Vacant Position - Health and Safety Officer NRF/SARAO

Contract type: Permanent
Job Level: Skilled / Middle Management
Work Location: Krugersdorp, Gauteng
Closing Date: 22 April 2026

The National Research Foundation (NRF) supports and promotes research and human capital development through funding, the provision of National Research Facilities and science outreach platforms and programmes to the broader community in all fields of science and technology, including natural sciences, engineering, social sciences and humanities.

The South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO) implements South Africa's strategic investments in radio astronomy, including the international Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project, which covers a broad range of engineering and scientific activities. SARAO is a National Facility of the National Research Foundation, and incorporates radio astronomy and space geodesy instruments and programmes such as the MeerKAT telescope in the Karoo, the Hartebeeshoek Radio Astronomy Observatory (HartRAO) in Gauteng, the Africa Radio Astronomy Programme across nine African countries, as well as associated human capital development and commercialisation endeavours.

This role is key to ensuring a safety culture in the workplace and compliance with applicable legislation and other regulatory requirements. The main focus is to provide support to SARAO and the projects by managing and promoting safety, health, and environment.

• Maintain, implement and improve health and safety management system.
• Maintain HSE documentation and assist in development and implementation of HSE policies and procedures.
• Ensure ongoing compliance with SARAO adopted policies and procedures, including compliance with ISO 45001 and ISO 14001.
• Report on HSE matters and coordinate with the clinic and administrator to address IODs and submission in terms of COIDA.
• Conduct and coordinate incident investigation and provide lessons learnt.
• Participate in internal and external audits.
• Inspect and monitor PPE management and make provisions for replacements when required.
• Plan and participate in HSE committee meetings and act as liaison with the on-site construction teams.
• Perform appropriate emergency drills to ensure effectiveness of emergency preparedness.
• Participate and contribute to implementation of disaster management and identify required emergency responses.

• Contribute to project management plans, project objectives and project commissioning phase.
• Oversee project HSE programs and project specific permits to facilitate application on time.
• Facilitate hazard identification risk assessment for all activities in the business and projects.
• Prepare and modify project occupational health and safety specification.
• Conduct health and safety training for the contractors and perform audits to ensure contractors meet requirements
• Report on contractors key performance indicators and enforce compliance.
• Management of contractors to reduce the number of accidents and ensure compliance with health and safety requirements and objectives.

• Conduct gap analysis and develop a risk management procedure
• Conduct baseline risk assessment, task-based risk assessment or issue based
• Understanding of environmental legislation and able to enforce principles.
• Plan and facilitate health and safety trainings, site inductions, HSE team talks, and awareness programmes.
• Priorities changes to law and regulations and adapt these changes to deliver requirements.
• Monitor and evaluate performance and application of safety procedures and identify gaps for improvement.

• National Diploma in Health and Safety Management, or National Diploma in Environmental Health Management, NQF Level 6.
• SAMTRAC/NEBOSH IGC (compulsory)
• Certificate in ISO 45001 and ISO 14001 internal audit
• Certificate in project management
• Member of a recognized institution such as SAIOSH/IOSH and SACPCMP
• Driver's License

• A minimum of 5 years proven practical experience as health and safety officer in engineering, construction, and both public and private institution. Experience in working on complex and multidisciplinary projects.

• Strong knowledge and understanding of HSE legislation, auditing, incident investigation, and reporting.

• Good communicator with strong interpersonal skills.
• Able to review and monitor multidisciplinary tasks.
• Strong administrative skills.
• Capable of working in a high-pressure environment.
• Highly motivated and committed.
• Observation and attention to detail.
• Willing to develop new technical knowledge.
• Able to follow and implement relevant policies and procedures to further health and safety objectives.

Applicants should submit a comprehensive CV by logging to and apply online. Applications should be accompanied by a letter of motivation indicating the applicant's suitability for the position. The names and contact details of at least three referees should be provided.

The NRF offers a challenging career and competitive remuneration package which is commensurate with qualifications and experience.

The NRF is committed to employment equity and redress and the appointment to the position will be made in line with the NRF Employment Equity Plan.

The NRF reserves the right not to make an appointment.

Correspondence will be sent to short-listed candidates only