Description
Resource Allocation:
- Managing budgetary and resource allocation to support the institution's mission and goals.
Process Improvement:
- Identify and implement efficiencies to enhance service delivery and reduce costs.
Strategic Planning:
- Collaborate with Executive Manager: Core, to develop and execute strategic plans that align with the institution's mission and vision.
Lead and Direct:
- Lead and Direct the Institute’s Research Management Agenda.
Shared Services Management:
- Collaborate with the Executive Management Shared Services/ Corporate Support, in overseeing the shared services functions within the institution, ensuring they operate cohesively and meet their respective objectives.
Policy Implementation:
- Ensure that policies, procedures, and regulations are effectively communicated and adhered to throughout the Institute.
Performance Evaluation:
- Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to assess the institution's performance and make data-driven decisions.
Risk Management:
- Identifying and mitigating operational risks and challenges that could impact the institution's mission or reputation.
Stakeholder Relations:
- Building and maintaining positive relationships with internal and externa stakeholders.
Innovation and Technology:
- Promoting the adoption of innovative technologies and practices to enhance service delivery and operational effectiveness.
Emergency Response and Continuity Planning:
- Implement plans for emergency response, business continuity, and disaster recovery.
Compliance and Legal Affairs:
- Ensuring that the institution complies with all relevant laws, regulations, and ethical standards.
Human Resources Management:
- Collaborating with Human Capital Business Partner, oversee personnel, including hiring, training, and performance management, to maintain a skilled and motivated workforce.
Financial Management:
- Collaborating with Finance Business Partner, oversee campus’s finances and financial health, budget and cost management and financial reporting.
Communication and Reporting:
- Providing regular updates to Executive leadership, governing boards, and other stakeholders on operational performance and progress toward goals.
Conflict Resolution:
- Handling internal conflicts and disputes within the Institute in a fair and constructive manner.
Crisis Management:
- Leading the institution's response to crises or emergencies, coordinating efforts to mitigate negative impacts.
Ethical Leadership:
- Upholding and promoting ethical standards and values within the organization, setting a positive example for all employees.
Stakeholder Engagement:
- Engaging with Stakeholders to understand their needs and concerns and ensuring the institution's services are responsive to those needs.
Requirements
- PhD in the related field, e.g. Vegetables/Industrial/Medicinal Crops Sciences (including Agronomy, Plant Breeding, Plant Pathology, Entomology, Biotechnology etc.).
- A minimum of 10 years’ relevant experience in research and development within the Crop Sciences environment.
- At least 10 years’ experience at middle management level.
- Research Experience in Vegetable, Industrial and Medicinal Crops will be an added advantage.
- Demonstrated strong research output and fundraising track record, including competitive grants.
- Proven capability in project and programme management, partnership development, and collaborative research.
- Excellent organizational, planning, monitoring, and control skills, with strong written and verbal communication abilities.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
- Sound performance and financial management skills, with demonstrated leadership and negotiation ability.
- Proven experience in personnel, financial and facilities management.
- Valid driver’s license, ability and willingness to travel (locally and abroad).
- Professional registration or membership with a relevant scientific body (advantageous).
- Evidence of national and international scientific recognition.
- Demonstrated public speaking experience, including presentations, media engagements (e.g., radio & television), and poster or exhibition participation.
- A minimum of 25 peer-reviewed scientific publications.
CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 06 FEBRUARY 2026
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Description
Project Management & Coordination
The Research Technician 3 is responsible for conceptualizing, designing, formulating, and initiating technical projects across the Institute; these include leading the following aspects of project management
- Project Planning and Initiation.
- Project Human Resources.
- Project Finances.
- Project technical risk management.
Research Support, Diagnostics and Other Services
The Research Technician 3 is responsible for implementing and managing of technical projects. These activities include the driving, leading and oversight of the following activities.
- Invention.
- Adoption, management, and use.
- Translation.
- Commercialization.
Technology Transfer
The Research Technician 3 is responsible for implementing and managing technology transfer initiatives in the institution, these are as follows
- Intellectual Property Assessment.
- Prototype Development.
- Testing and Validation.
- Technology Partnerships.
Scientific Status Requirements
implementing and managing scientific research endeavors; these include the following activities.
- Innovation and Commercialization.
- Project / Programme impact.
Safety, health, and Environment
The Research Technician 3 is Responsible for implementing and managing safety, health and environment compliance and standards, these include the following activities.
- Regulatory Compliance.
- Lab safety.
- Hazardous material disposal.
Human Capital Development
The Research Technician 3 is responsible for human capacity development, which includes.
Requirements
- Master’s Degree in Horticulture/Plant Science or related discipline, with 2 years applicable experience.
- BTech / Honours / Bachelor's degree (NQF Level 7) in Horticulture or Plant Science, plus 6 years applicable experience.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
- Willingness to travel and work in rural areas. Technical proficiency in agricultural research methodologies and data collection.
- Knowledge of farmer support systems, extension services, and rural development.
- Strong communication skills for engaging with farmers, stakeholders, and multidisciplinary teams.
- Report writing and data analysis skills using relevant software (e.g., Excel, SPSS, GIS).
- Project coordination and time management abilities. Problem-solving and critical thinking in agricultural contexts.
- Adaptability and resilience in fieldwork and rural environments.
- Computer literacy, including MS Office Suite and data management tools.
- Valid driver’s license.
CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 09 FEBRUARY 2026
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