Job Description

Assistant Director Africa Multilateral Cooperation PRETORIA Project Management
Free State
Assistant Director Africa Multilateral Cooperation
PRETORIA
12 month fixed term contract
R374 700pa
Purpose of the post:
To implement multilateral engagements in science, technology and innovation cooperation to achieve shared economic and social development. The Africa Multilateral cooperation focuses on Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) relationships, between multiple African countries and other international partners in pursuit of common goal.
Description of tasks:
Expand, transform and enhance the responsiveness of the National System of Innovation:
Aid in the negotiations and signing of Agreements/ MoUs with actors in the NSI in support of implementation of international partnerships and plans of action.
Support during negotiations for creating new/existing initiatives and mechanisms for the inclusion of non-traditional NSI participants supported through international partnerships.
Support the facilitation and coordination of funding arrangements and secure funding to support international partnerships and plans of action
Support and assist with facilitating and negotiating international opportunities for Historically Disadvantaged Institutions and individuals
Human capabilities and skills for economic development:
Provide support during the facilitation of negotiations of international initiatives to build South Africas capacity
Assist with mechanisms for an increase in the number of PhD students in international training programmes
Identify mechanisms to increase the number of SA artisans and technicians in international
training programmes
Administer and coordinate mechanisms for the increase in the number of SA women and black researchers in international training programmes
Provide support to implement programmes in support of SA citizens scientific awareness from international partnerships
Knowledge utilisation for economic development:
Explore and identify multilateral and global science organisations that support innovation for societal benefit and public good
Coordinate the process to create new mechanisms and instruments with international partners to support SMMEs / Co-ops, youth and women receiving support from Department in the form of funding for innovation or technology infrastructure or infrastructure access
Coordinate the creation of new mechanisms and instruments with international partners to support SMMEs / Co-ops, youth and women receiving support from Department in the form of funding for innovation or technology infrastructure or infrastructure access
Provide the assistance during the facilitation and negotiation to the creation of new mechanisms and instruments with international partners to increase the number of new R&D led industrial development opportunities initiated by the Department
Support the coordination of the creation of new mechanisms and instruments with international partners to increase the commercialization of granted intellectual property rights from publicly financed R&D
Expand the use of scientific knowledge (as evidence) in support of innovation for societal benefit and public good:
Assist in the process to create new mechanisms with African partners to support grassroots innovations whose commercialization has been facilitated through support package provided by the Department
Assist in the process of creating new mechanisms in partnership with international partners to support publicly financed IP made available (accessible) to support grassroots innovators
Increase the use of innovation as an enabler in the delivery of efficient services and access to government programmes:
Assist in the process of creating new mechanisms to increase the number of demonstrators that have successfully introduced a new way of delivering a service in collaboration with international partners.
Coordinate the creation of new mechanisms to increase the number of demonstrators that have successfully introduced a new way of delivering a service in collaboration with international partners.
Coordinate the creation of new international partnerships that support districts/ metros supported with technology-based applications as part of the District Coordination Model for Service Delivery Improvement
Administrative and internal control support:
Perform other duties, including drafting administrative related documents, reports, memos, submissions, letters, response documents, etc. for effective performance of the Unit.
Develop and maintain database where required
Keep records of all documents for the component for easy retrieval.
Implement tasks related to risk, audit, etc. and provide progress
Provide functional advice and technical guidance to employees, management and stakeholders where applicable.
Knowledge, Skills and Personal Attributes:
Knowledge and understanding of the NSI
Knowledge and understanding of international relations
Knowledge and understanding of international science system
Good knowledge and understanding of PFMA, Public Service Regulation
Knowledge and understanding of departmental policies and framework
Planning and organising skills / Project Management skills / Negotiations
Change management skills / Stakeholder management skills
Relations building and stakeholder maintenance
Problem solving skills / Communication (writing, presentation & verbal)
Policy development / Research and analytical skills
Events management / Stakeholders liaison
Ability to work under pressure and independently
Team player
Assertive
Flexible
Be innovative and creative
Diplomacy
Computer literacy
Minimum qualification and experience requirements:
A tertiary qualification at NQF level 6 in International Relations / Developmental Studies / Natural Science or other equivalent relevant qualification.
At least 2 years experience within international relations
Abbreviations:
MoUs Memorandum of Understanding
NSI - National System of Innovation
SMMEs Small, Medium and Micro Enterprise R&D - Research and Development
Closing date for applications: 19 November 2025
Should you not hear from us within 5 days of the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful
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