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

About the job: 

• The CSIR has a vacancy for Manager: Information Specialists in the Knowledge Management and Information Services Portfolio. 
• The successful incumbent will manage a team of information specialists and information scientists that facilitate access to credible 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. The position is based in Pretoria
• This position reports to Manager: Knowledge Management and Information Services.

Key responsibilities:

• 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. 
• Identify and leverage internal and external opportunities that create value and contribute to the achievement of CSIR strategic objectives.
• Champion the professional and personal development of team members.
• 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, including AI technologies.
• Strengthen the identification, generation, analysis, and effective use of strategic information to inform organisational decision making. 
• Contribute to driving Knowledge Management activities in support of the CSIR Knowledge Management initiative
• Provide expert leadership and advisory services informed by deep expertise in  information, data and knowledge management; scholarly and academic lifecycles and publishing models, and competitive intelligence, to enable business development and support CSIR industry initiatives. 
• Understand the needs and requirements of different customer segments and provide fit-for-purpose services and solutions.
• Conduct benchmarking exercises on national and international level to investigate research support practices, including the evolving scholarly communication landscape in the field of information provision.
• Manage Service Level Agreements and relationships with clients, who include Division/Centre management and staff. 
• Regularly assess clients¿ information needs and gaps using market research tools including questionnaires, surveys, interviews, focus groups and observation. 
• 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.
• Represent KMIS at national and international level, 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 Masters degree in Library and Information Science with at least eight to ten years information services experience in a scientific, technical or research environment of which five years should be at management level.
• 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
• 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
• Oral and written communication skills 

Closing date: 07 May 2026