Senior Manager: Research 202 views

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) is looking for a Senior Manager: Research

Location: South Africa

About:

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) is a Section 3(a) public entity under the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries (DEFF) and is governed by a Board. The organisation is an authoritative voice for weather and climate related services in South Africa and is a member of the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) to fulfil a range of international obligations of the government. South African Weather Service (SAWS) strives to be a Weather and Climate Centre of Excellence providing innovative solutions to ensure a weather-smart region, sustainable development and economic growth.

Job Summary:

The position of Senior Manager reports to the Executive Manager Weather and Climate Service. The position is tasked with driving Innovation through Research and Development in Weather, Climate and Air quality. Strong programme and project management skills as well as General Management competencies are a requisite. The position will develop and drive the delivery of the research strategy which focuses on research solutions throughout the value-chain of the organization from observations to services. A proven track record in negotiations for research grants, projects and partnerships and engagement with international research organizations and networks are a requirement.

Key performance areas:

• Provide leadership and develop management strategies and systems for the achievement of the organizational research strategic objectives including requirements for and optimal use of High-Performance computing capability in and outside of SAWS
• Oversee innovative weather, climate and air quality research using observations and modelling systems to ensure that the organisation continues to improve its forecasting capabilities
• Oversee applications research and the development of products in support of SAWS weather forecasting and climate prediction services from now-casting to multi-decadal times scales, for both the Public and Commercial users
• Oversee the improvement and extension of innovations for services to both the public and Commercial clients of SAWS
• Support Researchers in business development to ensure financial sustainability of Research in the organisation
• Implement and ensure the Research Department complies with appropriate financial and business processes, systems and policies
• Develop new market opportunities and forge partnerships locally and abroad
• Foster inter and intra-disciplinary research and lead SAWS research partnerships nationally and internationally ensuring quality representation of South Africa’s interests in the WMO and other related and relevant organizations
• Oversee the procurement, contracting and operational functions working with scientific staff to ensure deliverables and objectives are achieved on time and within budget
• Manage all the Research Units within the SAWS and support the Executive Manager
• Weather and Climate Service
• Assist with the implementation and requirements of the SAWS TQM System, SAWS risk, management etc.

Requirements:

A PhD in Environmental Science preferably in one of the following disciplines:

• Climate Change
• Ocean Systems and Climate
• Meteorology; and
• Atmospheric Science
• Atmospheric physics
• Atmospheric chemistry
• Atmospheric dynamics
• Eight to ten years of leadership and management experience within a scientific or related entity with demonstrable general management experience (including all
• aspects of science, financial and human resources)
• Strong insight into weather and climate change research to provide guidance on research direction
• A strong publication record will be an advantage
• Appropriate national and international scientific standing among peers
• Understanding of the general business functions and its inter- relationship and contribution to service and the application thereof
• Demonstrative national and/or international leadership in one or more of the sciences fields associated with the business of the research departmental area
• Evidence of substantive training in leadership and/or business management
• Excellent interpersonal, conflict resolution and leadership skills
• Excellent team player
• Excellent networking, communication, and presentation skills
• Ability to mentor and coach others.

Attributes and Competencies:

• Innovative, strategic and leadership capability
• Highly developed people, change and stakeholder management
• Analytical thinking and decision-making
• Excellent drafting, presentation and negotiating skills
• General Management skills

Company’s Website: www.weathersa.co.za

Interested candidates please apply.