Manager: Information Specialist at Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)

About the job:

The CSIR has a vacancy for Manager: Information Specialist in the Knowledge Management and Information Services (KMIS). The purpose of this role is to manage a team of information specialists and information scientists that facilitate access to information, data and knowledge management services in support of CSIR RD&I processes and to provide competencies that enable CSIR staff to execute the organisational mandate and strategy in their respective fields of endeavour. This position is based in Pretoria.

Key responsibilities:

• Contribute to the strategic and operational management of KMIS, including the development and implementation of operational/business plans as well as the identification of new focus areas.
• Understand the needs and requirements of different customer segments and provide fit-for-purpose services and solutions.
• Regularly assess clients' information needs and gaps using market research tools including questionnaires, surveys, interviews, focus groups, and observation.
• Manage Service Level Agreements and relationships with clients, who include Division/Centre management and staff.
• Improve continuously the operational effectiveness and efficiency of the team.
• Champion the professional and personal development of team members.
• Manage and lead a team of information professionals that provide guidance and advice to CSIR staff on all aspects relating to professional knowledge and information management practices.
• Leverage the capacity of the CSIR line staff through the provision of relevant information, data, and knowledge management services, taking advantage of the latest developments in information resources, services, and technologies.
• Strengthen the identification, generation, and use of strategic information to guide organisational decision making.
• Conduct benchmarking exercises on a national and international level to investigate research support practices, including the evolving scholarly communication landscape in the field of information provision.
• Lead and provide expert-level advice and support services based on an in-depth understanding of information, data, and knowledge management principles, scholarly publishing, as well as related ICT solutions.
• Contribute to the development of knowledge sharing events.
• Represent KMIS at national and international levels, participate externally in professional fora, preferably in a leadership role, and ensure a strong network with peers in other science councils and tertiary education institutions.
• To lead and direct service development projects on behalf of KMIS, which include conceptualising the problem, identifying collaborators, designing the work plan, and communicating outcomes and solutions. 

  Qualifications, skills and experience:

• A master’s degree in library and information Science with at least eight years information services experience in a scientific, technical or research environment of which at least two years should be in a managerial capacity as the incumbent needs to function as an expert in the organisation as well as in the professional community.
• Experience in client relationship management.
• Understanding of team leadership.
• In depth understanding of information and knowledge management principles, scholarly publishing as well as related ICT solutions.
• Expertise in the use of online information resources and retrieval systems and the implementation of advanced search methodologies.
• Experience with working with business development and commercialisation functions.
• Ability to conceptualise and implement service solutions.
• Proficiency in general management including conceptualisation, planning, and organising, negotiation, performance monitoring and management.
• Benchmarking skills to ensure most appropriate practices for the CSIR.
• Advanced presentation skills.
• Ability to build and maintain strong collaborative working relationships with key stakeholders.
• Self-management (planning, prioritising and time management – includes the ability to work independently)
• All international qualifications require an evaluation report / certificate issued by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).

Closing date: 07 July 2023