GM: Research, Science, Technology & Innovation Coordination and Support

The National Commission on Research, Science and Technology (NCRST) is seeking a suitably qualified and experienced General Manager: Research, Science, Technology & Innovation Coordination and Support (RSTIC&S), Grade E2, for a five-year fixed-term contract in Windhoek, Namibia. NCRST is a State-Owned Enterprise established under the Research, Science and Technology Act, 2004, with a national mandate to promote, coordinate and develop research, science, technology and innovation in Namibia. The General Manager will provide senior strategic leadership within the research, science, technology and innovation environment and support the coordination and implementation of programmes that contribute to Namibia's research and innovation development. This senior management position requires strong strategic planning, programme coordination, stakeholder engagement, institutional leadership and research-management capabilities. Key Responsibilities: - Provide strategic leadership for research, science, technology and innovation coordination and support activities - Support implementation of NCRST's strategic objectives and national research, science, technology and innovation mandate - Coordinate research, science, technology and innovation programmes and institutional initiatives - Support development and implementation of strategies that strengthen Namibia's research and innovation ecosystem - Promote coordination and collaboration among research institutions, scientists, innovators, government stakeholders and other relevant partners - Support programmes designed to strengthen scientific research, technology development and innovation capacity - Provide senior management oversight of programmes, projects, resources and departmental activities - Monitor implementation and performance of research and innovation programmes against strategic objectives - Support effective programme planning, resource allocation, budgeting and performance reporting - Identify opportunities to strengthen research, science, technology and innovation programmes and partnerships - Promote stakeholder engagement across academic, scientific, government, private-sector and innovation communities - Contribute to policy, strategy and institutional initiatives supporting research and innovation development - Provide strategic advice and management information relating to research, science, technology and innovation activities - Lead and support employees within the function while promoting accountability, professional development and high performance - Promote effective governance, operational efficiency and continuous improvement within the RSTI coordination and support portfolio - Contribute to the continued development of Namibia's national research, science, technology and innovation capacity Required Competencies: - Strong strategic leadership and senior management capability - Knowledge of research, science, technology and innovation systems and environments - Strong programme and project coordination abilities - Research management and innovation-management awareness - Strong stakeholder-engagement and partnership-development skills - Ability to coordinate multidisciplinary programmes and institutional initiatives - Strong analytical, planning, organisational and decision-making abilities - Excellent written and verbal communication skills - Ability to work effectively with government, research institutions, scientists, innovators and other stakeholders - Strong performance-management and organisational leadership capabilities Position Details: - Grade: E2 - Contract duration: Five-year fixed-term contract - Location: Windhoek, Namibia - Enquiries: +264 (61) 431 7099