Contract type: Permanent
Job Level: Management
Work Location: Carnarvon, Northern Cape
Closing Date: 09 October 2024
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 and KAT-7 telescopes 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 main purpose of this role is the overall site management of the Karoo to ensure the availability and reliability of the infrastructure required to keep the radio telescope operating 24 hours every day.
Key Responsibilities:
• Managing the construction site to successfully deliver complex engineering/construction projects in a multi-disciplinary setting;
• Managing maintenance teams, engineering support, and ensuring that routine maintenance is carried out to meet the availability and reliability of the infrastructure;
• Operations and maintenance of HVAC, MV power line distribution, LV distribution, standby generating & uninterrupted power supply, future remote power station (hybrid systems) and roads to support telescope operations;
• Procuring and maintaining a fleet of vehicles and managing all transport legal requirements & monitoring of vehicle usage;
• Supporting engineering and all other departments on upgrades and new projects taking place on site;
• Supervising or performing switching of electrical MV line and switchgears when required;
• Working closely with the electrical engineering department on the issues of electrical system maintenance and upgrades;
• Responsible for managing and upgrading the Building Management System (BMS) for the site;
• Ensuring adequate resourcing of staff by recruiting and utilizing the Human Capital Development Programme to identify suitably qualified resources available to meet services of the site;
• Familiarity with the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA): Compiling & managing annual departmental budgets, procurement of services and goods in accordance with the SCM policy, and adhering to allocated budget/expenditure;
• Managing Service Level Agreements (SLA) for various services as well as management of contractors on site on behalf of SARAO to successfully meet the obligations in line with SLAs;
• Performing all duties of a 16.2 appointment under the direction of the Managing Director for the Karoo site in compliance with legal requirements;
• Working closely with SHEQ department, particularly to ensure that Karoo sites comply with SHEQ policies and OHS act requirements;
• Appointment as a Competent Person for supervision of machinery in terms of General Machinery Regulation 2;
• This job requires a full-time presence at the telescope site near Carnarvon in the Karoo.
Key Requirements: Qualification:
• National Diploma (NQF Level 6) in Engineering
• Government Certificate of Competency (GCC): mechanical/electrical (or in process to obtain one).
• Management Qualification (advantageous)
Experience:
• 10 years related experience post completion of a National Diploma in managing construction projects or managing operations & maintenance teams.
• At least 5 years management or supervisory experience.
• A proven 16.2 appointment
Knowledge:
• Thorough knowledge of Operating Regulations for High Voltage Systems (ORHVs);
• Thorough knowledge of South African National Standards (SANS) for power supply and distribution;
• Good understanding of the relevant ISO standards;
• Good understanding of South African construction industry legislation;
• Thorough understanding of South African government legislation (PPPFA, PFMA, Occupational Health and Safety Act, Environmental Management Act, Construction Industry Board Act and regulations, National Water Act, Minerals & Petroleum Resources Development Act amongst others);
• Good understanding of public sector supply chain management legislation and its implementation;
• Maintenance of building, roads and site infrastructure including safety, security and fleet management;
• Project and contracting management experience in the public sector;
• Training, mentoring and development of staff and graduates in training;
• Proven experience in project processes (i.e. System Engineering; Configuration Management; Logistical Support; and Supply Chain Management will be added advantage);
• Supervising of projects from inception, installation, testing & commissioning;
• Ability to read and interpret electrical and mechanical drawings;
• Ability to draft contracts and Service Level Agreements with service providers;
• Proven experience in Computerised Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS);
• Occupational Health & Safety regulations;
Additional Notes:
• Experience in leading multi-disciplinary project teams and contractors involved in the design and delivery of infrastructure projects;
• Computer Literacy (Microsoft Office suites and Google suites);
• Strong leadership and management skills;
• Excellent problem-solving and analytic skills;
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal;
• Ability to plan, set goals, manage time, priorities, resources, project schedules and costs;
• Excellent report writing skills;
• Be thorough and pay attention to detail.
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: 09 October 2024 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.
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