Director: Data and cybersecurity - Tshwane (Pretoria) at MECS (Pty) Ltd

Qualifications, skills and Experience

• A Master’s degree in science, engineering, or information and communication technology or related fields with at least ten years’ experience in data science or research and data management;
• A Doctoral degree will be advantageous;
• Experience in research leadership and management in a large research organisation, including all aspects from strategy through to operations;
• Extensive experience in stakeholder management (external and internal);
• Experience in international collaborative research and management;
• Evidence of internationally recognized research activities equivalent to that of a principal or chief scientist, including publication record, human capital development and peer recognition;
• Significant post-qualification experience in research and research management.  
• A management qualification will be highly beneficial;
• Demonstrated experience in long-term strategy formulation on group, institutional and national levels;
• Proven track record in data governance, infrastructure and location as it relates to big data;
• Proven track record in attracting research grants;
• Ability to mentor people ranging from junior researchers through to senior scientists and managers.

Key responsibilities:

• Define, design, and provide the entire range of data services across the data lifecycle for the research, education and innovation communities;
• Establish close working relationships with the Data Sciences community;
• Provide and facilitate a robust network of recognised Tier 1 and associated Tier 2 and 3 infrastructures and services;
• Build Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) that will impact on the economy;
• Provide data intensive research leadership, practices and principles that will impact on innovation that stimulates socio-economic growth;
• Drive operational excellence for long-term sustainability;