Current Vacancies at Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)

About the job:

The CSIR has a temporary vacancy for a Project Administrator in the Mandela Mining Precinct. The incumbent will be responsible to provide administrative support according to applicable project management framework in support of the effective and efficient delivery of projects. This positions are based in Carlow Road, Johannesburg.

Key responsibilities:

• Assist with coordinating milestone deliverables, which includes correspondence, scheduling, progress tracking, documentation control, and report edits/review;
• Coach and guide new interns, provide induction to new interns into their roles, and do hand-over activities where required;
• Update and maintain audit files/records, update and maintain SharePoint information, update, and maintain risk register, update and maintain projects tracking;
• Support programme managers in the compilation of Terms of References, the review of contracts, and all related requirements associated with project coordination;
• Support the programme managers in the co-ordination of Open Day/Workshops arrangements;
• Create a project start up file and update accordingly until close out;
• Assist the Programme Manager with the administrative aspects required to establish, implement and maintain project controls;
• Collect documentation required for compliance to project control standards and procedures;
• Participate in line project office meetings by capturing actions and resolutions and provide required information for decision making;
• Assist with the calculation of income to be declared and running costs against timesheet bookings by monitoring the financial dashboard system;
• Highlight red flags (e.g. incorrect booking) and inform the project lead and/or other relevant stakeholders;
• Review and update the project budget forecast each quarter and submit to the leader for verification;
• Obtain project status feedback and record in relevant status document;
• Provide inputs requested to and prepare documentation required by relevant programme governance committees;
• Perform continuous quality checks and report anomalies to the Programme Manager;
• Assist the Programme/Contracts Manager to capture project configuration data and documentation into appropriate configuration/document management system;
• Assist the Contracts Manager with administrative tasks for project close out;
• Facilitate project documentation and ensure compliance with project management, business frameworks and CSIR quality standards;
• Assist with office management including meeting and event management, travel bookings and drafting agenda/minute-taking;
• Ensure that the office is in a position to function effectively on a day-to-day basis;
• Support good contact with senior stakeholders internally and externally;
• Prepare expense reconciliations.

Qualifications, skills and experience:

• A National Diploma in project management with at least one year project administration experience within a project/programme management.
• A post graduate qualification in mining related disciplines such as geology, mining, survey, social sciences would be an advantage.
• Experience in assisting with project coordination of multiple projects would be an advantage.
• Proficient in Microsoft Project or similar software.
• Good numerical skills.
• Excellent writing and communication skills in English a requirement.
• Attention to detail.
• Need to have drivers’ licence and own transport and willing to travel.
• All international qualifications require an evaluation report / certificate issued by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).

Closing date: 31 July 2023

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bout the job:

The CSIR has a vacancy for a Researcher in the Water Centre Area, within the Smart Places cluster. The incumbent will be responsible for leading and conducting research projects in the field of Civil Engineering in Water and Wastewater Infrastructure. This position is based in Pretoria.

For more info about the impact area or cluster, please visit https://www.csir.co.za/smart-places

Key responsibilities:

• Conceptualise, guide and manage R&D projects within the water value-chain infrastructure;
• Provide strategic direction to R&D activities, understand, and analyse real world problems and user requirements, select from a range of proposed conceptual solutions, formulate key research questions and appropriate R&D approaches;
• Develop operations and maintenance planning for water and wastewater infrastructure;
• Develop Asset Care management documentation;
• Development of strategic infrastructure planning documentation;
• Design of water and wastewater infrastructure;
• Develop and design stormwater management systems and plans;
• Undertake research in the development and application of hydraulic models for water network schemes;
• Utilize software for design, assessment, optimization, re-engineering of water and wastewater infrastructure;
• Manage project life cycle, technical resources, scheduling of activities to meet client expectations, balancing competing demands on scope, time, cost and quality;
• Develop proposals for different institutions to generate appropriate funds to pursue the strategic objectives of the CSIR;
• Engage with research programs and researchers to identify and grow opportunities to expand research endeavours and strengthen science at national and international level;
• Network with peers in the field expertise within and outside of the CSIR;
• Engage with clients and industry partners to develop long term relationships;
• Generate research papers, reports, reviews, and summaries;
• Manage and ensure the development of self and interns through coaching, mentoring, work assignment, structured training, and appropriate supervision to maximise human potential in line with the needs of the organisation and the national system of innovation.

Qualifications, skills and experience:

• A BEng degree or equivalent in Civil Engineering with at least five years’ experience in the field of water engineering;
• A postgraduate degree in civil engineering or Water Engineering will be an added advantage
• Must have a valid driver’s licence;
•  At least three years in design of water and wastewater infrastructure;
• Experience in working with public sector clients (e.g., municipalities, water boards, government departments);
• Experience in developing and/or updating operations and maintenance planning documents for water and wastewater infrastructure;
• Professional registration with ECSA will be an added advantage;
• Knowledge and understanding of hydraulic modelling is essential;
• Knowledge of civil/water engineering practice and understanding of the water value chain.
• Proven track record in project management and research project leadership;
• Excellent English communication, presentation and writing skills, including the publication of technical outputs;
• Ability to work independently as well as in teams;
• Computer (MS software), programming and IT skills;
• Problem-solving, solution-seeking orientation;
• Ability to network and proactively establish and maintain links with internal and external stakeholders and clients as well as the research community.

Closing date: 03 August 2023