Job Description

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Job Advert Summary

The Office of the Chief Operating Officer (OCOO) provides a coordinated corporate support function to the HSRC for administrative transactional processes, including People and Culture servicing, Information Technology and e-Research and Knowledge Services as part of the HSRC's digital transformation imperatives. It further provides Corporate Communication and engagement services, Legal and Compliance services, and additionally oversees the strategic imperative of Institutional Planning and Reporting.





The HSRC is looking for a dynamic individual to direct, plan, organise, and coordinate the activities of these units. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, this position is based in Pretoria and oversees the activities in the three HSRC locations.

The successful candidate will actively engage in the following:

Designing and delivering the Corporate Services vision and strategy, aligned with organisational goals; Ensuring strategic alignment and meeting stakeholder expectations to drive improved business outcomes ; Providing effective governance and financial stewardship to support organisational sustainability and value creation ; Leading and managing teams to ensure efficient day-to-day operations and continuous improvement; Driving the transformation agenda of the HSRC, including but not limited to Employment Equity, BBBEE, digital transformation, etc.
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Minimum Requirements

A relevant Doctoral degree will be given preference. A Master's degree/qualification (NQF 9 level) will be considered if complemented by excellent business acumen with at least 10 years relevant experience. At least 10 years' experience operating at a strategic/executive management level. Strong financial management skills, including budgeting, reporting, and resource optimisation. Experience in an environment that is similar to the regulatory environment in which the HSRC operates. Experience in building and maintaining strategic partnerships.

Additional requirements:

Proven and demonstrable visionary leadership and management skills. A track record of driving transformation, innovation, and organisational change. Excellent interpersonal skills, developing strong working relationships, collaborations and enthusiastic executive communication. Intellectual and personal integrity, imagination and drive. Demonstrated experience and skills in managing programmes of similar nature. Advanced business report writing and computer literacy skills. A team player with a focus on delivering results.
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Duties and Responsibilities

Key Functions and Responsibilities

A Leadership and Strategic Oversight

Provide leadership to the respective reporting teams (Digital Transformation, People & Culture, Communication & Engagement, Legal & Compliance Services, and Institutional Planning & Reporting), oversee the delivery of multidisciplinary programmes, policies, products, and services, and prepare various plans, strategies, reports, and proposals. Lead, manage performance, and enable staff development, training and career growth of the OCOO teams. Oversee the implementation of the business unit strategies. Oversee and coordinate institutional performance monitoring and reporting, including planning and review of technical indicator descriptions, compliance controls, and ensuring accuracy and completeness of annual and quarterly reports that are subject to organisational audit. Provide professional leadership and manage all resources, activities and operations of the organisation effectively and efficiently, while reporting to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

B Operational Excellence and Performance Management

Oversee service delivery and the day-to-day operations of the Office of the Chief Operating Officer (OCOO), whilst ensuring that all standards are met and procedures are followed. Prepare and monitor the OCOO budget. Review and monitor related services to identify trends and problem areas, reporting on risks, key performance indicators and proposed corrective action or new approaches. Manage and provide professional support and advice to the HSRC Executive on operations and staff matters. Build and maintain a high-performance team and culture within the OCOO business unit, through effective performance management, consistent with the HSRC's values and code of ethics.

C Stakeholder Engagement and Communication

Oversee the planning, development, and implementation of one-stop communication and dissemination policies, strategy, and capacity development. Ensure positive stakeholder engagement and increased partnership collaboration to promote the HSRC.

D Research Capability and System Enhancement

Oversee the monitoring of legal compliance across the organisation and coordinate the provision of required legal and strategic advice. Ensure the enhancement of the HSRC's research capability through information services, geospatial analytics and digital curation. Ensure the delivery of customer-oriented information services and provide qualitative, value-added strategic information. Ensure that the e-Research Knowledge Centre (eRKC) acts as the information services hub for social sciences in the HSRC, as well as on a national and international level. * Ensure that research trainee initiatives as well as programmes for staff training are geared towards promoting the achievement of the HSRC's imperatives.