Contract type: PermanentJob Level: ManagementWork Location: Cape Town, Western CapeClosing Date: 20 September 2024The 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.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 project management services to SARAO program managers and management in the execution of Technology Research and Development projects to support the construction of major Radio Astronomy facilities.Project Planning & Integration: Identify project deliverables and develop success criteria; Develop project implementation plan and its subsidiary plans; Establish performance measurement baselines (scope, schedule, cost, resources & quality); Lead various reviews and acquire project plan approval.Project Execution: Direct and manage project work; Manage project deliverables; Acquire resources, develop and manage teams; Conduct Procurement according to established NRF policy and procedure; Contract Management according to established SARAO and SKAO procedures; (GCC, FIDIC, NEC4 (CEMAR)); Manage quality; Implement risk responses; Manage communications; Manage stakeholder engagement; Verify and validate project deliverables.Effectively oversee and manage project work, including baseline analysis, stakeholder engagement, risk monitoring, scope control, schedule management, cost control, resource management, procurement, quality assurance, and integrated change control.Conduct lessons learned, review project performance, finalize agreements, manage the transition of the final product, service, or result, and formally close the project or phase.Experience in delivering projects following Traditional, Agile, and/or Hybrid project management approaches and managing remote teams.Monthly reporting on the project status to Programme Managers and Senior Management.Conduct Procurement according to established NRF policy and procedure.Contribute towards the development and/or maintenance of project management framework and processes.Support the developmental plan of junior project managers and graduate trainees.Key Requirements:Qualification:Bachelor's degree in Engineering or an equivalent honours degree in a suitable Engineering fieldECSA or equivalent professional registration (Advantageous)Experience:At least 8 years' experience in a project management role with demonstrated successful project deliveryAt least 3 years of contract management experience in accordance with FIDIC, NEC and/or GCC contractsProven track record of executing major engineering research, development and construction projects in accordance with established System/Product Lifecycle Engineering processesExperience in leading and managing multidisciplinary teams of senior professionalsKnowledge:Managing large-scale Engineering, Technology Research and Development projectsExtensive 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 practiceA Project Management Office (PMO) and/or EPCM environmentProcurement and Contract ManagementProject EstimationPublic Finance Management ActAdditional Notes:Strong decision-makingExcellent communication – both verbal and written, in EnglishGood analytical and planning skillsEfficiency in a high-pressure environmentWillingness to work outside normal hoursProactiveCapable of dealing with uncertain environments and reducing uncertaintyProblem-solvingNo constraints on ability to travel within South Africa and InternationallyInformation: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: 20 September 2024The 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.
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