Description

• Resource Allocation: Managing budgetary and resource allocation to support the institution’s mission and goals.
• Process Improvement: Identify and implement efficiencies to enhance service delivery and reduce costs.
• Strategic Planning: Collaborate with Executive Manager: Core, to develop and execute strategic plans that align with the institution’s mission and vision.
• Lead and Direct: Lead and Direct the Institute’s Research Management Agenda.
• Shared Services Management: Collaborate with the Executive Management Shared Services/ Corporate Support, in overseeing the shared services functions within the institution, ensuring they operate cohesively and meet their respective objectives.
• Policy Implementation: Ensure that policies, procedures, and regulations are effectively communicated and adhered to throughout the Institute.
• Performance Evaluation: Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to assess the institution’s performance and make data-driven decisions.
• Risk Management: Identifying and mitigating operational risks and challenges that could impact the institution’s mission or reputation.
• Stakeholder Relations: Building and maintaining positive relationships with internal and externa stakeholders.
• Innovation and Technology: Promoting the adoption of innovative technologies and practices to enhance service delivery and operational effectiveness.
• Emergency Response and Continuity Planning: Implement plans for emergency response, business continuity, and disaster recovery.
• Compliance and Legal Affairs: Ensuring that the institution complies with all relevant laws, regulations, and ethical standards.
• Human Resources Management: Collaborating with Human Capital Business Partner, oversee personnel, including hiring, training, and performance management, to maintain a skilled and motivated workforce.
• Financial Management: Collaborating with Finance Business Partner, oversee campus’s finances and financial health, budget and cost management and financial reporting.
• Communication and Reporting: Providing regular updates to Executive leadership, governing boards, and other stakeholders on operational performance and progress toward goals.
• Conflict Resolution: Handling internal conflicts and disputes within the Institute in a fair and constructive manner.
• Crisis Management: Leading the institution’s response to crises or emergencies, coordinating efforts to mitigate negative impacts.
• Ethical Leadership: Upholding and promoting ethical standards and values within the organization, setting a positive example for all employees.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Engaging with Stakeholders to understand their needs and concerns and ensuring the institution’s services are responsive to those needs.

Requirements

• Doctoral degree (PhD or DSc) with post-doctoral research experience in Plant Science, Crop Science, or a closely related field.
• A minimum of 10 years’ relevant experience post PhD in research and development within the grain crops sector.
• A minimum of 25 peer-reviewed scientific publications.
• Experience in Small Grains sector will be an added advantage.
• At least 10 years’ experience at middle management level.
• Demonstrated strong research output and fundraising track record, including competitive grants.
• Proven capability in project and programme management, partnership development, and collaborative research.
• Excellent organizational, planning, monitoring, and control skills, with strong written and verbal communication abilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Sound performance and financial management skills, with demonstrated leadership and negotiation ability.
• Proven experience in personnel, financial and facilities management.
• Valid driver’s license, ability and willingness to travel (locally and abroad).
• Professional registration or membership with a relevant scientific body (advantageous).
• Evidence of national and international scientific recognition.
• Demonstrated public speaking experience, including presentations, media engagements (e.g., radio & television), and poster or exhibition participation.

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Description

Project Management & Coordination

Coordination and supports the management of Research Projects across the Institute; these include supporting and coordination of the following aspects of the projects 

• Project planning and Initiation
• Equipment and Research Materials  
• Project Human Resources  
• Project Finances  
• Risk Management and Mitigation  
• Monitoring, Evaluation, reporting and project close out 

Research, Development, and Innovation

Coordination and supports the management of Research, development, and innovation, these include the supporting and coordination of the following Research aspects

• Invention  
• Translation  
• Commercialization  
• Adoption and Use  

Research Collaboration

Coordination and supports the management of strategic research collaboration and collaboration opportunities; these include the supporting and coordination of

• Strategic Research partnerships / networks / collaborators  
• Intra-Inter Institutional Collaboration & Partnerships  

Human Capacity Building

• The Senior Researcher is responsible for coordination and supports the management of Human Capacity Development that includes support of Project staff and students .
• Mentoring and supervising two MSc and two PhD students in every 5 years.  At a minimum 5 students graduated under supervisor/co-supervision at time of appointment
• Self

Requirements

• PhD in Agronomy, Production Systems, Plant Sciences or related discipline.
• At least 5 years post PhD experience.
• At least 5 years’ experience in a relevant scientific research environment, post Ph.D. and a proven national record and moving to international record of accomplishment.
• Minimum 12 approved peer review publications relevant to the position.
• Proven track record of mentoring and supervising two MSc and two PhD students in every 5 years and other research staff.
• Proven record of accomplishment for generating external income for programme and projects in programme.
• Proven record for initiation, planning and execution of research projects, personnel management and financial management of projects.
• Registration with a relevant scientific registration body will be added advantage. 
• NRF rating of at least C1 or higher will be an added advantage
• Valid driver’s license.