Contract type: Permanent
Job Level: Skilled / Middle Management
Work Location: Cape Town, Western Cape
Closing Date: 04 November 2024
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) spearheads South Africa’s activities in the Square Kilometre Array Radio Telescope, commonly known as the SKA. SARAO is a National Facility managed by the National Research Foundation and incorporates radio astronomy instruments and programmes such as the MeerKAT telescope in the Karoo, the Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomy Observatory (HartRAO) in Gauteng, and the African Very Long Baseline Interferometry (AVN) programme in nine African countries.
The Project Planner and Scheduler role is responsible for creating and maintaining integrated project schedules, ensuring alignment with project goals and timelines, and managing resources efficiently. This role collaborates with project managers and stakeholders to define project scope and deliverables, oversee the development of schedule performance metrics, and conduct risk analyses. The role involves monitoring project progress, preparing status reports, and facilitating communication among teams to address issues.
Key Responsibilities:
- Project Planning and Scheduling:
- Develop and maintain detailed project schedules, including resource allocation and activity sequencing.
- Work with project managers and team members to define project scope, objectives, and deliverables.
- Ensure schedules align with project goals and timelines.
- Oversee the development of schedule performance metrics and related processes.
- Coordinating, Monitoring, Controlling and Reporting:
- Monitor project progress and performance against the baseline schedule.
- Prepare regular status reports, including progress updates and forecast completion dates.
- Conduct schedule risk analysis and recommend corrective actions.
- Resource Management:
- Maintain the integrated resources management database.
- Identify and allocate necessary resources to ensure project milestones are met.
- Tools and Systems:
- Maintain project management software (i.e. Primavera P6 EPPM, MS Project).
- Implement and maintain scheduling best practices and standards.
- Coaching, Lead and Advisory Services:
- Provide planning and scheduling advisory services to senior management and program managers.
- Support the developmental plan of junior project planners/ schedulers.
Key Requirements:
Qualification:
- Bachelor’s/ BTech/ BEng degree in engineering or equivalent degree in a suitable built environment field.
- Certification in Primavera P6.
- Planning and Scheduling Certification (PMI-SP) or equivalent.
Experience:
- 7+ Years in project planning and scheduling demonstrated experience in multidisciplinary projects.
- Experience in planning and scheduling multidisciplinary projects.
- Extensive knowledge in using project planning tools (Primavera P6 EPPM – Advanced, MS Project).
Knowledge:
- Extensive contractual programme management knowledge.
- Knowledge and experience of project management principles/standards.
- Advanced knowledge of various duration estimating techniques.
Skills/Ability/Competencies:
- Excellent communication – both verbal and written, in English.
- Good analytical and planning skills.
- Efficiency in a high-pressure environment.
Information:
The website provides more details on the NRF initiatives and activities.
Applications:
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.
Closing Date: 04 November 2024
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.
Correspondence will be sent to short-listed candidates only.
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