge of project planning tools (Primavera, MS Project)
* Project Management theory, principles, standards, and best practices
* A Project Management Office (PMO) and/or EPCM environment
* Procurement and Contract Management
* Project Estimation
* Public Finance Management Act

Additional Notes:

* 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
* Willingness 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: 24 July 2026
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