PURPOSE OF THE POSITION:

The Manager will provide support to DVC and be responsible for management of DVC R&I strategy across the various portfolio departments, faculties and stakeholders to ensure that projects are executed and completed on time. The incumbent will also be responsible for developing and managing other portfolio priorities and special projects including writing and maintaining reports, co-organising key R & I events and general communication to internal and external stakeholders to facilitate effective coordination, administration, and implementation of strategic projects within the DVC R & I office.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

1.     Strategy coordination and implementation:

• Coordinate and manage DVC R &I Strategy involving several KPA’s:

·         Generate new knowledge through high quality publications.

·         Improve research capacity by nurturing the next generation of researchers.

·         Improve international stature and visibility of scholars and research outputs.

·         Intensify research internationalisation and impact through partnerships and collaborations.

·         Support and sustain an ecosystem for conducive creation of IP and commercialisation.

·         Identify mechanisms to improve External Research Income locally and beyond.

·         Accelerate eResearch and innovation services and systems to support full cycle of research conduct and management.

• Enhance reporting frameworks and maintain the reports.
• Compile aggregate report from faculties, analyse and generate trends to inform decision making
• Provide strategic advice on the implementation of the NWU Research and Innovation strategy, policies and plans by ensuring alignment with the overall strategy.

2.     Implementation of other strategic and special projects:

• Plan, design, implement, monitor and manage the strategic and special projects for the R&I portfolio in line with established processes and procedures.
• Provide oversight and professional support in the implementation of special and rollover projects.
• Develop and review strategic project policies, processes and procedures.
• Develop relevant management systems including project performance, quality assurance, optimization of controls and processes to support speedy delivery to meet R&I targets.
• Identify and support integration of R&I projects to high level NWU service delivery initiatives.
• Ensure maintenance of relevant records and information
• Develop reporting frameworks and generate reports on all aspects of strategic and special projects.

3.     Stakeholder liaison and relations:

• Provide support to DVC R&I in managing all portfolios reporting to the DVC
• Manage strategic partnerships with key stakeholders participating in strategic projects with R&I.
• Maintain effective networks, enhance relationships and advocacy on behalf DVC R&I with key stakeholders.
• Evaluate, screen, and assist with telephone and office queries. Provide feedback and advice.
• Manage and adhere to protocol requirements in cooperation with corporate relation and marketing dept.
• Plan, organise and coordinate internal and external meetings, events, and workshops including key R & I events such as NWU R&I Colloquium, NWU R&I Excellence Awards, Stakeholder Engagements in conjunction with Faculties.

4.     Finances & budget administration:

• Compile and manage budgets for strategic projects.

5.     Ad hoc:

• Spearhead the compilation of R&I Annual Report and R&I combined operational plan.
• Execute ad hoc tasks as assigned by the DVC or delegate to ensure smooth functioning of the office and portfolios.

·          A 4-year bachelor’s degree or an honour’s degree (NQF level 8) in Project Management, Management Sciences or related disciplines.

·          A minimum of 6 years’ experience in project management at a higher education sector and/or science council.

RECOMMENDATIONS / ADDED ADVANTAGES:

·          A master’s degree (NQF level 9) in Project Management, Management Sciences; or an MBA or MBL (NQF level 9).

KEY FUNCTIONAL/ TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES:

·          Strategic capability and leadership skills.

·          In depth knowledge of stakeholder management and relations.

·          Financial Management

·          Project Management

·          Report writing and presentation.

BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES:

·          Planning and Organising

·          Decision making

·          Problem solving and analysis.

·          Interpersonal relations

·          Network

·          Team Player

·          Attentive to detail and accuracy.

REMUNERATION:

The annual total remuneration package will be commensurate with the level of appointment as advertised and in line with the NWU policy guidelines.

ENQUIRIES REGARDING JOB CONTENT MAY BE DIRECTED TO:                    Mr Rabs Diratsagae, Tel: 018 299 4797

ENQUIRIES REGARDING RECRUITMENT PROCESS MAY BE DIRECTED TO:    Mr Zenyo Seboko, Tel: 018 299 4951

CLOSING DATE:                                                                                                      26 April 2024

PLANNED COMMENCEMENT OF DUTIES:                                                           As soon as possible

Kindly take note: applications must be submitted online through the official nwu vacancy website.

Incomplete applications and those submitted through any other platform will not be considered.

The University subscribes to and applies the principles of Employment Equity (EE) Act and is committed to transformation. Preference will be given to candidates from the designated groups, in accordance with the principles of the EE Act and NWU Employment Equity Plan.

The University reserves the right not to make an appointment. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only.

If you are not contacted within two months from the closing date of this advertisement, please accept that your application was unsuccessful.