About the position
Postion Summary:
The National Research Foundation (NRF) seeks to make an appointment for the position of Director: Information and Impact Analysis within the Digital Transformation business Unit. The incumbent will lead and manage the NRF’s Information and Impact Analysis section, drawing on quantitative research to provide quantitative and performance analysis to inform macro-organisational policy and strategy development; strategic planning; advice; and thought leadership to enable the NRF to meet its legislative mandate of promoting the development and maintenance of the National System of Innovation in support of government priorities.
Key Responsibilities:
- Review the current macro-organisational needs for information and impact analysis through appropriate information gathering and performance analysis
- Benchmark with local and international strategies, policies, and implementation plans of similar organisations through appropriate comparative exercises to establish gaps and best practice
- Work with relevant NRF sections to inform future policies, drawing on practical organisational, technical and research knowledge, skills and experience
- Formulate fit-for-purpose macro-organisational strategies, policies, and implementation plans to advance the NRF’s mandate and respond to the goals and objectives of the organisation
- Lead NRF quantitative evidence-based performance analysis and policy advice
- Prepare reports, briefings, and other publications for internal and external audiences to communicate trends in the science and higher education sectors, and the NRF, serving as thought leader
- Serve as the NRF lead for drafting quantitative evidence for policy advice for the NRF and the NSI
- Strategic monitoring of organisational performance and impact and predictive analytics
- Draft performance and impact monitoring tools at a macro-organisational level in consultation with NRF Business Units or Divisions
- Establish, manage and maintain meaningful and constructive long-term relationships with national, regional and global stakeholders that can advance the work of the NRF
- Participate in regular briefings and engagements with internal and external stakeholders to create awareness and keep them informed, as appropriate
- Manage assigned budgets, to ensure the efficient use of resources
- Manage and ensure financial and supply chain regulatory and policy adherence by all team members
Minimum Qualification:
Minimum Experience:
- A master’s degree (NQF 9) with evidence of quantitative research experience
- Postgraduate data analytics or monitoring and evaluation qualification would be an added advantage
- Five (5) years post-master’s experience in a data intensive environment, including the development and implementation of analysis and reporting, of which three (3) years is management experience
- Demonstrated experience of data analysis and monitoring and evaluation
Experience:
- Strategy development and implementation Business planning and implementation Organisational skills Leadership skills Human Resource and Talent Management Change management Policy development Stakeholder Management Project Management Interpersonal skills Strong problem solving skills
- Logical and critical thinking skills
- Advanced verbal and written communication Presentation capabilities Data collection and monitoring Strong conceptual and qualitative analytical skills
- Quantitative and analytical capabilities
- Specialist monitoring and evaluation skills
- Advanced computer proficiency, including expertise in data software packages e
- g
- SPSS Statistics
Knowledge:
- Knowledge of the South African Higher Education System
- Knowledge of National System of Innovation
- Knowledge of relevant policies; legislation and regulations pertaining to research, innovation and postgraduate education in South Africa
- Strong knowledge of reporting packages such as Advanced Microsoft Excel including pivot tables, PowerBI, and statistical packages
- Knowledge of frameworks and best practices for monitoring and evaluation of research
- Familiarity with PFMA, labour legislation and management best practices
The NRF website provides more details on the initiatives and activities Applicants should submit a comprehensive CV by registering and apply online through the NRF Recruitment and Selection Portal. 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.
Desired Skills:
- Skilled in applied field of position
- Knowledge to be relevant
- Responsible in performing duties
About The Employer:
The National Research Foundation (NRF) is a government mandated research and science development agency established through the National Research Foundation Act (Act No. 23 of 1998). The agency supports and promotes research and human capital development through innovative grant funding and partnerships, the provision of National Research Facilities and science engagement platforms and supporting and promoting public awareness of science to the broader community, in all fields of science and technology, including natural science, engineering, social science and humanities. The NRF is a well-established organisation that is highly networked within the knowledge system, nationally and internationally. It is the principal organisation responsible for promoting the national research enterprise and is the primary public funder of postgraduate students and researchers and provider of research infrastructure in the country. It has well-developed, best practice research evaluation and support systems.
