Project Manager: Level 1 at SARAO - South African Radio Astronomy Observatory

• This role involves offering project management services to SARAO program managers and management for Engineering, Technology Research, and Development initiatives aimed at facilitating the construction of the major Radio Astronomy facilities. This includes leading Infrastructure, Technology Research and Development projects throughout the entire project lifecycle, adhering to SARAO’s established procedures and processes, which include project initiation, planning, execution, monitoring, controlling, and closing phases. The delivery approach should also include the integration of established technical solution processes i.e. System/Product Lifecycle Engineering processes. In addition to this, the responsibilities also encompass generating all essential project management documents, such as Project Management plans, ancillary plans, budgets, schedules, resource allocation, and progress reports as needed. The role includes delivering specific projects in accordance with contractual agreements (i.e. NEC4).

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide project management services to SARAO program managers and management in the execution of Technology Research and Development projects to support the construction of major Radio Astronomy facilities.
• Project Planning & Integration: Identify project deliverables and develop success criteria; Develop project implementation plan and its subsidiary plans; Establish performance measurement baselines (scope, schedule, cost, resources & quality); Lead various reviews and acquire project plan approval.
• Project Execution: Direct and manage project work; Manage project deliverables; Acquire resources, develop and manage teams; Conduct Procurement according to established NRF policy and procedure; Contract Management according to established SARAO and SKAO procedures; [NEC4 (CEMAR)]; Manage quality; Implement risk responses; Manage communications; Manage stakeholder engagement; Verify and validate project deliverables.
• Effectively oversee and manage project work, including baseline analysis, stakeholder engagement, risk monitoring, scope control,
• schedule management, cost control, resource management, procurement, quality assurance, and integrated change control.
• Conduct lessons learned, review project performance, finalise agreements, manage the transition of the final product, service, or result, and formally close the project or phase.
• Experience in delivering projects following Traditional, Agile, and/or Hybrid project management approaches and managing remote teams.
• Monthly reporting on the project status to Programme Managers and Senior Management.
• Conduct Procurement according to established NRF policy and procedure.
• Contribute towards the development and/or maintenance of project management framework and processes.

Key Requirements:

Qualification:

• BTech in Engineering or related Field
• ECSA or equivalent project management professional registration is Advantageous (i.e. PMI-PMP / PRINCE2 / PMI-ACP / IPMA or equivalent).

Experience:

• At least 6 years’ experience in a project management role with demonstrated successful project delivery
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in applying project management principles and standards
• Proven expertise in managing medium – to large-scale, complex projects
• Extensive contract management knowledge using NEC Contract Framework (preferably in accordance with NEC4)
• Experience in leading projects within the Engineering, Science and Technology Development sectors
• Strong understanding of engineering or technical solution planning and delivery methodologies

Knowledge:

• Project Management theory, principles, standards and best practice
• System/Product Life-cycle Engineering
• Planning and Scheduling
• Project Estimation
• Coordination
• Procurement and Contract Management
• Public Finance Management Act

Additional Notes:

• Strong decision-making
• Excellent communication – both verbal and written, in English
• Good analytical and planning skills
• Efficiency in a high-pressure environment
• Willingness to work outside normal hours
• Proactive
• Capable of dealing with uncertain environments and reducing uncertainty
• Problem-solving
• Working in a Project Management Office environment
• No constraints on ability to travel within South Africa and Internationally

Deadline:25th August,2025