OPERA Operations Officer
National Research Foundation
The South African Environmental Observation Network (SAEON) is a research platform funded by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) and managed by the National Research Foundation (NRF) since 2002. SAEON is mandated to observe and research ecosystems on land, in coastal regions and the oceans to understand how those systems function and might change over time and space when influenced by socio-economic driving forces including climate change. We deliver our data online and offer tools, services and advice for informed environmental policy-making.
Position: OPERA Operations Officer
Business Unit: South Africa Environmental Observation Network
Location: Cape Town, Western Cape
Position Summary
The Ocean Prediction Enhancement in Regions of Africa (OPERA) project is funded by the European Union and implemented by Mercator Ocean International alongside African Regional Centres of Excellence. It aims to strengthen ocean monitoring and forecasting capabilities, supporting the sustainable management of marine resources and disaster risk reduction across Sub-Saharan Africa. The SAEON Egagasini Node, based in Cape Town, Western Cape, requires the services of a suitably qualified individual to be responsible for the day-to-day operational and logistical management of the OPERA Ocean Forecasting Consortium.
Key Responsibilities
Support the project manager in the coordination and establishment of the project governance structures (the Steering Committee, the Technical Coordination Group and the Stakeholder Advisory Group)
Support the project manager with the drafting, tracking and enforcement of institutional agreements (consortium agreements and MOUs) with all African partners and Mercator Ocean International.
Organize regular governance meetings (this could be virtual - doodle polls, calendar invites or in person – travel and meeting venue logistics), maintain detailed minutes, and implement standard operating procedures for internal communications.
Establish and maintain the project management plan (PMP) to track progress across all consortium partners against the project timeline.
Compile and submit annual technical progress reports with inputs from project manager (PI) and all consortium partner leads.
Maintain a live risk register to identify technical or operational bottlenecks early and trigger mitigation strategies
Oversee and coordinate the verification of technical milestones to trigger the distribution of lump-sum grant payments to consortium partners, preparing all required documentation and recommendations for final approval and action by the project manager (PI).
Monitor daily expenditure and manage the project cost centre to ensure funds are allocated and utilized strictly in line with approved project plans.
Support the project manager (PI) in the collation, preparation and submission of financial and progress reports in strict compliance with PFMA regulations and EU reporting standards.
Manage travel logistics to mandatory OPERA project-related events (Work with NRF travel service provider to coordinate shuttles, flights, accommodation, S&T inline with NRF SAEON policy and the project allocation)
Procurement of hardware/software to support the installation of OPERA infrastructure (following NRF SAEON’s SCME and financial policies and procedures)
Facilitate communications between technical teams, external stakeholders, policy liaison and Mercator Ocean International.
Assist with logisitics for consortium workshops, summer schools and user-day events.
Additional Notes
Organization and coordination skills: ability to set up secretariat operations, maintain project schedules, compile consolidated annual reports, manage mult-partner communications
Strong interpersonal skills to interface between administrative leads, technical leads, decision making bodies and funding entitites
Ability to identify risks and to implement mitigation strategies timeously
Proficiency in relevant budgeting, project management and data sharing software.
Experience working with diverse African and international partners across different time zones and organizational cultures
Minimum Qualification
Bachelors Degree / Advanced Diploma / NQF 7
Minimum Experience
3-4 years
A BTech degree in Logistics, Operations Coordination, Business Management, or Contract Management; alternatively, a qualification in Marine Science with a strong focus on logistics and operations coordination.
Experience
3 years in project management, supply chain management, logistics or contract management.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Understanding of the Ocean Decade, Blue Economy and the need for actionable information about the ocean for Africa
Demonstrable ability in coordinating multi-disciplinary and multi-stakeholder teams
Evidence of ability to synthesize complex material underpinned by high-level written communication skills, to support the development of business/performance plans, progress report submissions, agreements, permit applications and public relations material.
Proven understanding of The South African Treasury regulations, Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) and Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act (PPPFA)
Closing Date: Thursday, 17 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.
