Executive: Research Funding & Strategic Partnerships

An exciting executive leadership opportunity is available for an accomplished research and innovation professional to lead International Grants and Partnerships within a prominent national research environment.

The successful candidate will provide strategic leadership for the department's strategy, operations, resourcing and performance
, while developing and strengthening national, continental and global partnerships that advance research, innovation and human capital development.

• Develop, review and implement international partnerships strategies, policies and plans

• Establish and manage strategic relationships with national, African and global research and funding partners

• Drive stakeholder engagement and resource mobilisation

• Develop long-term relationships with collaborators, funders, advisors and reviewers

• Provide strategic leadership across international partnerships and research grant management

• Provide policy development and expert guidance within the research and innovation environment

• Oversee business planning, departmental operations and financial resources

• Manage organisational and departmental risks

• Lead and develop high-performing teams

• Drive continuous improvement and change management

• Oversee the monitoring and evaluation of funded projects to assess outputs, outcomes and impact

• Doctoral Degree (NQF Level 10)

• Proven research track record

• Minimum 7 years' experience in research and innovation

• At least 5 years' management experience

• Demonstrable experience in:

  • Strategy development and implementation

  • Research grant management

  • Strategic and business planning

  • Stakeholder and partnership management

  • Policy development

  • Financial resourcing and management

  • Contract management

  • Human resource and talent management

  • Change management

Candidates should demonstrate:

• Comprehensive knowledge of the South African Higher Education System

• Knowledge of the National System of Innovation

• Strong understanding of the global research landscape and innovation trends

• Knowledge of South African research, innovation and postgraduate education policy and legislation

• Knowledge of national and international research and funding partners

• Science diplomacy capability

• Strong quantitative and qualitative analytical skills

• Advanced communication and presentation capability

• Familiarity with the PFMA
  , labour legislation and sound management practices

This opportunity will suit a strategic leader with a strong academic and research foundation who has successfully built partnerships, managed research funding programmes and engaged with stakeholders across the national, continental and international research ecosystem
.