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

About the job: 

• The CSIR has a vacancy for a  Principal Engineer:  Localised Cloud Platform  in the Centre for High-Performance Computing (CHPC) area, within the National Integrated Cyber Infrastructure System (NICIS), hosted by the Next Generation Enterprises and Institutions Cluster.
• The incumbent will be responsible to provide technical and strategic leadership for the design, development, operation, and evolution of the Localised Cloud Platform (LCP) and associated cloud services.
• This position is based in Rosebank, Cape Town and will report to the Research Centre Manager.

Key responsibilities:

• Provide strategic, technical and operational leadership for the CSIR's Localised Cloud Platform and associated cloud services;
• Lead, mentor and develop a multidisciplinary team of cloud engineers, technologists, researchers and technical specialists;
• Define and maintain the technology strategy, architecture, roadmap and operating model for the Localised Cloud Platform;
• Guide the design, development, deployment and operation of cloud platforms based on open-source technologies including OpenStack, CEPH and related cloud-native technologies;
• Lead the evolution, growth and sustainability of the Sebowa cloud platform and the broader NICIS cloud ecosystem;
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to design and deploy sovereign, hybrid and on-premises cloud solutions that meet organisational and national requirements;
• Contribute technical leadership and expertise to national cloud, cyberinfrastructure and Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) initiatives;
• Evaluate emerging cloud, storage, security, orchestration, automation and platform technologies and guide their adoption where appropriate;
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with government departments, research institutions, universities, industry partners and open-source communities;
• Support the development of sovereign cloud capabilities and local cloud expertise within South Africa;
• Lead the development of technical proposals, business cases, project plans, reports, architectures and strategic recommendations;
• Contribute to business development, partnership development and funding initiatives that support the growth and sustainability of the Localised Cloud Platform;
• Ensure the reliability, security, resilience, scalability and operational maturity of cloud services delivered by the team;
• Contribute to research, innovation and technology development programmes related to cloud computing, digital infrastructure and sovereign cloud technologies;
• Participate in human capital development initiatives, including mentoring staff, supervising students, supporting training programmes and developing cloud skills within the broader scientific and public-sector communities.

Qualifications, skills and experience:

• A Master's degree in computer science, computer/electronic engineering, information technology or a related fields with at least ten years' experience in cloud computing, distributed systems, cyberinfrastructure or related technology domains;
• A Doctoral degree will be advantageous;

Experience in the following is required:

• Leading complex technical teams, programmes, platforms or large-scale technology initiatives;
• Cloud infrastructure technologies and platforms;
• Designing, deploying and operating production-scale cloud services;
• Developing technology strategies, architectures and roadmaps;
• Engaging with senior stakeholders across government, academia and industry;
• Experience with research, innovation and technology development programmes will be advantageous;

Strong experience in the following will be advantageous: 

• OpenStack;
• CEPH;
• Linux systems administration;
• Infrastructure as Code;
• Ansible;
• Terraform;
• GitOps practices;
• Kubernetes and container platforms;
• Cloud networking and software-defined infrastructure;
• High-availability and disaster recovery architectures;
• Cloud security and identity management;
• Strong understanding of public cloud, private cloud, hybrid cloud and sovereign cloud architectures;
• Demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and develop technical capability;
• Good reporting, presentation and technical writing skills;
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and strategic thinking skills.

What's in it for you? 

The CSIR offers:

• Learning and development opportunities.
• Competitive and market-related remuneration packages.
• Total guaranteed salary packages which encompass contributions to the pension fund, risk insurance and medical scheme.
• We openly acknowledge and reward our employees' contributions and accomplishments through our esteemed CSIR Excellence Awards. 

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About the job: 

• The CSIR has a vacancy for Senior Engineer in the Mining Cluster. The incumbent will be responsible to develop and implement a strategy to grow the mining testing services, leveraging infrastructure and human capital in Mining cluster, CSIR and externally.
• The incumbent will be responsible to develop, implement and manage the required comprehensive maintenance plan and program for the Mining Testing Laboratories at Cottesloe in Johannesburg and Kloppersbos fire and explosion testing and training facility near Pretoria.
• The incumbent will take responsibility for project management and delivery of infrastructure related and operational projects in the Mining Testing and Training impact area. The position is based in Cottesloe, Johannesburg.
• This position reports to the Impact Area Manager, Mining Testing and Training.

Key responsibilities:

Develop and implement a strategy to grow the mining testing services business:

• Apply sound scientific knowledge in problem solving and synthesising solutions using mining domain knowledge, e.g. Mechanical engineer, materials science, mining processes, mine value chain;
• Identify technologies relevant to the operations of the Mining Testing and Training impact area and its clients and lead the implementation of required technologies to ensure technical competence and sustainability of the Impact Area;
• Lead multidisciplinary teams to develop and implement technical solutions in response to client needs;
• Lead the development and dissemination of technical knowledge and expertise related to the operational field of the impact area;

Develop, implement and manage the required comprehensive maintenance plan and program for the Cottesloe and Kloppersbos facilities:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive maintenance plan for the testing equipment and infrastructure at the Cottesloe and Kloppersbos facilities;
• Ensure the integrity of maintenance systems and maintenance data including CMMS (Computerised Maintenance Management System);
• Oversee and coordinate equipment maintenance, repairs, purchases and usage, and troubleshooting equipment that are not performing;
• Develop the annual maintenance budget per facility and manage requests and approvals for maintenance and refurbishment work expenditure within approved budget;

Project management and delivery of infrastructure related and operational projects:

• Be accountable for the proper planning, management, implementation and reporting of projects in the facility, and as when needed at cluster level, by applying project management expertise together with appropriate domain or industry specific technical acumen to achieve project goals;
• Assemble project teams and assign project management and execution responsibilities;
• Ensure that sound project management is performed to deliver projects on brief, on time and within budget;

Human Capital Lead, develop and manage the engineering technical capability in support of operations and growth in the Mining Testing and Training impact area:

• Develop and manage an HR and succession plan to establish and grow the mining testing technical capability within the cluster;
• Lead and develop multi-disciplinary teams;
• Mentor and supervise junior researchers/ engineers/engineering interns;

Business Development:

• Drive business growth through development of stakeholder needs into project proposals and profitable project execution;
• Maintain awareness of business development opportunities for CSIR wide customer base, where relevant refer opportunities to relevant Clusters and Division;

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Develop and facilitate national and international stakeholder network to broaden and deepen market opportunities;
• Engage stakeholders to continuously assess challenges in the stakeholder's operating environment and identify potential opportunities;
• Develop partnerships with strategic stakeholders to promote RDI programmes;
• Participate in technical industry bodies, particularly in mining;

Financial sustainability:

• Drive business growth for the Mining Testing and Training impact area and manage a projects pipeline to deliver contract RDI income from external clients as per the financial KPI's;
• Develop and submit proposals for grant funding and private sector clients;
• Implement effective cost control to support financial success of the MTT groups;
• Achieve a clean financial audit;

Create, promote, and embed Safety, Health & Environment (SHE) culture:

• Develop a practical risk management plan, including the compiling and periodic review of operational risk registers, aligned to the organisational standards;
• Establish and maintain a safe, healthy and environmentally sustainable working environment through embedding SHE precautions in all activities;
• Develop a culture that promotes positive support for implementation of SHE policies, 
• standards and procedures;
• Facilitate engagement with key internal stakeholders on SHE requirements and performance; 

Qualifications, skills and experience:

• Eight years' experience working in a mechanical engineering role responsible for maintenance of equipment, development of technical solutions and management of projects;
• A bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, a Project management qualification and Maintenance course;

During the above eight years' experience five years' should be in:

• Line management position, leading a team of technical resources doing engineering work;
• Establishing and maintaining links with internal and external stakeholders and clients;
• Mechanical engineering problem solving; 
• Experience in SHE management systems and processes.
• Knowledge of Mine Health and Safety Act (MHSA) and Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA);
• Familiarity with the function and troubleshooting of many types of mechanical equipment;
• Ability to lead innovation and technology adoption in the mining industry including applied research skills;
• Ability to interpret client requirements;
• Good interpersonal and team skills; 
• Ability to work independently, as well as in a team;
• Problem-solving and solution-seeking orientation; 
• Financial / Business acumen and Project management skills;
• Excellent English communication, presentation and writing skills, including the publication of technical outputs;
• All international qualifications require an evaluation report / certificate issued by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). 

What's in it for you? 

The CSIR offers:

• Learning and development opportunities.
• Competitive and market-related remuneration packages.
• Total guaranteed salary packages which encompass contributions to the pension fund, risk insurance and medical scheme.
• We openly acknowledge and reward our employees' contributions and accomplishments through our esteemed CSIR Excellence Awards. 

Closing date: 22 September 2026

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About the job: 

• The CSIR has a vacancy for Manager: Hosted National Programmes. The Manager is required to provide high-level strategic direction and leadership to the CSIR¿s Hosted National Programmes (HNP) portfolio, managing day to day operations effectively and positioning the CSIR for new opportunities.
• The role will represent the CSIR as the host on relevant joint governance structures of the various programmes providing a strong liaison role with funders and stakeholders. This position is based in Pretoria.

Key responsibilities:

• Strategic leadership: Provide strategic leadership to the Hosted National Programmes portfolio, contributing to strategy development, positioning programmes for maximum impact, identifying emerging opportunities, securing new programmes and growing programme revenue. Foster a culture of collaboration and ensure the implementation of programme strategies and business plans.
• Strategic and operational planning and execution: Lead the development and implementation of strategic and operational plans across the Hosted National Programmes portfolio. Drive performance management, financial sustainability, project delivery, operational excellence and the achievement of programme KPIs, revenue, output and outcome targets.
• People leadership and organisational capability development: Ensure that Hosted National Programmes are appropriately capacitated through effective people management, succession planning, skills development and transformation. Maintain the programme and technical capabilities required to meet stakeholder and industry needs and ensure programmes are adequately resourced for delivery.
• Governance and risk management: Ensure sound governance, effective risk management and the implementation of financial and non-financial controls across the Hosted National Programmes portfolio. Facilitate governance structures, ensure compliance with applicable legislation and policies, promote a culture of safety and oversee the sustainable management of programme finances and resources.
• Stakeholder engagement and business development: Build and maintain effective relationships with programme funders, partners, government stakeholders, industry and other collaborators. Represent the CSIR in governance and stakeholder forums and support business development activities to strengthen programme impact, sustainability and long-term growth.

Qualifications, skills and experience:

• A masters degree or MBA in a science or engineering discipline or an equivalent qualification with at least thirteen years' management experience, including: 
• A minimum of eight years' experience in strategic leadership and/or business management at a senior level;
• A minimum of five years' experience in large programme management; and
• A minimum of five years' experience in stakeholder engagement, including engagement at Chief Director level. 
• A proven track record in managing large and complex teams while balancing strategy development and execution, operations management, people management, financial management, programme delivery, project management and change management. 
• A detailed understanding of the PFMA and National Treasury reporting requirements.

Demonstrated experience in: 

• Financial management and business acumen;
• Strategic engagement across multiple sectors and industries;
• Understanding emerging industry trends, competitiveness drivers and relevant technologies;
• Stakeholder and partnership management;
• Business development, including the conceptualisation and securing of major programmes;
• Procurement in the public sector;
• Contracting and contract management;
• Managing people, capabilities and programme/project delivery; and
• Managing large programmes or portfolios of programmes. 
• Proven ability to lead high-performing teams, influence diverse stakeholders and build collaborative partnerships that deliver sustainable impact. 
• Strong strategic leadership and programme management capability. 
• Strong stakeholder, partnership and relationship management skills, with excellent communication, negotiation, networking and presentation abilities. 
• Strong financial, people management, risk management and problem-solving skills, with the ability to operate effectively in complex environments. 
• All international qualifications require an evaluation report / certificate issued by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).  

Whats in it for you? 

The CSIR offers:

• Learning and development opportunities.
• Competitive and market-related remuneration packages.
• Total guaranteed salary packages which encompass contributions to the pension fund, risk insurance and medical scheme.
• We openly acknowledge and reward our employees' contributions and accomplishments through our esteemed CSIR Excellence Awards.                                                                   

Closing date: 02 October 2026

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About the job: 

• The CSIR has a vacancy for a Software Engineer Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in the Command, Control and Integrated Systems Impact Area within the Defence and Security Cluster.
• The incumbent will be responsible for developing and maintaining software applications, systems, and tools that support research and development architectures for command and control, situation awareness, integration, and interoperability in military, non-military, and safety and security domains. 
• This position is based in Pretoria and will report to the Research Group Leader.

Key responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain software applications, systems, and tools that support research and development projects.
• Assist in designing, building, and improving AI and machine learning solutions and data pipelines.
• Collaborate with other researchers and engineers to translate research ideas into practical software solutions.
• Integrate software with sensors, databases, and external systems.
• Write clean, reliable, and well-tested code that meets quality and performance standards.
• Support the evaluation and adoption of new technologies, tools, and development practices.
• Contribute to technical documentation, reports, and research outputs.
• Participate in research and development activities, including prototyping and experimentation.
• Stay current with advances in software engineering, AI, and machine learning.
• Contribute to funding proposals and project-related technical submissions.
• Share knowledge and collaborate effectively with colleagues, students, and project stakeholders.

Qualifications, skills and experience:

• A Bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, computer engineering, or a related field with least two years experience in software development.
• A Postgraduate qualification will be advantageous.
• Demonstrated interest in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, with practical exposure through projects, research, coursework, or industry experience.
• Proficiency in one or more programming languages such as Python, C++, or Java.
• Understanding of software design principles and modern development practices.
• Experience working with data processing, algorithms, and model development.
• Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to learn new technologies quickly and apply them effectively.
• Experience in working on research, innovation, or experimental projects will be beneficial.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Whats in it for you? 

The CSIR offers:

• Learning and development opportunities.
• Competitive and market-related remuneration packages.
• Total guaranteed salary packages which encompass contributions to the pension fund, risk insurance and medical scheme.
• We openly acknowledge and reward our employees' contributions and accomplishments through our esteemed CSIR Excellence Awards. 

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About the job: 

• The CSIR has a vacancy for Programme Administrator in the Mining Cluster.  The Mining cluster is seeking a Programme Administrator to join its mining cluster team, the successful incumbent will provide core operational, administrative, and financial-tracking support to the R60 Million, 3-year TIA Critical Minerals Programme Management Office (PMO).
• Reporting to the Programme Manager, the incumbent manages daily PMO workflows, coordinates multi-tiered governance meetings (Steering Committee, Advisory Board, and Judging Panels), compiles PFMA financial drawdown packs, tracks SMME grant records, maintains project data repositories, and serves as the primary administrative liaison for programme stakeholders. The position is based in Pretoria. 
• This position reports to Programme Manager: Critical Minerals Programme. 

Key responsibilities:

Multi-tier governance & secretariat administration:

• Schedule and coordinate meetings for the Steering Committee, Advisory Board, Technical Teams, and SMME Judging Panels;
• Compile and distribute meeting packs, agendas, and technical presentation decks at least 5 business days prior to meetings;
• Accurately record and distribute minutes, decision registers, and action tracking logs within 5 business days of meetings.

Financial tracking:

• Assist the Programme Manager with tracking monthly budget and expenses against approved budget line items under PFMA rules. 
• Collate verified timesheets, expense receipts, vendor invoices, and milestone/progress reports. 
• Track invoice routing through CSIR finance systems to ensure vendor and SMME payments are disbursed within agreed turnaround times.

Document control & digital platform maintenance:

• Establish, organise, and maintain secure digital document repositories (SharePoint Portal) for all technical, administrative and governance files;
• Support the population and regular updating of data inputs for the Live Stakeholder Reporting Dashboard;
• Maintain up-to-date registries of signed Master Collaboration Agreements (MCAs), non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), and SMME grant contracts.

SMME competition & event logistics management:

• Provide administrative coordination for CAMP events: stakeholder engagements, SMME open calls, hackathons, pitch days, and demo days;
• Manage application intake, assist with the redacting/anonymising of proposal submissions for the competition's double-blind review protocol, and maintain applicant logs;
• Coordinate venue bookings, catering, travel, accommodation, and logistics for national events and stakeholder workshops.

  Stakeholder communication & general PMO support:

• Act as the primary administrative helpdesk for programme inquiries from government, mining houses, universities, and SMME applicants. 
• Screen, log, and route project queries to the Programme Manager or BD Practitioner, following up through to full resolution. 
• Perform general office administration, travel bookings, stationery procurement, and asset management for PMO personnel.    

Qualifications, skills and experience:

• A National Diploma (NQF Level 6) or bachelor's degree (NQF Level 7) in Business Administration, Project Management, Public Administration, Office Management, or a related field. 
• Certified associate in project management (CAPM) or equivalent Project Management Certification will be advantageous. 
• At least 3 to 5 years' progressive experience in project/programme management administration and operational coordination.
• Previous experience working within a CSIR, TIA, or national science council project environment.
• Experience working in the mining industry/with mining stakeholders or technology-related firms. 
• Proven experience supporting multi-project portfolios, public-sector programmes, or R&D initiatives. 
• Demonstrated experience servicing formal committee structures (preparing agendas, minutes, and action logs). 
• Experience in financial administrative support, budget monitoring, and invoice tracking under PFMA or public accounting guidelines. 
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, SharePoint) and project management software (MS Project or similar).. 
• All international qualifications require an evaluation report / certificate issued by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). 

What's in it for you? 

The CSIR offers:

• Learning and development opportunities.
• Competitive and market-related remuneration packages.
• Total guaranteed salary packages which encompass contributions to the pension fund, risk insurance and medical scheme.
• We openly acknowledge and reward our employees' contributions and accomplishments through our esteemed CSIR Excellence Awards.

Closing date: 23 September 2026

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About the job: 

• The CSIR has a vacancy for Programme Manager: Critical Minerals Programme in the Mining Cluster. The mining Cluster is seeking a Programme Manager to join their leadership team, the successful candidate will provide executive, strategic, and operational leadership for the 3-year Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) Critical Minerals Programme (CAMP).
• Reporting to the CSIR Mining Cluster Executive Manager and Steering Committee, the incumbent heads the Programme Management Office, supervising the Business Development Practitioner and Administrator, while leading a multi-disciplinary team across critical mineral value chains. Key objectives include technology advancement, ecosystem building, digital and sustainable innovation, and programme governance.
• This position is based in Pretoria and reports to Executive Cluster Manager - CSIR Future Production: Mining

Key responsibilities:

Strategic programme leadership and PMO management:

• Implement and adapt the 3-Year Business Plan and develop a medium- to long-term strategy for the sustainability of the Critical Minerals Programme (CAMP);
• Structure and operate the Programme Management Office (PMO) systems, establishing Systems Engineering Management Plans (SEMP) and project execution frameworks;
• Direct and supervise the daily activities of the BD Practitioner and Programme Administrator;
• Ensure alignment of programme deliverables with national strategies (e.g. Critical Minerals Strategy, DSTI Decadal Plan, National Development Plan.);
• Oversee the Operational and Technical working teams (Researchers and SMMEs) and the Judging Panel.
• Attract multiple funding streams across public and private sector partners with the Business Development Practitioner.

Multi-tier governance:

• Serve as the primary operational secretariat to the Programme Steering Committee and the Technical Advisory Board;
• Prepare and present technical progress reports and meeting packs for the Steering Committees, Technical Advisory Board and for the Client;

     Proposal development and contracting:

• Oversee the development of proposal documentation for collaborative RDI projects and grant applications;
• Develop and present proposals to potential collaborators and funders;
• Oversee the contracting of projects from inception, through routing and sign-off.

Financial management:

• Strategically manage the overall programme 3-Year Budget in strict compliance with the PFMA;
• Oversee line-item expenditures, financial auditing, budget reallocations, income declarations, and milestone-based SMME grant drawdowns with CSIR/TIA finance teams;
• Align multiple funding streams across public and private sector partners.

Technical execution and impact delivery:

• Oversee the parallel execution of Phase 1 Strategic Assessments (7 Critical Minerals), Phase 2 SMME Acceleration, and Phase 3 Digital Platform development;
• Ensure technical quality assurance on all situation sketches, gap analysis reports, and field pilot trial protocols;
• Drive the achievement of host mine trial targets (energy, safety, decarbonisation, ESG).

Stakeholder engagement, networking and lobbying:

• Build and maintain a strong stakeholder network across government, science councils, universities, and industry;
• Actively participate in stakeholder forums and conferences related to Critical Minerals and mining technologies;
• Secure mine access agreements with mining houses for real-world technology testing;
• Strategically identify and enable coordination of marketing, research and awareness activities;
• Stimulate and manage project pipeline development, create opportunities to profile the programme in national and international events
• Provide know-how regarding other investments existing in the related technical areas and write motivation reports for investment decisions.

Commercialisation, IP & co-funding crowding-in:

• Enforce strict compliance with the IPR-PFRD Act 51 of 2008, supervising the execution of licensing and benefit-sharing deals;
• Position CAMP as a long-term national platform, actively pitching to crowd-in follow-on capital from DFIs (IDC, DBSA, NEF), international donors (World Bank, IFC, EU), and mining houses;
• Promote transformation by ensuring equitable grant access for black-, women-, and youth-owned technology SMMEs.

Qualifications, skills and experience:

• Master's Degree (NQF 9) (or studying towards) in Engineering (Mining, Metallurgy, Chemical, Mechanical) or Physical/Chemical Sciences.
• Registered (or eligible for registration) as a Professional Engineer (ECSA) or Professional Natural Scientist (SACNASP) will be advantageous. 
• At least 10 years' progressive experience in managing large-scale, multi-disciplinary technical, or R&D programmes within a national system of innovation, mining, or state-owned environment. 
• Minimum 5 years in a senior leadership capacity managing professional project managers, technical leads, and multi-disciplinary teams. 
• Demonstrated track record in managing public-sector funding portfolios exceeding R30 million under the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA). 
• Proven track record of successfully establishing, running, or scaling national or international technology programmes. 
• Substantive experience reporting to executive boards, steering committees, or ministerial stakeholders.
• All international qualifications require an evaluation report / certificate issued by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). 

Knowledge, skills and abilities:

• In-depth knowledge of mining sector trends, critical minerals (PGMs, Manganese, Chrome, Copper, etc.), and mining technologies and innovations. 
• Mastery of project management systems, Systems Engineering Management Plan (SEMP) frameworks, financial auditing, income forecasting, and PFMA compliance.
• Board Governance & Lobbying: Exceptional capability to operate governance structures, manage conflicting funder requirements, and lobby government/industry for strategic alignment.
• Strong understanding of technology readiness (TRL), commercial due diligence, valuation, and the IPR-PFRD Act 51 of 2008.
• Demonstrates an established entrepreneurial mindset, strategic vision, and decisive leadership with the resilience, high emotional intelligence, and executive diplomacy needed to navigate complex public-private ecosystems while maintaining uncompromised ethical integrity and PFMA compliance.
• Excellent technical writing and presentation skills, with attention to detail. 

What's in it for you? 

The CSIR offers:

• Learning and development opportunities.
• Competitive and market-related remuneration packages.
• Total guaranteed salary packages which encompass contributions to the pension fund, risk insurance and medical scheme.
• We openly acknowledge and reward our employees' contributions and accomplishments through our esteemed CSIR Excellence Awards. 

Closing date: 23 September 2026

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About the job: 

• The CSIR has a vacancy for a Business Development Manager within the TIA-sponsored South African Critical Minerals Programme (CAMP), hosted by the Future Production: Mining Cluster in the Advanced Production and Security Division.
• The incumbent will lead business development, stakeholder mobilisation, partnership development and commercialisation activities required to translate priority critical-mineral opportunities into funded technology projects, SMME acceleration pathways, pilot deployments and sustainable commercial outcomes.
• The role will support the Programme's objective of positioning South Africa as a reliable and responsible global supplier of critical minerals through innovation-led beneficiation, localisation, circularity and inclusive enterprise development.
• The Programme focuses on PGMs, manganese, chrome, iron ore, gold, copper, rare earth elements and related secondary resources from mine waste streams. Its delivery model combines strategic value-chain assessments, technology and SMME acceleration, innovation challenges, pilot-site mobilisation and the development of a Circular Mining Digital Platform. The position is based in Pretoria and will require regular travel to mining operations, technology developers, research institutions, government partners and stakeholder forums.
• This position reports to Programme Manager (PM) Critical Minerals Programme

Key responsibilities:

Programme business development and market mobilisation

• Develop and implement the CAMP business development, partnership and market-engagement plan in alignment with the approved business plan, funding agreement, programme milestones and governance requirements.
• Identify commercially credible opportunities across exploration, extraction, processing, beneficiation, circularity, mine-waste valorisation and technology deployment.
• Translate market analysis, value-chain assessments and identified technology gaps into fundable projects, innovation challenges, pilot opportunities and commercialisation pathways.
• Build and maintain a qualified pipeline of local and international technologies, SMMEs, investors, industry partners, pilot sites and co-funding opportunities.
• Support the Programme Manager and technical workstreams with opportunity prioritisation, business cases, proposals, costing, contracting and stakeholder commitments.

Industry, government and ecosystem partnerships

• Establish and manage strategic relationships with TIA, government departments, mining companies, the Minerals Council South Africa, development finance institutions, research organisations, universities, OEMs, manufacturing associations, technology developers, SMMEs, communities and NGOs.
• Secure access to operational data, test facilities, laboratories, pilot sites, industry champions and market channels required for technology validation and adoption.
• Plan and facilitate industry roundtables, bilateral engagements, workshops, innovation challenges, investor engagements and stakeholder consultations.
• Represent CAMP and the CSIR at relevant national, regional and international critical-minerals platforms and promote South Africa' s innovation and beneficiation capabilities.

SMME acceleration, due diligence and commercialisation

• Lead the sourcing and initial screening of SMMEs and technology developers able to address priority challenges identified through the Programme's value-chain assessments.
• Coordinate technical and commercial due diligence, including market need, technology readiness, scalability, business-model viability, team capability, intellectual property position and investment requirements.
• Develop tailored acceleration pathways covering mentorship, skills development, technology development, pilot preparation, industry validation, adoption and investment readiness.
• Support the negotiation and conclusion of project-specific agreements, including scopes of work, pilot agreements, benefit-sharing arrangements, royalty-bearing agreements and other commercial instruments.
• Promote meaningful participation by women- and youth-owned enterprises and enterprises from underserved provinces, in line with the Programme's transformation objectives.

Funding, investment and revenue development

• Develop and pursue co-funding opportunities with industry, development finance institutions, public-sector partners, international funders and commercial investors.
• Prepare investment cases and value propositions that demonstrate market relevance, measurable operational impact, ESG benefits, commercial viability and adoption potential.
• Support the development of sustainable revenue streams arising from benefit-sharing, royalties, licensing, contract RDI, commercial partnerships and other programme-enabled agreements.
• Maintain accurate opportunity, partnership and funding registers; monitor conversion progress; and provide regular reporting against agreed business development and programme KPIs.

Performance Management

• Work closely with the Programme Manager, technical leads, project management support office and TIA to ensure business development activities are integrated with programme delivery and decision-making.
• Contribute to milestone reports, steering committee packs, stakeholder dashboards, quarterly progress presentations and impact reporting.
• Track evidence of technology advancement, pilots, adoption, commercial agreements, SMMEs supported, jobs created or sustained, and participation by women and youth.
• Support strategic communication, thought leadership, success stories and programme visibility while protecting confidential, commercial and intellectual-property information.
• Identify and mitigate commercial, stakeholder, procurement, pilot-site, funding and partnership risks that could delay programme implementation or reduce impact.

Relationship Management

• Develop and facilitate national and international stakeholder network to broaden and deepen contract program impact opportunity;
• Ensure project delivery to client-to-client satisfaction;
• Engage stakeholders on a strategic level, understanding their internal and external environments and their strategic response;
• Maintain awareness of business development opportunities related to the Critical Minerals Programme and wider landscape 

Qualifications, skills and experience:

• A bachelor's degree in engineering, science, technology, mining, metallurgy, mineral processing, geology, business or a related field.
• A postgraduate qualification in engineering, science, business development, innovation management, commercialisation, project management or an MBA will be an added advantage.
• At least eight years¿ relevant experience in business development, technology commercialisation, innovation programme delivery, mining, minerals processing, industrial development or a related field, including experience in a senior client- or stakeholder-facing role.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and securing funded projects, partnerships, contract RDI, technology pilots, commercial agreements or investment opportunities.
• Sound understanding of the mining and minerals value chain, including exploration, extraction, mineral processing, beneficiation, circularity, mine waste and technology-enabled operational improvement.
• Experience working with SMMEs, technology developers, research institutions, mining companies, government entities, development finance institutions or innovation funders.
• Experience in proposal development, business-case preparation, commercial due diligence, contract negotiation, stakeholder management, financial analysis and project or programme management.
• A strong network in the South African mining, critical minerals, innovation, industrial development or investment ecosystem will be advantageous.
• All international qualifications require an evaluation report / certificate issued by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).

Required competencies

• Strategic business development and opportunity conversion
• Commercial acumen and investment-case development
• Mining-sector and critical-minerals value-chain insight
• Technology commercialisation and innovation management
• SMME assessment, acceleration and partnership development
• High-level stakeholder engagement, facilitation and negotiation
• Proposal writing, presentation and executive communication
• Programme planning, monitoring, reporting and risk management
• Ability to work across technical, commercial, policy and social-impact domains
• Strong interpersonal skills, integrity, judgement and delivery focus

Indicative performance outcomes

• A credible pipeline of priority technology, SMME, pilot, funding and commercialisation opportunities across selected critical-mineral value chains.
• Strategic partnerships and pilot-site commitments secured with mining companies, research institutions, OEMs, technology developers and funding partners.
• High-potential SMMEs identified, assessed, accelerated and connected to validation, funding and market-access opportunities.
• Commercial and investment pathways developed for technologies with clear adoption potential and measurable operational, ESG and socio-economic value.
• Contribution to programme outcomes including technology advancement and adoption, commercial agreements, job creation or retention, local beneficiation and inclusive participation.

What's in it for you? 

The CSIR offers:

• Learning and development opportunities.
• Competitive and market-related remuneration packages.
• Total guaranteed salary packages which encompass contributions to the pension fund, risk insurance and medical scheme.
• We openly acknowledge and reward our employees' contributions and accomplishments through our esteemed CSIR Excellence Awards.                                                                

Closing date: 23 September 2026