Key requirements: Qualification and experience: • Master’s degree in business or business-related discipline (NQF level 9) • A relevant doctoral degree/PhD will be an added advantage • A relevant financial and project management qualification • Twelve years (12) leadership experience with a minimum of 5 years as an Executive in science, research or innovation-related space • Proven track record in revenue generation strategy formulation and implementation • Experience in managing multiple cross-functional teams/projects • Stakeholders and partnerships management • Business Development • Experience in commercialisation of research • Experience in fundraising will be an advantage • Strong business acumen • Experience in Business turn-around initiatives. Job knowledge: • Comprehensive knowledge in Business Advancement.  Job Related skills: • Intrapreneurial skills • Excellent problem-solving • Organizational development • Project and portfolio management • Negotiation; consultative • Oral and written communication • Presentation skills • Ability to influence and negotiate with others • Marketing skills.

 The NRF seeks to appoint a Group Executive to provide strategic leadership in driving the organisation’s financial resilience, strategic partnerships, and societal impact by advancing sustainable business models, diversified revenue streams, and high value collaborations. The role is responsible for positioning the NRF as a trusted thought leader and partner of choice by strengthening strategic partnering approaches, unlocking new commercial and funding opportunities, and maximising the value of relationships across government, industry, academia, and international markets. Through integrated business advancement, marketing, and stakeholder strategies, the position enables business units to build scalable, sustainable revenue pipelines that directly support long term organisational sustainability, innovation, and impact in alignment with the NRF’s strategic objectives.  Duties will include but are not limited to: • Contribute to strategic deliberations at Executive and Board levels, providing substantive insights that inform the development and refinement of the organisational Strategy and Annual Performance Plan • Provide long‑term strategic perspective by aligning functional goals, plans, and priorities with the organisation’s Mission and Vision, ensuring an appropriate balance between immediate operational demands and long‑term institutional objectives • Lead the conceptualisation, design, and implementation of functional strategies and plans within the portfolio, ensuring full alignment with the organisation’s overarching strategic direction • Deliver strategic insights and recommendations that optimise resource utilisation, strengthen organisational performance, and support effective strategy execution and adaptation • Develop, implement, and continuously enhance analytical frameworks, operating models, and performance metrics that enable the achievement of strategic objectives and long‑term organisational sustainability • Provide strategic leadership in the implementation of the NRF and Business Advancement strategies by establishing clear governance frameworks, execution guidelines, and coordinated delivery plans that drive sustainable revenue generation and strengthen research outcomes across the South African Science System • Ensure strategic alignment between business advancement initiatives and NRF mandate priorities to support long-term institutional sustainability and national science objectives • Embed financial resilience principles into Business Advancement strategies by diversifying revenue streams, reducing reliance on fiscus funding, and optimising commercially viable research assets • Proactively identify, assess, and pursue a robust pipeline of new business opportunities in areas where the NRF has commercially viable offerings, including but not limited to medical radioisotopes, with the objective of expanding market reach, increasing revenue, and enhancing the sustainability of strategic research infrastructure • Cultivate and leverage partnerships with international collaborators, the private sector, and government stakeholders to unlock alternative funding streams while expanding opportunities for students and researchers in research, innovation, and skills development.

 Information: The website www.nrf.ac.za provides more details on the NRF initiatives and activities.  Applications:  Applicants should submit a comprehensive CV by logging to https://ess.nrf.ac.za/Account/Recruitment and apply online.  Applications should be accompanied by a letter of motivation indicating the applicant s suitability for the position.  The names and contact details of at least three referees should be provided.  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. The NRF reserves the right not to make an appointment.  Correspondence will be sent to short-listed candidates only Closing date: 28 June 2026

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