Key Responsibilities:

• Developing, maintaining and updating a database of research grants, contracts and outputs
• Developing, maintaining and updating a database of relevant local and international research funding agencies
• Building and managing an archive of research publications, reports and other outputs
• Negotiating final grant contracts terms and conditions with funding agencies
• Providing SAEON management with regular summary reports on research grants and contracts
• Positively position SAEON within the National Systems of Innovation (NSI)
• Developing and utilising tools for collecting and collating feedback from clients with a view towards continuous improvements of SAEON's offering in line with user's preferences
• Obtaining and maintaining SAEON institutional membership of relevant professional bodies
• Providing input into node and SAEON 2wide business planning and budgeting processes
• Drafting of SAEON Science Annual Year Plan outlining major planned science activitie
• Coordinating the organisation of science events including the SAEON summit, scientists meeting
• Provide safe keeping of SAEON business documents and ensure easy access to these by relevant authorities or stakeholders
• Monitor and ensure compliance with NRF Code of Business Conduct across SAEON and corporate governance best practices
• Coordinating local and international bursaries and scholarship programmes
• Working closely with the Coordinator of Science engagement on science activities
• Coordinating SAEON participation in the DSI/NRF Professional Development Programme (PDP)
• Providing information to universities regarding research and student support opportunities available at SAEON

Key Requirements:
Qualification:

• MSc degree in Biological/Earth/Environmental Sciences.
• Honours degree Biological/Earth/Environmental Sciences coupled with demonstrable extensive relevant experience would also be acceptable.
• Three years practical research experience including some experience in managing research project.
• Two years practical experience in research administration environment.

Experience:

• Academic or scientific writing skills as demonstrated by some peer-reviewed publications.
• Experience with international research funding agencies will be an added advantage.
• Experience with any database manager, such as MS Access, SQL based software or similar

Knowledge:

• Understanding and appreciation of the type of research that SAEON does
• Understanding of National System of Innovation (NSI), in particular the research funding landscape.
• Project management skills including budgeting, monitoring and evaluation and reporting.
• Ability to carry out statistical analysis and synthesize information.