Contract type: Permanent Job Level: Management Work Location: Cape Town, Western Cape Closing Date: 10 June 2026 About the Role This role involves offering project management services to SARAO program managers and management for Engineering, Technology Research, and Development initiatives aimed at facilitating the construction of the major Radio Astronomy facilities. This includes leading Infrastructure, Technology Research and Development projects throughout the entire project lifecycle, adhering to SARAO’s established procedures and processes, which include project initiation, planning, execution, monitoring, controlling, and closing phases. The delivery approach should also include the integration of established technical solution processes i.e. System/Product Lifecycle Engineering processes. In addition to this, the responsibilities also encompass generating all essential project management documents, such as Project Management plans, ancillary plans, budgets, schedules, resource allocation, and progress reports as needed. The role includes delivering specific projects in accordance with contractual agreements (i.e. NEC4, FIDIC, GCC). Key Responsibilities Provide professional project management services to SARAO Program and Senior Management in the delivery of Technology Research and Development projects that underpin the construction and operation of major Radio Astronomy facilities. Project Initiation: Assist with gathering initial project requirements and developing project charters. Identify and apply suitable project management approaches (i.e. Sequential, Agile, and/or Hybrid Project Management Methodologies) in delivering projects, including coordination of geographically distributed and remote teams. Project Planning & Integration: Collaborate in identifying project deliverables and success criteria; develop project implementation plans and subsidiary plans integrated with technical solution delivery; establish performance measurement baselines (scope, schedule, cost, resources, quality & risk); lead reviews and secure project plan approvals. Project Execution: Direct and manage project work; manage project deliverables; acquire resources, develop and manage teams; conduct procurement and manage contracts (aligned with NRF, SARAO and SKAO policies and procedures, i.e. NEC4, FIDIC, GCC); manage quality; implement risk responses; manage project communications and stakeholder engagement; verify and validate project deliverables. Technical Project Management: Provide specialised technical project management expertise, including planning, coordinating, and overseeing the execution of engineering solutions to ensure the successful delivery of complex technical outcomes. Monitoring & Control: Oversee project work performance; analyse and monitor baselines; manage stakeholder engagements, risks, and communications; control project scope, schedule, cost, resources, procurement, and quality, and perform integrated change control. Ensure timely and accurate reporting of project status, progress, risks, and issues to Program and Senior Management. Project Closure: Conduct lessons learned; review project performance; finalise close-out agreements; manage the transition of final products, services, or results; and formally close projects or phases. Governance & Continuous Improvement: Contribute to the development, maintenance, and improvement of project management framework, processes, standards, and templates to support SARAO’s governance requirements. Support the developmental plan of junior project managers and graduate trainees. Qualification BTech degree in Engineering or a related field, with a minimum of 13 years’ experience in engineering and construction project management: OR BEng/MTech degree in Engineering or a related field, with a minimum of 9 years’ experience in engineering and construction project management. ECSA or equivalent project management professional registration (preferred, i.e. PMI-PMP / PRINCE2 / PMIACP / IPMA or equivalent) Experience At least 3 years of proven experience in contract management in accordance with FIDIC, NEC, and/or SAICE GCC contracts, demonstrating a successful track record in project delivery Proven track record of executing major engineering research, development and construction projects in accordance with established System/Product Lifecycle Engineering processes Experience in leading and managing multidisciplinary teams of senior professionals Knowledge Managing large-scale Engineering, Technology Research and Development projects Extensive contract management knowledge (preferably in accordance with NEC4, FIDIC and/or GCC contracts) Sound knowledge of project planning tools (Primavera, MS Project) Project Management theory, principles, standards, and best practice A Project Management Office (PMO) and/or EPCM environment Procurement and Contract Management Project Estimation Public Finance Management Act Additional Attributes and Skills Strong decision-making Excellent communication – both verbal and written, in English Good analytical and planning skills Efficiency in a high-pressure environment Willingness to work outside normal hours Proactive Capable of dealing with uncertain environments and reducing uncertainty Problem-solving No constraints on ability to travel within South Africa and Internationally 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr