Careers at Technology Innovation Agency

• To manage and execute innovation and service-delivery projects within a defined functional area, ensuring effective planning, coordination, and delivery of project activities. Provide specialised project management support focused on solving functional problems, maintaining project quality, and ensuring compliance with established frameworks. Support municipalities and partners by applying professional project management methods within a clearly defined scope.

Contract Duration: Two years' Fixed Term Contract

Minimum Requirements    
Qualifications:

• National Diploma/ Bachelor of Administration (BAdmin) / Social Science, Built Environment, Project Management Bachelor of Public Administration and/ or;
• Bachelor’s degree in Science, Engineering or Technology and /or;
• Social Science, Built Environment, Project Management or related will be an added advantage

Work Experience:

• 3 years’ experience in project or research/technology innovation management within the Science and Technology environment.
• Experience managing projects within a defined functional area involving municipalities, universities, or technical partners. Familiarity with innovation calls and project assessment processes will be an added advantage.
• Working experience in Local Government, and supporting service delivery line departments will be an added advantage;
• Experience in human settlements development projects, infrastructure projects will be an added advantage;
• Ability and experience of social facilitation will be an added advantage
• Contract management and project administration will be an added advantage,
• Experience working with development agencies will be an added advantage
• Familiarity with innovation validation, piloting, and demonstration methodologies will be an added advantage.  
• Deep experience in managing complex, multi-stakeholder projects involving municipalities, universities, science councils, and technology suppliers will be an added advantage.
• Experience managing innovation calls and assessment processes will be an added advantage.
• An understanding of South African local government systems and service delivery challenges will be an added advantage.

Duties and Responsibilities    
Financial

• Prepare and maintain project budgets within defined parameters and guidelines.
• Monitor project expenditure and ensure compliance with approved financial procedures.
• Provide accurate financial reports to support project oversight and governance.

Stakeholder

• Coordinate project activities with municipalities, universities, and technical partners within a defined scope.
• Facilitate routine engagement sessions to ensure project alignment and resolve functional issues.
• Support stakeholders in applying project processes and integrating solutions within existing systems.

Internal Processes

• Implement established innovation call processes and project assessment frameworks.
• Apply defined screening and evaluation criteria to ensure compliance with governance standards.
• Coordinate functional assessments and ensure documentation is complete and audit-
• Manage project activities across the lifecycle using established project management methodologies.
• Develop project plans, schedules, and risk registers within defined frameworks.
• Monitor project progress and resolve functional issues affecting timelines and deliverables.
• Prepare routine progress reports and briefing notes for governance structures.
• Support contracting, onboarding, and project initiation processes.
• Monitor project performance against milestones, deliverables, and KPIs
• Prepare high-quality progress reports, briefing notes, and presentations for internal committees and external stakeholders.
• Identify and manage project risks, issues, and dependency constraints proactively.

Learning and Growth

• Provide guidance and support to team members on project management processes.
• Promote teamwork and collaboration within the project environment.
• Apply professional report writing and analytical skills to support project outcomes.

Deadline:6th October,2026

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• To provide the Board Technical Committee (BTC) with independent, objective and specialist advice that strengthens its oversight and recommendations on technology development, innovation programmes, commercialisation pathways, research and development trends, technology risks, emerging technologies and strategic initiatives related to TIA’s mandate.

Duration of Contract: (12-months' fixed-term appointment, renewable at the discretion of the Board)

Minimum Requirements    
Qualification:

• A master’s degree in science, engineering, technology, innovation management, commercialisation or a related field.

Work Experience:

• At least ten years’ relevant senior-level experience.
• Demonstrated expertise in research, development and innovation, technology commercialisation or venture funding.
• Experience serving on a board, advisory panel, investment committee or an equivalent governance structure.
• Knowledge of systems thinking, policy development and advocacy, innovation theory and thought leadership.
• High ethical standards, professional integrity and the ability to provide independent advice.

Preferred Requirements

• A PhD in a relevant field.
• Senior executive experience or relevant business-school or scholarly experience.
• Experience in technology transfer, intellectual-property exploitation and the commercialisation of technology-based businesses.
• Knowledge of the South African National System of Innovation, public-sector governance, the PFMA and applicable Treasury requirements.
• Experience in innovation funding, venture capital, blended finance, strategic innovation programmes, portfolio management or investment due diligence.
• Strong background in policy and strategy development

 Key Competencies

• Strategic thinking; systems thinking; technical judgement; commercial acumen; governance awareness; risk assessment; strategic foresight; stakeholder engagement; analytical report writing; verbal communication; independence; integrity; and sound decision-making.

Duties and Responsibilities    
Key Responsibilities

• Attend BTC meetings and provide independent technical advice on a policy / strategic level in areas such as advanced technologies, digital transformation, artificial intelligence and other strategic technology domains relevant to TIA’s mandate.
• Review committee documentation and provide technical commentary on matters referred to the BTC.
• Assess innovation potential, commercialisation readiness, scalability, market relevance and alignment with TIA’s mandate.
• Identify technology, commercialisation, innovation and portfolio risks, and recommend appropriate mitigation measures.
• Advise on emerging technologies, innovation ecosystems and industry developments.
• Undertake specialised reviews approved by the BTC Chairperson, including validation of technical assumptions and evaluation of research, development and strategic technology initiatives.
• Support sound, evidence-based recommendations through technical analysis, strategic foresight and relevant industry good practice.

Remuneration and Other Conditions

• Remuneration will be determined in accordance with applicable Treasury requirements and TIA Board-approved remuneration principles. Reasonable travel and accommodation expenses may be reimbursed where approved and in accordance with TIA policies.

Deadline:6th October,2026