Vacant Position - Professional Officer: University Programme NRF/SARAO

Contract type: Permanent

Job Level: Management

Work Location: Johannesburg, Gauteng

Closing Date: 04 March 2026

The National Research Foundation (NRF) is established by an Act of Parliament and mandated to contribute to national development by supporting, promoting and advancing research and human capacity development, through funding and the provision of the necessary research infrastructure, in order to facilitate the creation of knowledge, innovation and development in all fields of science and technology, including humanities, social sciences and indigenous knowledge; and supporting and promoting public awareness of, and engagement with, science.

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 Hartebeesthoek 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.

University Programme is a critical position in SARAO's Human Capital Development Programme, and the main purpose of the role is to implement and coordinate systems that ensure good governance and compliance of the administrative and financial processes for the various university linked study and research funding instruments, including undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships, and research group grants.

• Manage financial and administrative officers
• Ensure compliance with all relevant NRF/SARAO and NRF granting policies, frameworks and delegations of authority.
• Implement all pre award, award and post award administration for all university linked funding programmes
• Coordinate all financial transactions and activities, including funding decisions, grant adjustments, releases and payments, carryforwards, and audit reports, in line with established standard operating procedures and grant funding conditions.
• Establish and maintain check against and reconciliation systems to ensure financial compliance against grant awards
• Appropriately respond to all grant related queries
• Foster positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Manage the organisation of, and ensure the smooth implementation of the annual postgraduate and postdoctoral research conference.

Bachelor's degree in Accounting OR Finance, OR Business Administration, OR Equivalent (at NQF Level 7)

• Minimum 5 years of experience in implementing administrative processes and financial systems related to undergraduate funding, and research grant funding instruments
• Valid driver's license

• Proven track record of good governance and policy compliance
• Proven track record of processing grant related financial transactions with the highest degree of accuracy and reliability
• Demonstrated experience in implementing and managing accurate and auditable financial reconciliations
• Establishing and implementing compliant grant related administrative systems and processes, for funding application reviews, grant awards and study/research progress
• Efficient resolution of administrative and financial queries
• Experience in university funding environment, including interactions with academic staff, students, and administration and finance officers

• Accountability
• Ability to foster a positive and motivated team
• Problem solving
• Strong administrative acumen
• Ability to interpret and apply legislation, policies and procedures
• High level of accuracy and numeracy
• Excellent attention to detail
• Strong oral and written English communication
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines
• Good planning and organizational skills
• Appreciation of science, engineering and research environments

provides more details on the NRF initiatives and activities.

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.

04 March 2026

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.