Project Manager at Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)

About the job:

• The CSIR has a vacancy for a Project Manager in the Business Excellence and Integration Portfolio. The incumbent will apply project management expertise together with appropriate technical acumen to achieve project goals by managing the total project management life cycle within project constraints according to applicable project management framework(s).
• This position is based in Pretoria.

Key responsibilities:

• Supporting the Business Excellence and Integration Management team to co-ordinate the conceptualisation of projects, drive/follow-up on execution and ensure timely monitoring and evaluation.
• Managing projects by developing and continuously updating project plans, project requirements using a team-based approach and the business case to ensure that the project outputs remain desirable, viable and achievable.
• Contribute to the conceptualisation of new projects involving application of technical areas.
• Organising project governance and team structures, defining roles, responsibilities and accountabilities.
• Successfully deliver on projects, on brief, on budget, on time, every time.
• Manage a team and stakeholders (facilitate and negotiate), including communication (e.g. regular internal and external team meetings and progress reporting).
• Manage finances, consolidation and administration.
• Support the Business Excellence and Integration team in formulating and writing proposals.
• Support the Business Excellence and Integration Management team and its operations to improve internal processes, tools and systems.
• Provide advice to project participants; serve as a liaison; performing research, analysing information, providing documentation, and preparing reports.
• Generate documentation, correspondence and presentations in support of the portfolio.
• Work across geographical boundaries with multiple stakeholders.

Qualifications, skills and experience:

• A bachelors degree in science or related fields with at least eight years work experience of which five years should be as a Project Manager, which must include the following:
• A proven track record of managing complex medium-scale, multi-partner projects.
• A deep understanding of agile project management implementation methodologies.
• Extensive knowledge of government policies and processes (e.g., tendering and procurement).
• A certification in Project Management (e.g. PRINCE2, PMP or a diploma) will be an added advantage.
• Experience in working with project teams across organisational boundaries, under tight and dynamic deadlines.
• Experience in working with senior executives in the private, public and academic sectors.
• The following would be advantageous:
• A Postgraduate qualification
• Professional registration with relevant bodies, e.g. PRINCE2, PMP
• Project management experience within a policy or regulatory environment.
• Skills and knowledge in the following areas:
• Strategic leadership and stakeholder engagement.
• Knowledge of emerging technologies (IOT, AI and DLT in particular) and their implementation in various domains.
• Exposure to research, development and innovation environments.
• Ability to work in a rapidly changing environment with many uncertainties, being able to learn and adjust accordingly.
• Sound financial management and business development skills.
• Excellent written and spoken English communication skills.
• Knowledge of project management software.
• Excellent problem solving, planning and organisational skills.
• Ability to take responsibility and operate as a self-starter.
• Ability to work with diverse environments and cultures.
• Great presentation skills are a requirement for this position.

Closing date: 19 November 2025