Research Management Specialist: Next Generation Researchers
National Research Foundation
The NRF is a well-established organisation that is highly networked within the knowledge system, nationally and internationally. It is the principal organisation responsible for promoting the national research enterprise and is the primary public funder of postgraduate students and researchers and provider of research infrastructure in the country. It has well-developed, best practice research evaluation and support systems.
Position: Research Management Specialist: Next Generation Researchers
Business Unit: Research Advancement
Location: Pretoria, Gauteng
Position Summary
TThe Research, Innovation, Impact Support and Advancement (RIISA) is a division within the NRF that provides funding across the human capital development pipeline, for next-generation and emerging researchers. The Next Generation Researcher section provides support for postgraduate students pursuing a honours, masters and doctoral degree and as well as Global Knowledge Partnership mobilities placements.
Key Responsibilities
Supporting the development and implementation of departmental activities
Drafting of business documents and reports associated with the funding instruments
Coordinate the end-to-end grant administration and review activities for funding instruments
Establish and maintain long-term relationships with national, regional and global stakeholders
Coordinate stakeholder communication between the NRF and Institutions on grants administration
Represent the NRF/RIISA/Department at official occasions and meetings, committees, conventions, seminars, forums and institutional visits.
Drafting of agreements, contacts with external funders and partners.
Monitor and evaluate performance of the departmental funded projects and initiatives to ensure that the expected output, outcomes and impact are achieved.
Compile and analyse performance data and report on Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), on a quarterly and annual basis.
Provide inputs to budget processes including planning, projections, monitoring expenditure and reconciliations.
Report on finances in funding instruments and assist with reconciling and managing cost centre reports.
Assist with internal and external audit queries appropriately and timeously.
Monitor and analyse grants income and expenditure on an ongoing basis and for quarterly and annual performance management.
Provide project and team leadership in the implementation of assigned funding instruments, undertaking regular reviews against set objectives and taking actions to address deviations from the plans and targets where necessary.
Determine the deployment and utilisation of human resource allocation within the assigned project.
Provide leadership, mentorship, support and guidance to the project team members
Undertake quality assurance of work undertaken by team members prior to submission to the Manager.
Manage policy adherence and quality assurance for the merit- review of all applications for the assigned project.
Manage quality assurance for granting and grant data on NRF systems.
Minimum Qualification
Honours Degree / Post Graduate Qualification / Professional Qualification / NQF 8
Minimum Experience
3-5 years
Honours or 4-year degree (NQF 8). A master’s degree (NQF 9) with evidence of a relevant research experience will be an added advantage.
At least 3 years post-honours work experience in a relevant research and development environment.
Demonstrated experience of administrating research and/or innovation support activities
Experience
Research administration experience
Financial and business management experience.
Project management and effective time management skills.
Computer literacy skills including MS Suite.
Quantitative and qualitative analytical capabilities
Excellent communication and analytical skills.
Problem solving and negotiation skills.
Strong written abilities in drafting business documents and reports.
A positive attitude and good interpersonal skills.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Knowledge of the South African Higher Education System and National System of Innovation
Knowledge of frameworks and best practices for monitoring and evaluation of research
Leadership capability
Closing Date: Wednesday, 09 Sep 2026
The NRF website provides more details on the initiatives and activities. Applicants should submit a comprehensive CV by registering and apply online through the NRF Recruitment and Selection Portal. Applications should be accompanied by a letter of motivation indicating the applicant's suitability for the position. The names and contact details of at least three referees should be provided.
