Project Manager: DSTI-NRF Centre of Excellence in Food Security (4 Year Contract position) - (2098) at University of Western Cape

• The Project Manager for the DSTI-NRF Centre of Excellence in Food Security (CoE-FS) and UKUDLA is responsible for the strategic project implementation and coordination, financial oversight, stakeholder engagement, and oversight of operational management of both research initiatives, and future large projects undertaken by the CoE-FS. This role ensures that the two programs align efficiently, avoiding duplication of efforts while maximising research impact, capacity-building, and financial sustainability.

Reporting to the Director: DSTI-NRF Centre of Excellence in Food Security, the successful applicant will be responsible for:

• The overall office management, including overseeing the management of administrative and financial assistants, coordination of the undergraduate and postgraduate recruitment, transition and academic programs to ensure successful implementation.
• The overall financial management, oversight of the day-to-day budget management and timely submission of financial reports in accordance with approved budgets. 
• Oversight of the Centre’s procurement and asset management processes in accordance with the university’s policies.
• The governance and compliance with the funding agency’s terms, conditions and requirements and representing the Program Director on structures internally and externally.
• Oversight of the effective marketing and communication of the Scholars Program, in close liaison with the Department of Institutional advancement. 
• The Liaison with senior and middle management internally and key external agencies, including the funding body and implementing partners.

Minimum Requirements:(Qualification & Experience)   

• A relevant Honours degree or a relevant equivalent qualification at NQF8. 
• A minimum of 5 years’ relevant experience in an environment similar to the Centre of excellence
• Extensive experience in managing grant funding and budgets 
• Extensive working experience in South African and European funding frameworks 
• Experience in managing stakeholder relations
• Experience in project management

Added Advantage:   

• Working experience in the Higher Education sector
• Registered for a NQF Level 9 degree in a relevant field.

Required competencies: (skills, knowledge, and behavioural attributes)

• Strategic project management: Ability to plan, implement, and monitor large-scale research programs.
• Financial governance: Experience in budgeting, financial tracking, and multi-donor grant reporting.
• Stakeholder relationship management: Ability to build partnerships across academia, government, and industry.
• Research coordination: Understanding of PhD and postdoctoral program administration.
• Digital proficiency: Strong command of Microsoft Office, project management tools, and digital communication platforms.

Deadline:7th August,2025