GROUP EXECUTIVE: RESEARCH AND INNOVATION (FIVE (5) YEARS FIXED-TERM CONTRACT)

The successful incumbent will be reporting to the Chief Executive Officer and will be expected to execute the following Key performance areas:

• Contribute to the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of organisational strategies for accomplishment of the ARC’s vision.
• Contribute to financial sustainability by developing and coordinating a resource mobilisation capacity.
• Position the ARC as a premier research organisation that strives for excellence in Research and Development for a productive, competitive and sustainable sector, whilst fulfilling the transformation and development mandate (e.g. small holder agricultural development).
• Participate in Executive Management Committee functions and provide executive support to President & CEO to facilitate reporting to ARC Council. Participate in special and ad-hoc projects as required and/or delegated.
• Provide strategic leadership and management to the 3 research functional areas, i.e., Crops & NRE, Animals & Biotechnology as well as Research Support & Coordination, and align with ARC strategic outcomes and outputs.
• Coordinate the development and implementation of the research strategy in line with national strategic frameworks and other regional and global imperatives.
• Ensure that the functional areas have sufficient capacity and skill sets in accordance with business requirements.
• Create a leadership presence and provide strategic direction to ensure that the cluster achieves the objectives and targets in the strategic plan pertaining to work/functions performed by the cluster.
• Implement the ARC strategic plan within the cluster, as well as report on strategic plan implementation.
• Provide strategic and sound management advice to the management team and all staff on matters pertaining to the cluster activities.
• Oversee, monitor, evaluate and communicate the status of implementation of the cluster’s business performance.
• Oversee the development and implementation and review of applicable strategies, plans and policies & procedures within the cluster.
• Manage business risks by identifying and developing appropriate risk management strategies including compliance.
• Identify, quantify, monitor, and report business risks (financial, operational, research and development) across all the cluster’s units, and profile them accordingly.

Business Development

• Identify and follow up on opportunities for potential new business ventures, secure and collaborate with respective institutes.
• Initiate and maintain strategic partnerships with relevant stakeholders internationally, across the sector and with relevant government departments and conversion of partnerships into revenue opportunities.
• Ensure that new contracts are signed with public and private sector as well as international clients.
• Develop new products and markets and expand offerings to existing clients to maintain positive relationships as evidenced by repeat business.

Staff Management

• Continuously scout for R&D talent and support the development of the ARC employee value proposition that will allow the division to attract highly qualified, skilled committed human resources to optimise divisional and organisational capacity.
• Lead, manage and empower staff within functional areas to ensure that staff meets the functional objectives in the strategic plan and individual objectives of their individual performance contracts.
• Implement performance management across the functions.
• Attend to staff management matters timeously.
• Maintain appropriate staff discipline and controls in line with disciplinary code and procedure.

Research Leadership

• Provide leadership in research through supervision, collaboration and advice.
• Actively lead and support teams to mobilise resources.
• Support funding proposals for major initiatives and collaborative teams.
• Encourage research teams to publish in high quality research journals.
• Promote continuous capacity development amongst existing staff compliments.
• Lead and develop comprehensive institutional research projects, and identify research priorities to support the ARC’s mission, strategic vision, and initiatives.
• Coordinate the budgeting process and planning in the Cluster and oversee/monitor and control implementation of capital and operational budget in the Cluster so that the expenditure is in line with the defined limit and ARC business strategy.
• Display knowledge of and, where applicable, be involved in collaborative research with other institutions across the range of disciplines relevant to the work of the ARC.
• Provide information and analytical support to the ARC’s decision-makers to facilitate strategic planning, policymaking and other processes requiring sound strategic analysis.
• Produce high-quality peer-reviewed papers and oversee their production by other members of the research team.
• Oversee management, maintenance and safeguarding of all assets and equipment of the Cluster to ensure that they are used and managed in an effective, efficient, economical, and transparent manner.
• Manage projects and programmes initiated and delegated by the ARC and/or any other relevant stakeholder, to ensure that they are delivered within quality standards, time, and budget.
• May be required to perform various ad hoc duties delegated by the Chief Executive Officer from time to time to ensure objectives and targets set for the ARC are achieved.

Minimum Requirements:

• 10 years post-PhD experience in a relevant scientific research environment, of which 5 years should have been at Senior Management level.
• Strong track record of having worked in a scientific research environment, with a thorough understanding of the ARC’s agricultural research mandate, regulatory environment, social, economic and political landscape.
• Experience working with and reporting to governance structures such as Boards, Councils and other such structures.
• Evidence of innovative and strategic decision-making, regulatory compliance and stakeholder relationship management skills.
• Experience in working and managing teams at senior management level.
• Sound practical knowledge of leading management and business practices within a multidisciplinary scientific environment.
• Demonstrated leadership in advancing research output and experience in delivering projects that integrate science into solutions for innovative agricultural products and productivity.
• Experience and vision, paired with demonstrated and acknowledged strategic execution capabilities.
• Advanced knowledge, insight and strategic execution capabilities in the innovation, technology transfer and commercialisation ecosystem.
• Established and valuable international networks with outstanding stewardship, diplomatic, effective and efficient communication skills to leverage local, regional and global networks.
• Demonstrated experience in resource mobilisation external to the ARC environment.
• Outstanding personal qualities of integrity, sound judgement, energy, passion and constructive interpersonal skills.

Enquiries: Ms Lekanka Semenya, Tel: 066 501 6602

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 11 NOVEMBER 2024

A competitive remuneration package will be congruent with the scope, responsibilities and the stature of the position. The appointment will be subject to a positive security clearance as well as competency and leadership assessments. Preference will be given to designated groups in terms of the ARC Employment Equity Plan. The Agricultural Research Council is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to the principles and processes of Employment Equity Act.

Applications accompanied by a covering letter, detailed CV with at least three recent (3) contactable referees. Certified copies of certificates, supporting documents and a copy of driver’s license must be attached on the form.

NB: Non-RSA citizens with work permits must attach certified copies as well as the names and particulars of three recent (3) traceable referees.

A SAQA evaluation report must accompany foreign qualifications. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applicants who do not receive any response four (4) weeks after the closing date must regard their applications as unsuccessful. The organisation reserves the right not to appoint.