Current Openings at Agricultural Research Council

Description

• Liaison with the project Managers and Research Team Managers as a link between Finance and Core.
• Assist project managers with cost management accounting by applying the best practice.
• Assist Project and Programme managers with the preparation and loading and compile the forecast report.
• Capture the budget revision where necessary.
• Ensure that financial risks are well identified and adequately addressed.
• Ensure that the contract register for all active and signed contracts is kept.
• Ensure that all active, but expired contracts are supported by an addendum.
• Ensure proper closing of completed contracts on the system.
• Compile and evaluate the performance report of each project.
• Ensure that all audit queries are attended to and resolve as soon as possible.
• Prepare financial reports and proof of income reports to the funder.
• Maintain project related records.
• Assist the Finance Manager in all matters that need the project accountants’ input.
• Assist in mapping all employees to specific project (s), the correct managers and hours allocated to the correct project.
• Ensure that time sheets are done for all projects.
• Ensure that all the log sheets are captured by deadline.
• Manage all externally funded projects to avoid operational losses and report losses to the campus Finance Manager.
• Ensure income recognition is done in terms of the applicable accounting standards for all externally funded projects.
• Ensure that all transactions are processed timeously, and proper accruals are put through.
• Maintain project related records.
• Prepare financial reports and proof of income reports to the funder.
• Maintain the project related data in SAGE X3.
• Provide leadership and initiatives in the cost and management environment.
• To comply with Occupational Health and Safety regulations.
• Prepare monthly accounts reconciliations.
• Assists with updating of Fixed Asset register.

Requirements

• BCom degree or National Diploma in Cost and Management Accounting or equivalent qualification / AAT.
• Minimum of 2-3 years’ experience in the finance or project management environment.
• Good analytical skills, report writing and organizational skills.
• Computer literacy and proficiency in MS Office suite.
• Good communication skills (verbal and written).
• Knowledge of project contracts, project costing and accounting.
• In Depth Knowledge of Public Financial Management Act, Treasury Regulations, Agricultural Research Act and GRAP.
• Attention to detail and deadline driven.
• Supervisory skills. Good customer relations.
• Exposure to SAGE X3 ERP will be an added advantage.
• Ability to work independently and in a team.
• Ability to work under pressure.
• Valid driver’s license.

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Description

• Adhere to the PFMA,treasury regulations, PPPFA and other procurement related legislation.
• Obtain quotations in line with the supply chain management policy of the ARC.
• Ensure internal control compliance with ARC policies and the relevant legislation.
• Handling of internal and/or external audit requests including communication with other stakeholders.
• Sourcing and evaluating relevant suppliers from the central database.
• Ensure that risks related to procurement management are adequately addressed.

Requirements

• National Diploma in Supply Chain or equivalent with at least 2-3 years’ experience as a buyer in public sector procurement.
• Knowledge and understanding of Supply Chain Management policies.
• Experience with procurement and sourcing of goods and services of up to R1 000 000.00.
• Experience with tender processes, CIDB projects and capital equipment.
• Knowledge and understanding of the PFMA and related policies and regulations.
• Knowledge and understanding of procurement of maintenance services for various types of equipment.
• Knowledge and understanding of contract administration.
• Management or Logistics, specifically in Sourcing, Supply Management or Purchasing.
• Ability to apply the (PPPFA)Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act, and the Regulations.
• Must have good understanding of the National treasury regulations.
• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written).
• Strong problem solving and analytical skills.
• Advance Computer Literacy.
• Valid code B or EB driver’s license.

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Description

• Initiates and manages existing research projects on DNA marker technologies including molecular breeding to support breeding programmes.
• Together with breeders, designs and implements molecular breeding research experiments in support of the various breeding programmes.
• Keeps the division abreast with new developments on DNA marker technologies by reviewing new publications & research reports.
• Actively sources and secures new research opportunities and contributes to proposals for own research and towards the proposals of others.
• Compiles own and contributes to other progress reports (internal and external).
• Captures analyses and interprets data.
• Contributes towards the creation of IP and PBR.
• Provides supervision and mentors postgraduate students, research technicians and assistants. Understands management of co-workers and mentees.
• Disseminates technology through peer-reviewed scientific articles, popular publications, etc.
• Seeks networking opportunities (attends scientific gathering, working with farmer communities, etc.).
• Compliance with human resource policies and procedures.
• Ensures compliance with SHE/OHS policies and procedures.

Requirements

• PhD in Plant Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, Genomics, Proteomics, Plant breeding or Genetics; or MSc Plant Biotechnology or related with eight years relevant work experience.
• Strong background and experience in genomics and applications of molecular tools and latest molecular breeding technologies.
• Experience in the use of Bioinformatics and other genetic data analysis tools.
• Authored or co-authored a minimum of five peer-review scientific publications in a related field.
• Demonstrable experience in project management.
• Management skills including research projects, time, and personnel management.
• Good communication (verbal & writing) skills and liaison with clients, fellow scientists and support staff.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite.
• Knowledge of health and safety regulations and procedures.
• Valid code 8 driver’s license.

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Description

• Conducts research in the field of vegetable genomics and molecular breeding, including DNA marker technologies, to support breeding programmes.
• Initiates, designs, implements and manages new and contribute to existing research projects.
• Project management and coordination entails planning research, equipment and materials, human resources, financial, risk management and mitigation, monitoring, evaluation and close-out reporting.
• Keeps the division abreast with new developments on molecular breeding by reviewing new publications & research reports.
• Actively sources and secures new national research opportunities and writes proposals for own research and contribute towards the proposals of others.
• Manages data capturing, analysis, interpretations and recommendations.
• Compiles detailed reports, contributes to other progress reports (internal and external) and seeks approval for final reports.
• Renders diagnostic and advisory services at a national level.
• Disseminates technology through peer-reviewed scientific articles, popular publications, manual productions, radio and TV talks, and other marketing events.
• Contributes towards the creation of IP and PBR. Conduct research, development and support innovation, translation, commercialization and adoption and use.
• Responsible for supporting strategic research collaboration by being active in partnerships, networks, intra and inter institutional collaboration.
• Responsible for supporting human capacity development that includes support of project staff and students through mentoring, and own development.

Requirements

• PhD in Plant Genomics, Plant Biotechnology, Plant Breeding or related field.
• Experience in genomics of potatoes/sweet potatoes will be an added advantage.
• Advanced computer literacy.
• Ability to render diagnostic, technical and other services at national level.
• Research planning and management of research projects (Genomics): At least 3 years’ experience in a relevant scientific research environment, post MSc with a national record of accomplishment on the level of a researcher.
• Collaboration: Record of building national and international partnerships and networks. The researchers work under guidance and with support of seniors.
• Initiation, planning and execution of Genomics research projects.
• Minimum 3-5 peer reviewed publications or number of publications should be equivalent to what was required from master’s and PhD level for their field respectively.
• Registration with a scientific and professional body will be an added advantage.
• Proven record of accomplishment for generating external income for projects in line with requirements on master’s and PhD level. In this respect proven record of writing of proposals as part of master's and PhD studies.
• Proven record of participating as speaker nationally as part of master's and PhD level. Must be able to show competence in presenting research results.
• Proven record for financial management of projects.
• Proven track record of mentoring and supervising/supervising other researchers and students.
• Valid driver’s license.