Junior Programme Manager: Innovation Space Initiative - 12 months Fixed-Term Contract at Technology Innovation Agency

Job Advert Summary    

• Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) is a talent driven, customer- centric and impact focused organisation. In our endeavour to support technology innovation with socio-economic outcomes; we seek to infuse the organisation with team players that find resonance as value creators, agile thinkers, progressive attitudes, customer-centricity, dynamic work ethic and an optimistic disposition. We aim to harness these attributes in a manner that they culminate into a culture of teamwork, impact and accountability. 
• In executing its mandate, the organisation provides funding and non-funding support to stimulate innovation so that it provides a catalytic impact to the economy whilst improving people’s lives and protecting the environment. The Agency endeavours to promote the careers of previously disadvantaged persons by applying the principles of the Employment Equity Act, as amended.
• Job Purpose: The role will provide seamless administrative and innovation management support and enabling platform for the Space Innovation Initiative operations and innovative opportunities to be identified, assessed, approved, funded and monitored effectively to achieve expected outcomes and impact of the Space innovation Initiative. 
• To facilitate stakeholder engagements with entrepreneurs, academia, shareholders, funders and potential collaborating partners in the Space value chain.

Minimum Requirements    
Qualification

• A Bachelor’s degree in engineering science and technology
• Ideally: A degree in Space Science, Space and Satellite engineering, Geographical Information Systems, Earth Observation, Geoinformatics and/or Data science degree.

Work Experience

• Two (2) – Three (3) years experience in the South African Space economy.
• Two (2) – Three (3) years programme management experience.

Knowlegde and Skills

• Knowledge of Technology development trends in Space industry
• Applicable legislation (PFMA, TIA Act, IPR Act)
• Emerging development in the space sector including Investment trends for technology development in the marketplace.
• Exposure to Research and Development projects in space technologies.
• Good knowledge of technology development and innovation investment trends in the NR industry.
• Knowledge of PFMA.
• Knowledge of support systems for early technology.
• Financial acumen.
• Written and Verbal Communication Skill.
• Report Writing Skill

Duties and Responsibilities    
Financial management and revenue growth

• Arrange meeting(s) to discuss disbursement requirements, identify and mitigate challenges that might affect disbursement.
• Compile disbursement pack according to the disbursement checklist.
• Financial reconciliation to ensure that funding agreements are honoured.
• Identify and follow up on co-funding opportunities.

Stakeholder management 

• Maintain professional engagements with stakeholders.
• Arrange and participate in meetings with stakeholders and TIA project investees.
• Arrange stakeholder meetings to meet with the variety of stakeholders to discuss highlights & challenges. Based on these mitigation strategies are implemented.
• Make recommendations based on the outcomes of meetings with stakeholders.
• Organise stakeholder meetings.
• Attend industry events.
• Participate in project review meetings.

Governance and Compliance 

• Adherence to all relevant policies and frameworks is maintained.
• Compliance to all TIA systems (fund management, performance management, HR, finance, Stakeholder information, etc.) is maintained.
• Identify and address programme challenges and highlights.
• Determine which KPIs will be met within the programmes.
• Facilitate drafting of programme-related agreements.
• Identify and mitigate risks.

Process adherence and improvement 

• Assess, analyse and integrate information prior to capturing in the relevant system.
• Ensure unit information is recorded and captured accurately on the FMS.
• Streamline processes and procedures to maximize efficiency.
• Stay abreast of related trends in the market.

Reporting

• Ensure timeous and accurate reporting as per requirements.
• Complete Annexure B1 for evidence submissions.
• Provide input to monthly and quarterly reports.
• Provide inputs to the Quartely Space infrastructure Hub Steering committee meetings.
• Organize and provide logistical support for the Space Innovation Initiative Project Management Committee meetings.

Programme Management

• Ensure transparent management of all programme operations: i.e.
• Planning call for proposals with internal and external stakeholders (Space infrastructure hub and TIA Business units).
• Organize briefing sessions and programme agendas for Space innovation initiative applications.
• Assist in technical assessment reports / business cases and provide inputs to operational planning.
• Participate in project assessment, full due diligence meetings, project milestone reviews and post investment support.
• Submit KPI evidence to the relevant TIA BU.

Deadline:27th January,2026