Contracts Specialist
National Research Foundation
The South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO) spearheads South Africa's activities in the Square Kilometre Array Radio Telescope, commonly known as the SKA, in engineering, science and construction. SARAO is a National Facility managed by the National Research Foundation and incorporates radio astronomy instruments and programmes such as the MeerKAT telescope in the Karoo, the Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomy Observatory (HartRAO) in Gauteng, the African Very Long Baseline Interferometry (AVN) programme in nine African countries as well as the associated human capital development and commercialisation endeavours.
Position: Contracts Specialist
Business Unit: South Africa Radio Astronomy Observatory
Location: Cape Town, Western Cape
Position Summary
The main purpose of this role is to ensure that contract strategies, tenders, contracts, and specific contract change management procedures fully comply with the organization's legal requirements, policies, and procedures. This includes implementing risk mitigation measures and securing the best possible terms for the organization. The incumbent is responsible for drafting, negotiating, and managing contracts with vendors, contractors, clients, and partners. This includes the contractual management and administration of the principal contract in accordance with organizational policies, procedures, and specific contract requirements. The incumbent will support the project manager and work closely with other support departments such as SCM, legal, and finance.
Key Responsibilities
Draft, review, and negotiate a variety of contracts, including procurement and service agreements.
Collaborate with legal, procurement, and finance teams to develop and revise contracts, ensuring they align with organizational policies and objectives.
Facilitate negotiations, ensuring all parties understand their obligations and rights.
Ensure all contracts comply with legal regulations and organizational policies.
Monitor contract timelines and deliverables, identify and mitigate potential risks, and maintain up-to-date knowledge of relevant laws and regulations.
Manage the entire contract lifecycle, from strategy planning to execution and closeout.
Maintain accurate records of contracts, evaluate claims, and lead dispute resolution processes.
Notify stakeholders of claims or potential disputes and assist in compiling necessary information to defend the organization's position.
Collaborate with project managers to respond to queries from contractors and suppliers.
Handle internal reporting of all commercial and contractual issues, oversee construction contract documentation, and track contract performance and compliance.
Provide guidance and training on best practices for contract drafting, negotiation, and management.
Develop and implement training programs to enhance contract law, compliance, and risk management skills.
Advise senior management on contractual strategies and potential risks.
Additional Notes
Skills/Ability/Competencies
Excellent communication – both verbal and written, in English
Good analytical and planning skills
Efficiency in a high-pressure environment
Proactive
Excellent technical writing skills, with good communication and time management skills
Problem-solving
Ability to integrate and cooperate with engineering and non-engineering disciplines.
Willingness to work outside normal hours
No constraints on ability to travel within South Africa and Internationally
Qualification
BTech degree in the built environment/engineering and/or construction law
Certification in design, built, engineering, and construction contract suites such as FIDIC, NEC, and GCC (advantageous)
Experience
6+ years' experience in contract and agreement documentation preparation, management and administration in large infrastructure, engineering, research & development and/or construction projects
Demonstrated knowledge and experience in all aspects of contract administration and management within a large-scale and multidisciplinary project
Experience in determining specific contract change management processes, handling claims, and resolving disputes
Extensive knowledge of design, built, engineering and construction contract suites such as FIDIC, NEC, and GCC
Excellent PC skills (MS Office Suite, Google Workspace, Confluence, JIRA)
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Experience in negotiating commercial terms with suppliers
A Project Management Office environment, EPC or EPCM
Knowledge and experience of project management principles/standards
Ability to understand and analyse details of non-contractual matters such as engineering, cost control, planning, and construction to provide relevant contractual support
Project Management theory, principles, standards and best practice
Public Finance Management Act
Maintaining up-to-date knowledge of statutory procedures and technical standards.
Cost/Schedule Integration
Risk assessment
Closing Date: Wednesday, 04 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.
