Senior Liaison Officer (Six Months Contract) at University of Pretoria

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The incumbent will be responsible for:

• The implementation of project goals for selected project initiatives. This includes initiating the project, developing and executing project plans as well as controlling project activities throughout its lifetime until project close-out;
• Organising meetings and events to progress the establishment of new initiatives in conjunction with the ACGT secretariat;
• Liaising with relevant researchers in the partner institutions and becoming familiar with research programmes, projects and infrastructure falling within the mandate of the Centre;
• Drafting and circulating a monthly funding opportunities newsletter in areas of partnership interest from various resources;
• Identifying new partnership opportunities that require/could benefit from additional funding;
• Proposing a partnership representative of ACGT partners and diverse entities from academia, science councils, industry and government for internal presentation and refinement;
• Populating a database of historically submitted proposals inclusive of metadata;
• Repurposing and refining historical proposals for additional/follow-up funding opportunities and submit in conjunction with ACGT partnership researchers;
• Assisting ACGT staff in populating funding proposals and budgets according to funding body requirements;
• Gaining an acute awareness of ACGT partnership skills development needs through face-to-face meetings, joining relevant forums and meetings, conferences and symposia, online events and surveys;
• Determining the most appropriate intervention to address the skills development needs;
• Implementing the intervention through online, face-to-face or hands-on training events in conjunction with the ACGT secretariat;
• Taking the lead in coordinating online webinars, seminars and training events, including meeting software, speaker presentations, logistics, smooth running of proceedings and accurate capturing and distribution of discussions;
• Raising funds for skills development events;
• Proposing new skills development themes and learning methodologies;
• Sourcing and collating biotechnology news, trends and announcements for distribution on the ACGT website and LinkedIn page;
• Staying abreast of new technology developments through online resources, visits to partner institutions and other stakeholders, attending relevant conferences, symposia, webinars and partner events;
• Keeping the ACGT website updated, specifically research programmes, facilities and any other as required;
• Keeping the ACGT database updated with partnership researcher information;
• Liaising with website and database hosts;
• Tracking website and LinkedIn metrics;
• Providing inputs into strategic and operational initiatives in agricultural, environmental, health and industrial biotechnology;
• Assisting members of the ACGT secretariat where requested;
• Undergoing continued professional development (at the cost of the Centre);
• Assisting in organising online and in-person events where required.

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MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Honours Degree in Biological Sciences / Biochemistry, Genetics or Microbiology / Biotechnology / Medicinal Sciences or closely related to biotechnology or biological sciences applications;
• At least three years’ experience in stakeholder management, fundraising and capacity development.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES (SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND BEHAVIOURAL ATTRIBUTES):

• Deep biotechnology domain knowledge;
• Stakeholder management;
• Fundraising;
• Capacity building;
• Online meetings, database management;
• Self-starter;
• Takes initiative and drive projects from inception to completion;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills;
• Excellent digital skills (online meetings, Microsoft packages, project management software).

ADDED ADVANTAGES AND PREFERENCES:

• Master’s or PhD in Biological Sciences or Medicinal Sciences;
• Additional Continued Professional Development (CPD) courses enrolled and completed in the relevant areas;
• Project management and implementation experience.

PLEASE NOTE: All shortlisted candidates may be required to participate in relevant skills assessments as part of the selection process.

The all-inclusive remuneration package for this contract position will be commensurate with the incumbent’s level of appointment, as determined by UP policy guidelines.

Applicants are requested to apply online at www.up.ac.za, and follow the link: Careers@UP.

In applying for this post, please attach:

• A comprehensive CV;
• Certified copies of qualifications;
• Names, e-mail addresses and telephone details of three referees whom we have permission to contact.

 

No application will be considered after the closing date, or if it does not comply with at least the minimum requirements.

ENQUIRIES:

Mrs S Mahlangu, Email: shado.mahlangu@up.ac.za for application-related and Dr John Becker, john.becker@up.ac.za for post content enquiries.

Should you not hear from the University of Pretoria by 30 June 2022, please accept that your application has been unsuccessful.

The University of Pretoria is committed to equality, employment equity and diversity.

In accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets, preference may be given, but is not limited to candidates from under-represented designated groups.

All candidates who comply with the requirements for appointment are invited to apply. All candidates agree to undergo verification of personal credentials.

The University of Pretoria reserves the right to not fill the advertised positions.

Location :Pretoria, Gauteng

CLOSING DATE: 11 April 2022

HOW TO APPLY

Click Here to Submit your CV and Application on Company Website