Senior Manager: Finance, Supply Chain and Grants Management
National Research Foundation
The Research, Innovation, Impact Support and Advancement (RIISA) is a multi-disciplinary funding division of the NRF that supports, promote, and advance the creation of knowledge and innovation, through research funding, human capacity development funding, and research infrastructure funding.
Position: Senior Manager: Finance, Supply Chain and Grants Management
Business Unit: Research Advancement
Location: Pretoria, Gauteng
Position Summary
The National Research Foundation (NRF) seeks to make an appointment for the position of Senior Manager: Finance, Supply Chain and Grants Management within Research, Innovation and Impact Support and Advancement (RIISA).
Key Responsibilities
Provide leadership to the division management to set, evaluate and report on financial targets, budgets, sustainability and performance
Monitor and manage budget implementation, ensuring financial targets are met and resources are optimally allocated
Lead and direct financial function of the Division
Review, analyse, model and cost operational proposals and feasibility studies (financial and non-financial) for funding instruments, projects, and other initiatives
Ensure compliance with all applicable governmental, statutory and legislative requirements at division, including but not limited to the PFMA and GRAP standards
Ensure accurate and timely monthly/quarterly/annual financial and other required reports are compiled for the division
Assess and approve all credit facilities offered to debtors.
Manage the interface with Corporate Office to ensure division alignment and compliance with organisational policies, rules, regulations, practice notes, and applicable legislation.
Develop, maintain, and regularly review the Division’s risk profile, ensuring risks are appropriately assessed, managed, and recorded in the NRF Risk Registers.
Coordinate responses to audit findings and recommendations, ensuring appropriate actions are implemented and tracked to completion.
Establish and implement effective internal controls to address identified gaps, weaknesses, and areas of operational risk.
Ensure that the Division’s assets are appropriately safeguarded, controlled, and adequately insured, in consultation with Corporate Office.
Develop the Supply Chain Strategy for the Division, review and manage and report on the BU’s Procurement Plan through proactive intervention in consultation with the SCM Manager and manage procurement risks.
Oversee contract negotiations, pricing and specific contract conditions in line with policies, procedures, systems and strategic objectives.
Provide guidance and lead the development of transformation in procurement.
Plan, monitor and evaluate staff performance and implement corrective and/or developmental actions where required.
Provide input and financial leadership to the medium and long-term financial strategy and strategic goals of the Division.
Monitor implementation of Division Annual Performance Plan against budgets and finances (including cashflow) and consult with the Division management and staff on corrective action plans and remediation.
Prevention, detection and reporting of Fruitless & Wasteful Expenditure as well as Irregular Expenditure and ensure consistent consequence management is applied.
Lead and direct Division SCM business processes according to all relevant SCM prescripts and providing necessary training and support Policy and Delegations within accessible and responsive Shared service portal.
Ensure NRF Connect system is accurately interfaced to the General Ledger and reconciled.
Ensure the grant carry forward process is aligned to NRF policies and procedures[MN2.1][MN2.2][MN2.3].
Oversee effective Grants Finance Management.
Ensure Grant deposit processes are well managed
Qualification
Honours Degree (NQF 8 qualification), in Finance, Business Management or a related field[AS3.1][MN3.2].
An NQF level 9 degree or an MBA will be advantageous.
Minimum 10 years’ relevant experience in Business and significant relevant experience at a management level.
At least 5 years’ hands-on experience in managing a full finance, supply chain department and grant and/or project finance preferably in the public sector
Experience
Sound business management skills
A comprehensive understanding of internal controls
Excellent communication skills in the English language (both oral & written)
Extensive planning experience in strategic, operational, and financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting/projections
Experience with analysing, reviewing, designing and implementing business processes, workflows and procedures
Highly numerate and excellent computer literacy skills
Strong project management, time management, and leadership skills in a pressurised environment
Strong analytical skills, business modelling and with experience of interpreting and producing high quality, accurate financial and business management information
The ability to identify discrepancies and inefficiencies and recommend corrective action
Good interpersonal and engagement skills
Ability to work independently, foster collaboration in a team, and meet multiple deadlines on cross functional initiatives
Ability to review, implement and maintain efficient financial and business systems and processes
Able to travel when required to other NRF business units, e.g. for workshops.
Valid driver’s licence
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Comprehensive knowledge of the Public Finance Management Act and related National Treasury Regulations, guidelines and Instruction notes.
Working experience with implementing and ensuring compliance with financial reporting standards such as GRAP and/or IFRS and South African Tax Legislation.
Working experience and knowledge of all financial processes, including Asset Management, Account Payable, Account Receivable, Banking and general ledger.
Lead and drive project-based assignments to completion.
Working experience on a Financial and ERP system.
Experience in high-level project and contracts management.
Highly computer literate with strong working knowledge of MS Office suite.
Sound working experience with implementing SCM/Procurement business processes ensuring compliance to Legislation, regulations and practice/instruction notes.
Extensive experience in contract and price negotiations.
Experience in overseeing audits.
Experience in the grants finance.
Sound people management skills, including performance management
Closing Date: Saturday, 07 Nov 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.
