Researcher Climate Services required urgently: APPLY NOW

SA JobsAugust 19, 2020

4 2 minutes read

Contribute to strategic investment goal setting and development of RDI strategy;
Implement the research, development and innovation (RD&I) strategy for the impact area;
Lead researchers and engineers;
Promote a culture of science, engineering and technology (SET) excellence and provide RDI leadership of multiple disciplines such as:
Climate change impacts on coupled human-environment systems, human health, food systems, water systems and terrestrial ecosystems;
Quantification and causes of greenhouse gas emissions;
Understanding of the climate system and the causes of climate variability and change;
Understanding of climate change technology solutions and policy-support approaches.
Ensure that the area remains industry and/or service delivery relevant with national and international standing that is directed at cutting edge;
Propose and/or contribute to the strategic investment plan and implement Parliamentary Grant, Contract Research and Development and other grant-funded projects;
Develop and implement a business plan for operation, sustainable growth, impact and robustness of area (including strategy, goals, mission, HR, finances, technology transfer, IP and commercialization);
Assume leadership in the provision of technical solutions to client programmes;
Deeply understand the needs of the industry by integrating sector knowledge in multi-dimensional research and development programs in order to deliver industry aligned RDI;
Ensure staff development and strategic Human Capital Development;
Ensure a well-balanced cutting edge SET capability, in terms of the elements of research, engineering design, or systems/enterprise engineering;
Ensure SET outputs are achieved;
Deliver on all KPIs of the area and ensure that all outputs are achieved, including transformation, profit and loss, quality, health, safety and environment as per agreed targets;

Implement and comply with appropriate financial, business systems requirements, including operational approvals;
Network with peers in the fields expertise within and outside the bussiness;
Engage with clients and industry partners to develop long term relationships;
Provide technical support on business development and participate in client interactions;
Manage projects through planning of appropriate processes and policies to ensure Intellectual Property (IP) protection and technology transfer;
In collaboration with the Business Development and Commercialization portfolio:
Drive the transfer of technology and solutions design to industry/user environment;
Package technologies for commercialisation or develop an “investment-ready business” through financial modelling market assessment and business plan development.

Qualifications, skills, and experience:

A Doctoral degree in environmental science or related field with at least five years experience in climate change domain research within an RDI environment;
Sound experience in managing a team of multi-disciplinary professions;
Proven track record in project management and research project leadership;
Ability to provide thought leadership and high-level conceptualization;
Ability to work independently as well as in teams;
Business Development and financial acumen;
Excellent communication and presentation skills;
Conflict management skills;
Decisiveness and action orientation;
Project Management skills.
Appropriate national and international RDI networks;
An understanding of the research to market innovation value chain