Programme Manager: Technology Platforms Programme at Technology Innovation Agency

Job Summary    

• To provide value creating programme and project management support to the various entities funded by TIA to establish technology platforms and ensure that they meet their objectives in line with the TIA mandate.
• The Agency endeavours to promote the careers of previously disadvantaged persons by applying the principles of the Employment Equity Act, as amended.
• The Agency reserves the right not to make an appointment.
• 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.

Minimum Requirements    

Qualifications 

• 4 years Degree in Life Sciences or Engineering fields
• Possession of a Project/Programme Management qualification would be an added advantage

Work Experience

• 3 years of experience in a technology development or innovation environment
• 3 years of experience in technology-based commercialisation or technology-focused programme/project portfolio management
• 3 years of direct stakeholder engagement and management through the provision of financial and non-financial support in a technology-based context

Duties and Responsibilities    
Planning, Management and Reporting

• Facilitate scoping of new platforms in collaboration with DSTI and other key stakeholders
• Draw up a Framework and Work Plan, and issue formal documentation to external parties (collaborators, 3rd parties, implementation partners)
• In collaboration and consultation with relevant Portfolio Managers, create and produce a detailed Annual Work Plan which identifies and sequences activities needed to successfully execute the Technology Platforms Programme
• In collaboration and consultation with relevant stakeholders, coordinate implementation, determine resources (time, funds, assets, etc) required to execute the programme
• Facilitate review of progress made in the platforms; revise the schedule as required
• Management and reporting of finances in consultation with clients
• Coordinate and facilitate new platforms or programme approvals in consultation with relevant stakeholders
• Prepare and submit reports regularly as set in the DSTI-TIA agreement and related TIA reporting as may be required

Stakeholder Relations

• Develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders in the TPP such as the Research Institutions, Higher Education Institutions; Department of Science, Technology  and Innovation; co-funders and TIA staff
• Liaise with and coordinate activities of the staff and/or volunteers according to the established policies and practices of the organization
• Ensure that personnel files are properly maintained and kept confidential
• Ensure that all platforms’ personnel receive an appropriate orientation to the organization and the programme
• Ensure that qualified consultants have contracts before they undertake work on the programme as appropriate
• Identify, build and nurture trust and collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Lead conversations with industry around issues and specialisation
• Interact closely with stakeholders
• Liaise with the platforms’ teams in line with work plan and platforms agreement

Implement the project(s) or sub-programme(s)

• Execute the programme according to the TPP Workplan and operational plan
• Develop forms and records to document programme/project activities – be able to track the progress at any given point in time
• Set up files/databases to ensure that all platforms’ information is appropriately documented and secured
• Execute the programme according to the TPP Workplan and operational plan
• Develop forms and records to document programme/project activities – be able to track the progress at any given point in time
• Monitor the progress of the programme and make necessary adjustments and process alignments to ensure its successful completion on time, on schedule, and in accordance with signed contracts
• Establish a communication schedule to update stakeholders including appropriate staff in the organization on the progress of the programme
• Consolidate and review sub-programme reports on completed work in regular consultation with relevant Portfolio Managers at TIA and implementation partners to ensure alignment with the programme's goals and standards
• Provide updates to the programme team on platforms and programme progress and work with stakeholders to urgently resolve bottlenecks

Programme Control

• Write reports on the programme for management and for funders
• Communicate with funders as outlined in funding agreements
• Monitor cash flow projections and report actual cash flow and variance to senior management on a regular basis (quarterly)
• Report on all programme funds according to established accounting policies and procedures
• Ensure that all financial records for the project submitted are up to date
• Prepare financial reports and supporting documentation for funders as outlined in funding agreements

Evaluate the programme

• Ensure that TPP deliverables are on time, within budget and at the required level of quality
• Evaluate outcomes of the technology platforms as established during the planning phase
• Arrange stakeholder meetings with various stakeholders to Identify and address programme highlights & challenges
• Make recommendations based on the outcomes of meetings with stakeholders
• Financial reconciliation to ensure that funding agreements are honoured
• Follow-up on outstanding transactions and activities in the funding agreements as well as the milestones to be achieved
• Follow-up on Key Performance Areas to be met within the programmes

Deadline:1st August,2025