Project Manager: DSTI-NRF Centre of Excellence in Food Security (4 Year Contract position)

University of the Western Cape

  • Bellville, Cape Town
  • Contract
  • Full-time
  • 14 days ago
Title of PositionProject Manager: DSTI-NRF Centre of Excellence in Food Security (4 Year Contract position)Post Number8722Faculty/DepartmentUniversity of the Western Cape -> Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research & Innovation -> Centre of Excellence (CoE)Type of PositionFixed Term ContractLength of Contract Period4 Year Contract positionLocationMain Campus - Bellville, WC ZA (Primary)Closing Date7/9/2025Role Clarification & Key Performance AreasThe DSTI-NRF Centre of Excellence in Food Security (CoE-FS) is a national research initiative hosted by the University of the Western Cape (UWC) and co-hosted by the University of Pretoria (UP). Funded by the Department of Science Technology and Innovation (DSTI) and the National Research Foundation (NRF), the Centre conducts cutting-edge research on food security, nutrition, and food systems resilience in South Africa and beyond.CoE-FS plays a critical role in policy development, capacity building, and knowledge dissemination by engaging with government, industry, and civil society. Its research focuses on food access, governance, and sustainability, aiming to improve food security outcomes in the region. The Centre also trains Master's, PhD, and postdoctoral researchers, strengthening South Africa's expertise in food security research.
UKUDLA is an African-German research collaboration focused on food systems resilience and agricultural data science. It is led by the University of Hohenheim (Germany), the University of the Western Cape (South Africa), and the University of Pretoria (South Africa), with additional partners across Africa. Funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), UKUDLA aims to enhance food system sustainability through interdisciplinary research, training, and international knowledge exchange.UKUDLA provides structured PhD, postdoctoral, and research fellowships, supporting scholars across South Africa, Germany, and Malawi. It emphasizes transdisciplinary approaches, combining agriculture, data science, and policy research to strengthen food security in Africa.Both CoE-FS and UKUDLA focus on food security and sustainable food systems, with CoE-FS leading South Africa's national research efforts, while UKUDLA enhances international collaboration and capacity building. Together, they contribute to evidence-based policy, interdisciplinary research, and the development of future leaders in food security and agricultural sciences. As the CoE-FS grows, it is expected that these multi-institutional, multi-year projects will be supplemented by new initiatives resulting from successful grant-raising.The Project Manager for the DSTI-NRF Centre of Excellence in Food Security (CoE-FS) and UKUDLA is responsible for the strategic project implementation and coordination, financial oversight, stakeholder engagement, and oversight of operational management of both research initiatives, and future large projects undertaken by the CoE-FS. This role ensures that the two programs align efficiently, avoiding duplication of efforts while maximising research impact, capacity-building, and financial sustainability.Reporting to the Director: DSTI-NRF Centre of Excellence in Food Security, the successful applicant will be responsible for:
  • The overall office management, including overseeing the management of administrative and financial assistants, coordination of the undergraduate and postgraduate recruitment, transition and academic programs to ensure successful implementation.
  • The overall financial management, oversight of the day-to-day budget management and timely submission of financial reports in accordance with approved budgets.
  • Oversight of the Centre's procurement and asset management processes in accordance with the university's policies.
  • The governance and compliance with the funding agency's terms, conditions and requirements and representing the Program Director on structures internally and externally.
  • Oversight of the effective marketing and communication of the Scholars Program, in close liaison with the Department of Institutional advancement.
  • The Liaison with senior and middle management internally and key external agencies, including the funding body and implementing partners.
Minimum RequirementsMinimum Requirements:(Qualification & Experience)
  • A relevant Honours degree or a relevant equivalent qualification at NQF8.
  • A minimum of 5 years' relevant experience in an environment similar to the Centre of excellence
  • Extensive experience in managing grant funding and budgets
  • Extensive working experience in South African and European funding frameworks
  • Experience in managing stakeholder relations
  • Experience in project management
Added Advantage:
  • Working experience in the Higher Education sector
  • Registered for a NQF Level 9 degree in a relevant field.
Required competencies: (skills, knowledge, and behavioural attributes)
  • Strategic project management: Ability to plan, implement, and monitor large-scale research programs.
  • Financial governance: Experience in budgeting, financial tracking, and multi-donor grant reporting.
  • Stakeholder relationship management: Ability to build partnerships across academia, government, and industry.
  • Research coordination: Understanding of PhD and postdoctoral program administration.
  • Digital proficiency: Strong command of Microsoft Office, project management tools, and digital communication platforms.
In your application, you are encouraged to highlight your strengths and include anything else you deem exceptional and outstanding to be considered by the selection panel. In addition, please attach a cover letter motivating your suitability, a detailed curriculum vitae including contact details of three referees, and your highest qualification to your online profile.DISCLAIMER: By applying for the position, you consent to the University sharing your application, including curriculum vitae, with University stakeholders to process the application. In line with the University's commitment to diversifying its workforce, preference will be given to suitably qualified applicants in line with our Employment Equity Targets. The official retirement age at UWC is 65 years. The University reserves the right to not make an appointment, make an appointment at a different level, seek additional candidates and may conduct competency assessments.

University of the Western Cape