Portfolio Manager: Natural Resources at Technology Innovation Agency

Job Purpose:

• To develop and manage a portfolio of (Natural Resources) innovation projects through the relevant technology readiness levels (TRL) towards commercialisation

Minimum Requirements    

• A Bachelor’s degree in Chemical/ Mining/ Environmental Engineering or equivalent
• Business related qualification will be an added advantage
• A Masters degree in Engineering will be an added advantage
• 3-5 years of experience in a Natural Resources development and innovation environment
• Strong Mining, Circular economy and water experience
• Good knowledge of technology development and innovation investment trends in the NR industry
• Knowledge of PFMA
• Knowledge of support systems for early technology
• Devotion to quality
• Dutifulness
• Innovating
• Negotiating
• Client focus
• Presentation and facilitation skills
• Performing under pressure
• Team work
• Integrity
• Innovating
• Decisiveness

Duties and Responsibilities    
Financial management and revenue growth

• Assist the head to develop divisional budgets and forecasts for Exco and Board approval.
• Monitor and track performance against budget (operations and projects).
• Manage and monitor the timeous disbursement of funding to ensure optimal operation of technology and innovation projects.
• Ensure that new funding opportunities are identified and additional income was raised from third party investors.
• Manage projects repayment obligations to TIA (Equity and royalties, investments and loans).

Stakeholder management and thought leadership

• Provide input into the formulation of a Stakeholder relationship strategy specific to the STA.
• In collaboration with SSRC, ensure that credible success stories are published.
• Ensure that an effective eco system is built around the portfolio including key stakeholder relations.
• Participate in events, meetings, workshops and conferences by giving input, availing skill, competency and expertise.
• Participation should result in positive input, impact and giving direction in the NSI

Governance, compliance and reporting

• Ensure that adherence to all relevant policies and frameworks is maintained.
• Ensure that compliance to all TIA systems (fund management, performance management, HR, finance, Stakeholder information, etc.) is maintained.
• Ensure that all portfolio audit matters are resolved and agreed turnaround times on key business processes are achieved.
• Ensure that project information is accurately and completely recorded on the fund management system.
• Ensure timeous and accurate reporting as per requirements

Innovation Funding and Pre Commercialisation Support-

• Assist applicants with building a fundable opportunity and to assess Investment opportunities.
• Provide support and assistance to projects to achieve their milestones.
• Pro-actively identify project risks and portfolio opportunities, together with project teams.
• Perform technical due diligence of TIA projects and programs.
• Ensure that all aspects of the project life cycle from sourcing to exit are efficiently managed.
• Facilitate Commercialisation of TIA projects/investments. Build a pipeline of investment opportunities for the strategic technology areas.
• Perform client-centric and value adding project management of TIA projects/investments.
• Process adherence and improvement –

Process adherence and improvement

• Ensure that KPAs are understood and achieved as agreed upon in the Performance agreement.
• Review performance against agreed performance standards.
• Live the values and culture of TIA. Identify and implement development opportunities to ensure continuous improvement of work effectiveness and efficiency.
• Ensure that departmental Information systems and tools are optimally utilized to execute core tasks