Picture
 
SOUTH AFRICAN NUCLEAR ENERGY CORPORATION (NECSA)
 
DIVISION: Research and Innovation
VACANCY: Group Executive: Research and Innovation
(Five-year, fixed term contract)
SALARY BAND: Market-related remuneration and benefits                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   
REF NO: DIVISIONEXE1
                     
NECSA is a State Owned Company (SOC) in terms of the Companies Act and derives its mandate from the Nuclear Energy Act of 1999 responsible for undertaking and promoting research and development in the field of nuclear energy and radiation sciences and for the commercial exploitation of nuclear technology. NECSA engages in commercial business mainly through its two 100% owned commercial subsidiaries NTP Radioisotopes (Pty) Ltd. and Pelchem (Pty) Ltd.  NTP is responsible for a range of radiation-based products and services for health care, life sciences and industry, whilst Pelchem supplies fluorine and fluorine-based products. Further information on NECSA can be obtained from the website www.necsa.co.za. 
 
JOB PROFILE
To strategically lead, manage and grow the generation of knowledge through research, innovation, technology development and human capital development in the field of nuclear, radiation science and engineering to establish integrated skills platforms of a nature conducive to income generation and value addition through multi-disciplinary contract research, commercialization and integrated technology contributions.  
 
​ 
KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS
Stakeholder Management
  • Stakeholder management with private and public sector entities for short term, medium term and long term establishment of sustainable research and development programs, through local and international collaborations. 
  • Ensure adequate baseline funding for research and development activities.
  • Ensure delivery of projects and programmes.
 
Strategy and Risk Management
  • Lead divisional development and implementation of strategy, risk management and the integrated Research and Technology Development innovation value chain framework.
 
Innovation Management
  • Ensure the drive for innovation and product development for commercialization with the objective of generating passive income in the form of licensing and royalties. 
  • Exploit Research and Innovation intellectual property.
 
​ 
Technology Development Management
  • Ensure the application of technology development processes, technology maturity assessments, technology planning and integration and the enabling interfaces linking research, technology development and commercialization. 
 
Strategic Research Management 
  • Lead strategic research packaging from core skills to integrated technology through the interfacing of Necsa impact area and stakeholder technology platform requirements. 
 
Interface Management with Necsa Group
  • Grow the strategic research, technology and product development relationship between Research and Innovation and Radioisotopes and Chemicals.
  • Support the Necsa Group technology development initiatives with reference to technology development, contract research processes and related activities. 
 
People management
  • Manage the core skills gap, erosion, transformation and recognition.

JOB REQUIREMENTS
Key knowledge and skills:
  • Strategic research and technology development Management of Innovation. 
  • Knowledge of National System of Innovation and Industry with reference to effective interfacing of nuclear science and engineering applications.
  • Knowledge of multi-disciplinary integration of systems (e.g. systems engineering approach).
 
Competencies:
  • Self-motivated.
  • Strategic, holistic capability.
  • Interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Mental alertness.
  • Ability to recognise, adapt to, strategy drivers and business stimuli.
  • Integrity and excellence orientation.
  • Ability to manage and lead a diverse group of professionals.
 
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:
  • PhD/ Doctorate in Chemistry, Physics, Nuclear Engineering or equivalent. (NQF level 10)
  • 15 years’ experience in a multidisciplinary Research and Innovation environment.
  • 5 years’ experience in Contract Research and Technology development of which at least 2 years applied to the Nuclear field.  
  • 5 years’ experience years in an Executive Management role.
  • Proven track record of experience on Executive Management level in Research and Innovation.


​
Closing date: 24 November 2021.
 
ENQUIRIES
Kindly direct any enquiries to Mr John Nkwana on 066 293 4486.
 
Please forward your CV with certified copies of your educational qualifications to lydia.lebona@necsa.co.za
 
GENERAL:
Should you not hear from us within 30 days of the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.  
Necsa Group is committed to Employment Equity when recruiting. Therefore, priority will be given to African Females, African Males and people with disabilities, in support of achieving our Employment Equity targets.