Project Co-ordinator (Two-year contract appointment) - Future Africa Institute

FACULTY OF NATURAL AND AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE

FUTURE AFRICA INSTITUTE

EARLY CAREER RESEARCH LEADERSHIP FELLOWSHIP

PROJECT CO-ORDINATOR (TWO-YEAR CONTRACT APPOINTMENT)

PEROMNES POST LEVEL 10

In pursuit of the ideals of excellence and diversity, the University of Pretoria wishes to invite applications for the following vacancy.

The University of Pretoria's commitment to quality makes us one of the top research Universities in the country and gives us a competitive advantage in international science and technology development.

BACKGROUND:

This position is for a Project Co-ordinator supporting the Early Career Research Leadership Fellowship (ECRLF). The ECRLF is a new initiative of the University of Pretoria and the Future Africa Institute, with the support of the Carnegie Corporation of New York. It aims to grow early career African academics in the areas of thought leadership, team management and research development, with the intention of enabling them to contribute to the development of a new paradigm for science in Africa and help solve the complex issues facing both Africa and the global community. In particular, the fellowship aims to:

• Deliver the fellowship in a split-site (twinned) approach to strengthen the research and function of the fellow at his/her home institution;
• Instil the values and skills for transdisciplinary research in a set of early career African researchers;
• Promote and support the interaction between the research supervisor and the home institution of the fellow;
• Select a cohort of fellows that give balanced representation across gender and disciplines;
• Actively connect the fellow into a Pan-African network of researchers.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The successful candidate will play a crucial role in stakeholder engagement, training and development, and administration. The incumbent will be the central point of communication and engagement for various stakeholders, including an international management team (UP and the Future Africa Institute as well as Carnegie Corporation of New York); partner organisations such as the National Young Academies, Consortium for Advanced Research Training in Africa, Regional Initiatives; and service providers and experts (organisations and individuals facilitating and delivering the training).

The incumbent will also be responsible for:

• The co-ordination of engagement with media and the management of social media platforms;
• Actively engaging with fellows and the co-ordination of the training sessions, including:
  • Supporting the development of capacity with regards to leadership training and related curriculum development;
  • Assisting with the development of material about fellows and the programme for use on the website, social media and other outlets;
• Managing and administering the finances of the programme, including:
  • Payments to service providers and bookings for fellows;
  • Organising training sessions (e.g. booking of location, accommodation, catering, travels, and providing on-site support);
  • Co-ordinating with the various partners involved;
  • Keeping records of all administrative processes and assisting with the writing of relevant reports;
  • Maintaining information on the Future Africa website and on other communication channels.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Relevant Master’s degree and/or equivalent qualification with research experience;
• At least two years’ proven experience in the following:
  • Research management;
  • Event co-ordination;
  • Inter- (and ideally) transdisciplinary research projects/programmes.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES (SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND BEHAVIOURAL ATTRIBUTES):

• Project management skills;
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work as part of a team;
• Administrative and management skills;
• Good time management skills;
• A professional attitude and results driven;
• The ability to prepare technical reports;
• Good communication and verbal presentation skills;
• An interest in science development, engagement and leadership;
• Social media skills.

ADDED ADVANTAGES AND PREFERENCES:

• PhD degree in any field;
• Experience in research management, science engagement and science development programmes.

The all-inclusive remuneration package for this contract position will be commensurate with the incumbent’s level of appointment, as determined by UP policy guidelines.

CLOSING DATE:

25 April 2018

No application will be considered after the closing date, or if it does not comply with at least the minimum requirements.

ENQUIRIES:

Prof B Slippers, Tel: (012) 420 2463

Should you not hear from the University of Pretoria by 30 June 2018, please accept that your application has been unsuccessful.

The University of Pretoria is committed to equality, employment equity and diversity.

In accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets, preference may be given, but is not limited to candidates from under-represented designated groups.

All candidates who comply with the requirements for appointment are invited to apply.

The University of Pretoria reserves the right to not fill the advertised positions.