Research Coordinator - Innovation Africa @ UP Campus at University of Pretoria/Universiteit van Pretoria

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Facilitate project inception and design in collaboration with the Director and stakeholders;
• Critically evaluate project outputs to assess quality, impact and whether deliverables set during the project design phase was adequately addressed;
• Monitor progress and ensure that projects are completed according to the timelines;
• Communicate progress and concerns of projects with the Director to ensure all team members are up to date on current findings and events;
• Write/compile reports on the progress and outcomes of projects related to the Biosecurity environment for external stakeholders as required;
• Perform literature and evidence reviews relating to projects and innovation within the industry;
• Communicate directly with external stakeholders to address concerns and comments relating to technical details of the projects;
• Promote collaboration among stakeholders and institutions;
• Communicate the importance of projects and innovation in the field of biosecurity to government departments, industry stakeholders and various working groups through participating in relevant meetings and presenting project outcomes as required;
• Engage with key stakeholders and intended beneficiaries of projects on on-going initiatives and outcomes;
• Liaising with government departments re agricultural legislation;
• Work with the biosecurity team to source project funding;
• Attend internal and industry-related meetings;
• Drafting of documents such as memos, letters, reports and minutes;
• Reviewing technical information and policy directives;
• Documentation, capture, record keeping and dissemination of scientific information to relevant stakeholders;
• Development and maintenance of other relevant databases, handling general enquires from the agricultural industry and government departments;
• Ensure that accurate information is maintained and always available on the website;
• Render advise to stakeholder regarding national and international legislation and regulations.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Masters’ degree in Plant Pathology OR Entomology OR related field with at least 1 year of experience in research management;
• Valid Drivers’ license;

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES (SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND BEHAVIOURAL ATTRIBUTES):

• Appropriate language and communication skills;
• Good interpersonal skills;
• Analytical thinking;
• Computer skills in MS Office package and email;
• Ability to work in a multi-disciplinary team;
• Efficient planning, organising and prioritising skills;
• Ability to work under pressure;
• Ethical insight and reliability;
• Professionalism;
• Flexibility and adaptability.  

ADDED ADVANTAGES AND PREFERENCES:

• 3 or more years’ of experience in research and project management.